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i am bossy

Ten-Word Tuesday.

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Pictured above is Bossy’s cousin. She’s standing next to her mother, who is Bossy’s aunt: the sole sibling of Bossy’s father. And in this photo, taken last month, Bossy’s cousin is surrounded by extended family.

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Bossy’s cousin is one of two children who were raised Jewish in an affluent suburb—but Bossy’s cousin veered off the path and did something unexpected: she married into an enormous Irish Catholic family.

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Although her upbringing was so different, this enormous Irish Catholic family enveloped Bossy’s cousin and helped to mold the down-to-earth person she is now—she rolls up her sleeves, throws a baby on her hip, and navigates a sea of brother-in-laws.

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When Bossy returned from camping she found out that her cousin is in the middle of a very sudden and threatening health crisis, and Bossy is consumed with worry.

Bossy struggles with protecting her cousin’s privacy while also understanding that it doesn’t hurt to have many people pulling for you—which brings Bossy to the point of today’s post:

In ten words, can you share with Bossy who you are worried about and why?

Just maybe if we collectively think about each of these people we can quickly pull them out the other side into sunny days spent in pools with extended family.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  5. Thoughts and prayers for Bossy’s cousin, Ellie’s Dad and whoever Crabby worries about.

    I worry about my elderly parents. I want a peaceful, painfree end of life for them. Could be tomorrow, could be 5 years..I want quality of life for them.

    Sorry couldn’t do that in 10 words.

    Reply

  37. From what you have told us your cousin is strong and brave. Her strength and everyone’s prayers will help her through. Today you are both in my thoughts and prayers.

    ….because nobody likes a sad Bossy!!

    Reply

  51. My mom. She is struggling to find peace and purpose in life since my dad died.

    Oh bossy- I am pulling for your cousin. Really. Goood Thoughts.

    “Anything is Possible.” anything. especially miracles.

    God bless all of you. I read them all. I prayed…..sometimes life is just not that funny ya know?

    Reply

  67. Bossy’s cousin. Illness Sucks. Happy thoughts your way and hers.

    My Grandmother suffered stroke yesterday. Effects unknown as of yet.

    My son. Insurance company being an ass. Need help.

    My husband. Working himself ragged for his family’s well-being.

    The future of our country and those suffering right now.

    Reply

  72. Tiny baby growing in me
    Dad with Stage 4 cancer

    (Nothing’s wrong with the baby, just the normal preggy fears that don’t leave until the baby’s here safely)

    Reply

  85. (I’m not doing the 10 word thing – just want to comment.)

    It’s really hard to see a photo of someone so happy before bad news. Because then you look at that photo and long for that time. It’s like a milestone you passed and can’t go back to. I’ve had a very serious health crisis and there is a photograph taken of me and my three little boys the day it all began and that photo… it haunts me.

    {{good vibes}}

    Reply

  97. Every day we should pull for one another, for strength and hope!

    Bossy is the queen of the written word. I especially loved: “we can quickly pull them out the other side into sunny days spent in pools with extended family.”

    This is just what I wish we could all do!

    Much strength to Bossy’s beloved cousin! I am pulling!

    Reply

  107. My Dad. Alzheimer’s. My family has moved in with him.

    I have just moved my infant and 3 year old and (wonderful) husband into my dad’s old farm to help take care of him. I am terrified. Your cousin seems strong, you’re all in my thoughts…

    Reply

  126. Mother (early on-set Alzheimer’s) and her identical twin sister (same, but less severe as of now). Worry for their future; our ability to cope and to do the right thing – whatever the he*# that might be.

    Love and best wishes to your cousin. Know that your readers are thinking about you and mentally sending you help to cope with your feelings about, and reactions to, this situation.

    Reply

  141. Aunt has terminal cancer, worried about uncle when she’s gone.
    ~~~~~
    I’ll keep your cousin in my thoughts – that she’ll pull cleanly through whatever she has with strength, grace, and a surfeit of love.

    Shade and Sweetwater,
    K

    Reply

  144. Me. I can’t (still) feel my hands. But after reading all these comments, I feel like it’s just a blip. I wish everyone the best healing and prayers.

    Reply

  149. Worry’s like a rocking chair: takes energy, gets you nowhere.

    —

    Life happens; people grow, learn what they are supposed to.

    Reply

  163. Mom…she gets all her cancerous lymph nodes removed next week. She’s also suffering from something going awfully wrong with her tongue. It’s swollen…they’ve ruled out a tumor…so we have NO CLUE what’s going on with that.

    Sorry that was more than 10 words.

    Reply

  225. The Irishman and his clan, their world is shattering before their eyes…can’t count to 10 through my tears. God, please help her.

    Reply

  234. My brother, who had a brain tumor removed in March. He made and astounding physical recovery, but has now somehow slipped into a dark well of anger and is in the process of destroying his marriage…

    Reply

  235. Just read all these again. Heart hurts. Perspective source. Thanks Bossy.

    Maybe it’s less “worry” that we all do, and more a sharing of the deep concerns and pains that are around each of us, even in the midst of “keeping it silly, real silly.” A balance is good. I’m so thankful for each of you sharing your very rich 10 words this week.

    Reply

  248. Work colleague who buried his wife Monday, now alone.

    Prayers for your cousin. Would a misheberach be appropriate? (her Hebrew name and her Mom’s needed).
    Take care, p.j.

    Reply

  254. So sorry about your cousin…and hope all gets better soon. My in laws are 90 and 91 and so you know the issues there. However, they are still able to live independently with hubby’s help from time to time…and mine, too. Her 90th is next weekend and I’m going to try to get her an appt. for hair and maybe some color on it. She has always been so particular about her hair color and it is just white as snow now.

    Reply

  256. My 12 year old son who is very small for his age and his endocrinologist wants to start growth hormone. Insurance said no to covering (times 3 appeals), costs $30,000 plus per year to do it without the insurance…can’t afford it…when will he start to grow?????? My heart hurts for him.

    Will think positive thoughts for Bossy’s cousin.

    Reply

  258. This is going to be way too many words but I can’t think creatively right now.

    Yesterday my Girlfriend’s mom was diagnosed with brain cancer. Multiple tumors. One is 3cm and pressing on her cerebellum. They don’t know where it started because evidently it had to have started somewhere else before spreading. I worry for my sweet sweet girl, her Mom, Dad, Sister and Brother. A wonderful family that doesn’t deserve the black cloud of cancer but really, who does deserve it?

    Reply

  262. I’m worried about me. I was just diagnosed with breast cancer and lost my job of 16 years at the same time. Sigh. Talk about being at loose ends.
    I hope your cousin’s health crisis will pass soon.

    Reply

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