LMS!!!  Four out of a million people get this rare cancer.  Clara Marie Stoots Honaker, was one of those four out of a million.  It somehow didn't seem odd, since she was a one in a million loving wife, precious mom, and wonderful Nana.  The cancer was first found in her thigh.  After I learned how to spell the ugly 14 letter word, I got on the computer to look for information.  I panicked!  I could find only one survivor to tell of this "dragon". We made several trips to Vanderbilt University with Mom.  The last visit ended with her oncologist telling us he had "scooped out" as much of the cancer as he could during the surgery, and there was nothing else that could be done.  With those words, our hearts trembled and then broke!!!  We brought Mom home and cared for her with the amazing help of Hospice.  Dad sat by her bed and held her hand and just petted her.  Mom and Dad grew closer through her battle with cancer.  As an adult, I saw my parents fall in love all over again.  She had written in her Bible that in life you must fall in love many times, but always with the same person.  Mom was the loveliest woman!  She kept her blonde hair short, her beautiful nails perfectly manicured, and wore the latest styles with matching jewelry, purse, and shoes.  She had her very own "MOM" fragrance.  To us she was perfect in every way.  She was active in her church.  She was named Senior adult of the Year and Mother of the Year.  She loved the Lord.  She never asked Him "Why me?"  The most difficult question was asked of me, "Can I go home tonight?"  After reading much cancer literature, I knew I needed to tell her she could go.  But I wanted to beg her not to go, I wanted to beg her to please stay!!!  On April 1st, 2003, Mom went home.  We all felt like orphans.  We weren't Mom's "younguns" anymore.  We miss her terribly, think of her every day, and we still cry.  After years of mostly silent grieving, Dad joined her in Heaven in February 2008. I know there are lots of people that visit this page looking for help, answers, and encouragement.  I can only say to you that LMS can take away a lot of things, but it can't take away love, it can't take away your tender memories, and it can't take away your salvation.  God's grace is sufficient and there will be times when you will lean on Him, and sometimes you will need Him to carry you. God bless you.