In Memory of Sara Hunter

Sara Hunter

Sara Hunter passed away on December 2, 2004

Sara Hunter was diagnosed with advanced stages of small-cell carcinoma in June 2004.  Though she was placed on a clinical trial with the treatment program of two different types of chemotherapy drugs and radiation, she lost her battle to it on December 2, 2004.

The cancer had spread from her right lung to her other lung, throat, adrenal glands and liver in just three weeks while she was taking the prescribed break from chemotherapy.  It killed her less than two weeks later.   My mom was just 60 years young.  She and my father would have celebrated their 43rd wedding anniversary 23rd of December 2004.

I wrote this poem for my brother and father entitled "Mom's First Christmas in Heaven." Christmas was an enormous time for my family. Every Christmas since I was a small child, my parents and our families gathered together at my parents' home. We exchanged gifts and filled up on my mom's homemade snacks. Then afterwards before going home, we all gathered together around my parents fireplace. Someone each year was chosen by my mom to read aloud the Christmas Story from the Bible while the rest of us listened attentively. It was such an honor to be the one chosen to read. Through this message to my dad and brother, I wanted to convey to them that Christmas wouldn't really be different, but just something new.........maybe you too can see someone you loved and lost in it as well.

Mom's First Christmas in Heaven
Do not cry for me that I am not at home
This year I am spending Christmas at my father's throne
Do not fill your heart heavy with burden
Instead, feel me in your heart within
The gifts you gave each Christmas Eve
Were immeasurable in their worth to me
For you see, it wasn't about the robe or the shirt I received
But it was your ever continuing love you gave to me
It was the smiles and the laughter we shared
The hugs and the kisses for me you bared
Speak my name and you shall see
That I'm alive in each memory
Just because you do not see me this Christmas Eve
Does not mean I'm not with you at the Christmas tree
I'm the twinkling in each little light and in the curl of each little bow
I'm the shimmer in each Christmas ball and the kiss beneath the mistletoe
I'm the yawn of my grand babes sleepy little heads
As mommies and daddies tuck them into beds
I'm the crispness of each gentle breeze on Christmas morns
I'm that old angel topper that our tree adorns
So at Christmas do not fret; do not feel alone
Because I'm spending Christmas in my father's home
The view from here is grand and one day we can share
But now for me Christmas is here and yours is there
Do not be sad, in spirit I am with you
This Christmas is not different, just something new
So until we are together again inside heaven's door
Keep me alive in spirit in your heart forevermore.
Love,
Mom

Submitted by Donna Hunter Churchwell and dedicated to her mom, Sara Hunter who lost her battle to cancer on December 2, 2004