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MARTHA'S LAST MILE
PENSACOLA - Martha Russell is a local woman dealing with Stage Four cancer.
At her invitation... we are following her as she confronts many end-of-life issues.
For families in such a transition, holidays can be particularly stressful.
Channel Three's Kathryn Daniel takes us to meet Martha's grown children as they prepare for what could be there last Christmas with mom.
Martha Russells kids are her life.
((Martha Russell; "I loved 'em as honestly as I knew how, and I was always as honest as I could be with 'em."))
An openness that kept Chip and Jenna accountable.
((Chip Russell; "Kept us in line cause we knew whatever we did we were probably gonna tell her about it so we didn't want to do it if it was out of line."))
((Martha Russell; "They did not have to have my approval to have my acceptance."))
((Jenna Russell; "More than a mom, she was a friend, still is."))
((Martha Russell; "I loved them unconditionally. That didn't mean Mama didn't do some Mama talk now and then."))
One talk they've had -- is that this could be the trio's last Christmas together.
((Jenna Russell; "It makes it easier that I know she's not afraid to die."))
((Martha Russell; "I found that if you look back and you live in the past, you have a tendency to stay in the pain."))
But some topics are tough...Jenna struggles with whether or not to have a baby quickly...
((Jenna Russell; "Cause I want her to be there with me and I want her to see me with my baby and her to be there with my baby."))
But medical problems and financial constraints on Jenna's young marriage make the timing not right...Mother and daughter are at peace with that decision...Martha's also at peace with most of her mothering...But does admit to some mistakes....
((Martha Russell; "I got 'em into riding motorcycles which was the dumbest thing I did in my life I wanted to go and have myself examined."))
We wondered -- after 26 years -- is that her only parental regret??
((Martha Russell; "One of many, I could tell you a lot of 'em, but I ain't."))
((Chip Russell; "Our relationship has always been what it should be and I don't feel like I missed out on anything with her. There's the memories to be made, but I have plenty to look back on."))
((Martha Russell; "They've turned out exactly how I wanted them to be as adults, as far as looking out for each other and taking care of each other."))
Last Christmas Martha was told she might not make it to this holiday season -- but here she is...And she's even making plans for summer...
((Martha Russell; "You'll probably get the Fourth of July out of me." laugh))
We sure hope so...Kathryn Daniel, Channel Three News.
When Martha was diagnosed with terminal cancer last winter... She made a "Bucket List" -- things she wants to do before she dies.
Next week we will go along as she scratches one off...
