Above: Rosie with the children two days after surgery - Top: son, Wayne Gross; l to r, Jenneil, Glenda (front of hospital bed), Teresa. Missing from photo, Matthew. Submitted photo. at left: Rosie with her Westie Terrier Maggie May. Submitted photo.

I'd like to tell you a story about a wonderful mother who has faced one of the most difficult challenges in her life. Rosemary (Rosie) Gross-Meyer is a mother of five (Teresa, Matt, Wayne, Jenneil, Glenda) and is the heart and soul of her family. Rosemary is also a housekeeper/cook for Father William Michatek at St. John's Evangelist Church in Spencerport.

On September 11, 2002, one year after the terrorist attacks, my mother was scheduled for a colonoscopy at Park Ridge Hospital. Even though she was not showing any warning signs of cancer, her doctor recommended the procedure due to family history. After the procedure, we received the good news that her colon was very healthy. What a relief!

After being cleared to leave the hospital following the procedure, we made our way to the sidewalk. I left my Mom at the sidewalk as I went to get my jeep to pick her up. As I returned, I noticed my Mom on her knees attempting to vomit. I immediately asked her what was wrong. She replied, "I have this unbelievable pain in my head and I'm so sick." Nearby were some EMTs who came over and recommended that we take her to emergency, which we did. She explained to the doctor that her pain was a 10 on a scale of 1-10 with 10 being the worst. The doctor ordered a cat scan. My mom has had a history of migraines, so I did not expect that they would find anything. As I stood by her bedside, the doctor came to report that a mass the size of a golf ball was located in the right frontal lobe of her brain. We were speechless … my mother had a brain tumor.

The question: What do we do now? I immediately started gathering information on brain tumors from the internet. I was in search of facts pertaining to my mom's case. I discovered that out of 17,000 brain tumors diagnosed in the U.S. each year, 80 percent of them are cancerous. However, meningiomas account for the other 20 percent which are normally not cancerous.

After using the imaging technique known as a MRI, the neurosurgeon was able to make a definitive diagnosis. My mother had a sphenoid wing meningioma located near the right frontal lobe of her brain. This was a slow growing tumor that most likely had been growing for two to five years. We were so relieved to know that the odds were very much in her favor from the start. The internet helped me to gather an endless amount of information which helped put together our plan of attack.

We had two choices. The first option was to watch and wait. The second was to remove the tumor. All three neurosurgeons that we consulted agreed that the tumor had to be removed. We chose neurosurgeon Dr. Paul Maurer to perform the surgery which was scheduled for December 4 at Strong Hospital.

My mom, a Third Order Franciscan called to live by the principles Saint Francis lived by, never showed any fear. She has such a strong devotion to the Catholic Church and its teachings. Her faith in God's ultimate plan allowed her to enter into surgery without one once of fear. I stood with her moments before the operation began in a room that contained a photograph of a beautiful red rose on the wall. Across her bed were these silver rods that formed a crucifix. Mom and I talked about these two signs as I said to her, "See, Mom, Jesus is going to take care of his most precious Rose." As I left her side, all my faith was placed in God working through Dr. Maurer's ministry.

The surgery was a success and the biopsy confirmed that the mass removed was not cancerous. Rosemary lived to see another birthday and it was a very special one. Her birthday came just ten days after the surgery as she was home resting on her way to recovery when a special visitor arrived not knowing it was her birthday. Father John Steger from St. Jude the Apostle Church in Gates made a house call delivering holy communion to one of his most dedicated parishioners. The gift she was about to receive brought tears to her eyes. She said to Father Steger, "Thank you so much for bringing me Jesus." After a short visit, I followed Father Steger out to his car. Before he drove away, he said to me: "Wayne, God gave you back your mother." His words were so true and absorbed throughout my body. I have not felt the same since those words were uttered.

I wanted to share this story with the community for many reasons. The number one reason is to thank everyone from the community including St. John's Church in Spencerport and St. Jude the Apostle in Gates for all their prayers. An endless number of people from these two parishes have been such a blessing in her life. A special thank you goes out to Page Appliances and St. John's Religious Shop for donating items for a raffle organized by friends of Rosemary which helped ease her financial burden. Olindo Food Service also showed their concern. Our family feels a deep appreciation for everyone who has shown their love and support throughout one of Rosemary's biggest challenges. We thank all of you.

My mom got a second chance. There is no more tumor, her speech is the same, her memory crystal clear, and her smile as it was before. She is healthy again. The migraines that she suffered on an almost daily basis are gone. A few minor issues remain. She is unable to taste and smell, senses which are expected to return to normal. She also has a pinched nerve in her neck which is causing severe pain at times. We are all hoping this pain will be leaving her soon.

When reflecting back to that shocking day in September and being faced with the possibility of loss, I recalled why she was so precious and the idea of her passing brought a tremendous grief. I cannot fathom why at times I took her for granted, and feel ashamed for having done so. I have realized that life is too short for anything but a constant appreciation for what you have now. Second chances are few and far between, and if you are fortunate enough to get one, fall on your knees and thank the Lord above.

As I watched "It's a Wonderful Life" this past Christmas season, it had a new meaning for me. I thought of my Mom as George Bailey, the man who was not a failure because he had friends. I have realized that my mother's spirit has touched so many lives. Life truly would be a different place without her presence. A very sincere thanks goes out to all the people that have come into my mother's life for a season, a reason, and/or a lifetime.

Mom, it is such an honor to be your son and it's great to have you back.

Update

Rosie Gross-Meyer was admitted and returned to Strong Memorial Hospital on Sunday, December 22. She underwent a second surgery on Christmas Eve due to the drainage from her incision on her head resulting from surgery. The cat scan revealed that this infection did not spread to the bone (skull) and had not advanced beyond the surface. Rosie was treated with strong antibiotics and returned home a day after Christmas.

On April 7, Rosie returned to work at St. John's Church. She still has pain, tingling and numbness in her neck, shoulder, and arm which has improved over time. A neurosurgeon has determined that surgery is not recommended at this time and she continues physical therapy to improve her condition. The only other result post surgery is her inability to taste or smell anything. This may or may not come back according to medical research. Other than these few things, Rosie is the same person she was before the surgery minus her daily migraines. Amazingly, Rosie has not had one migraine since her return home from the hospital.