a mother's intuition and struggle

Use this forum to discuss the August 2023 Book of the Month, First Survivor: The Impossible Childhood Cancer Breakthrough by Mark Unger
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Salah bourouba
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a mother's intuition and struggle

Post by Salah bourouba »

do you think that marry ellen louis's mother would have realized that there was something wrong with her child if she didn't believe in her gut and had that real bond that a true mother-son/daughter has? also, how would you feel if you discovered something that horrifying happening to your child? would be crumble or would you keep the hope and do anything in your power to keep him alive and have good memories with him?

personally, I would be devastated, I think that I would really crumble and have denial for a period of time but my faith in god will help me up again and I believe that he will be better taken care of with the lord and the angels.
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Post by Seetha E »

A mother's instinct is seldom incorrect. Mothers can detect their children's discomfort before anyone else. I agree with you. Such news would begin with denial and end with a final surrender, pleading for His blessings. It hurts to imagine how parents in similar situations take in the dreadful news.
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Post by britcott30 »

I believe that mother's feeling is almost always right. If I don't follow my gut, I may regret it forever. Also, if I find out something horrible would happen to my child/ren, of course, I will do anything to keep them alive.
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Post by Kebun Bunga »

In my opinion, Mary Ellen's strong motherly intuition and bond with Louis played a crucial role in realizing that something was wrong with her child. A genuine and deep connection between a mother and her child often lets her pick up on subtle changes and signs of distress that may have otherwise gone unnoticed. This emotional connection can lead to early detection and timely action, potentially making a significant difference in the outcome of a challenging situation. Having hope and doing everything in one's power to keep the child alive and cherish precious memories is an instinct for many parents. Faith and support from loved ones can be pillars of strength during such trying times. Specific individuals find comfort in their faith, believing their child will be consoled and protected by a higher entity after their demise. Everyone's response to such a situation is unique, and there is no definitive or incorrect way to cope. The profound love and bond shared between a parent and child possess immense strength, fostering resilience and courage during adversity.
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Post by Cristina Chifane »

The bonds between parents and children are incredibly strong and most probably helped Mary Ellen's mother understand her child's suffering. I know I would do anything for my child.
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Post by Rupali Mishra »

I firmly believe that mothers nearly always have the right idea. They'll do anything to protect their children's lives.
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Post by Twyla Roberts »

I'm not a mother, nor have I been in a close relationship with someone who's developed cancer, but I do think Mary Ellen's bond with Louis was crucial for saving his life. When you know someone, especially a small child, really well, you can pick up on small differences or changes that may not be noticeable to others. Like in this situation, they can sometimes mean life or death.
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Post by Bertha Jackson »

I think this could apply to either parent. In today's society, many fathers have taken over the care of the children while the mother works outside the home. Both parents need to know what is happening with their children, as Mary Ellen did. Her fast response in getting Louis medical care definitely helped save his life.
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Post by Twyla Roberts »

Bertha Jackson wrote: 04 Aug 2023, 14:48 I think this could apply to either parent. In today's society, many fathers have taken over the care of the children while the mother works outside the home. Both parents need to know what is happening with their children, as Mary Ellen did. Her fast response in getting Louis medical care definitely helped save his life.
I think mentioning the shift to fathers also being included in this is important. In my opinion, the idea ties more into PARENTAL intuition versus just a mother's intuition.
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Post by Stephen Christopher 1 »

I agree with you 100%; both a mother and a father have instincts when it comes to their children. I can't imagine how Louis' parents felt when they eventually discovered what was wrong with him and, worse, when he was misdiagnosed more than once. They could have been treating him for years for Perthes disease or leukemia, even though he didn't actually have them. They're incredibly brave parents, and I applaud Mark for standing his ground and asking for Louis to be transferred to another hospital. Sometimes parents really do know best.

As for your second question, this is one of the reasons I don't have children. I know that I would be a mess every time they leave the house for fear that something bad could happen to them.
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Post by Shirley Ann Riddern Labzentis »

A mother's intuition is very strong with her children. If you feel something is wrong in your gut, you should go with that feeling. Even though you might feel like you want to crumble, you can't. A child looks up to his or her mother to help and care for them, as they can't do it themselves. When you have children, you are responsible for their care for 18 years, no matter what.
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Post by SelenaRomero »

I do think and agree that mothers share a sort of unique connections to their children and that a mother's instincts are not usually wrong and when it prompts to probe, people should rightly probe. I believe this helped Mary Ellen figure out that something was up. To answer your second question, I think I would be strong in that instance.
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Post by Amy Luman »

Mothers, for the most part, always know what’s going on. I am sure that when my mother noticed that something was going on with me she was devastated, I know that I would have been ifI discovered something like that about my son. But she didn’t fall apart. She stayed strong, at least in front of me. I can’t imagine what she must have discussed with Dad.
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Post by Theresa Moffitt »

I believe a mother’s instinct is usually correct. There would be a lot of regret if she didn’t follow her instincts with regard to the best interests of her child.
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Post by Emma Jane Grey »

I think the people closest to us are often very tuned in to changes in us, and in this case it’s the mother. These intuitions are reported by fathers and adoptive parents as well, so perhaps more about the family set-up than biology.

(Disclaimer that I’m not a mother so not coming from a place of personal experience)
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