Who's Audrey Squires?

“For those of you who don't know, I am in the midst of my second battle with cancer. The first go-around three years ago wasn't much fun and this one is, even less so. Mentally, I'm still pretty much as wacked as I've ever been. ... I still try to find humor wherever it's hiding and I seek out people whose pity buttons are broken.

“I've learned to quit worrying about things ... silly things that don't, or at least shouldn't matter. Dignity. Hah ... that's gone out the book ... it's very difficult to look dignified when you've got tubes sticking out of nearly every orifice and hospital staff member can walk by and see your naked butt sticking out from that gorgeous paper gown ... not that I haven't got a pretty cute little butt to be flashing.

“Is it worth it? You bet it is! All of the days, even the worst ones, bring at least a glimmer of happiness, kindness, love and compassion ... sometimes it is you who can give those things to others ... but more often than not, you are the recipient ... either way, it's a good thing.”

The above is an excerpt from my mother's blog just after she was diagnosed with her second round of cancer, one year ago.

The warrior that she is, she always found a glimmer of humor even in some very dark times. My mother lost her battle with cancer Aug. 22, 2008. She did not want an obit, she didn't want a funeral, she didn't want a big production. She donated her body to the University of Louisville. She wanted to aid in the search for a cure as best as she could.

Though cancer was what consumed her, that is not how she would want to be remembered.

Her work with The Citizen, The Post Standard, Auburn Players, Hospice, being a “Friend of Bill,” her family and her unusual sense of humor is how she would want people to remember how she lived.

Mickie (Squires) Goodrich

Wilkes-Barre, Pa.