Thursday, December 18, 2014

A New Angel at the Rainbow Bridge

On December 17th, 2014 my mother lost her battle with cancer. She was not old, only 55 years young. 

Me, my brother, and my mom. 

For the past year, she underwent surgery, chemotherapy treatment, and radiation. She did great for all of her treatments and it was believed that she was cancer free in late summer. Two weeks ago, she was admitted to the hospital because she was feeling sick. For a week, it was thought that she had pneumonia. Last week, the doctors determined that her breast cancer had returned and spread and she had stage 4 adenocarcinoma around her lungs making it hard for her to breath. 

On top of this, she was now facing liver failure too. Her liver failure was so bad that she could not receive aggressive chemotherapy. It is hard watching a loved one lose their strength so quickly, and this was definitely unexpected. She visited the doctor on a regular basis, almost weekly, so it makes her passing a little more difficult to grasp. 

Mom and Jenny at the beach.

At the Rainbow Bridge, she will be reunited with many loved pets from her past including the two dogs she had as an adult, Missy and Jenny. I know they have waited patiently for her there. Shiner loved her very much too and she was one of her favorite humans. She was a compassionate woman that cared for several feral cat colonies as well. Hopefully, the one's she had been caring for will do OK in her neighborhood. 

Shiner and her grandma.

She lived her life for her children - myself and my brother - and later on, for her grandchildren - my two daughters. She would do anything and everything for us. 

She will definitely be missed. All of the messages and comments received on our last post were very much appreciated and I thank you for your thoughts and prayers. I thought I would let our friends know in case anyone has wondered about our slight absence from blogging and social media. 

77 comments:

  1. I'm so sorry to hear this Ann! Cancer is such a horrible disease. I will be praying for you and your family as you heal. If you ever need a shoulder, I'm here for you.

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  2. Ann, my sincerest sympathies to you, and your entire family during this very difficult time. This was a very loving tribute you did for your mom. We know she watches over you from above, now as a guardian angel. I am sorry things took such a turn for the worse, especially when you all had hope. You and your family are in my prayers. ♥♥♥♥♥ Laura

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  3. My deepest sympathy to you and your family.

    Bruny

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  4. Ann, I'm so sorry. My heart goes out to you. She was clearly a loving and lovely person, caring for animals and her children and grandchildren. What a wonderful legacy.

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  5. Oh, Ann, I am so very sorry for your loss. Your mother was young, too young. My mother died at 65 and I thought that was too young. What a wonderful person she sounds like, and her spirit and love for animals and her family will live on in you.

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  6. Ann, we are so sorry for your loss. It is hard to lose a parent...we know...but to lose them at this time of year...we are at a loss for words. It is good to know there are pets waiting for her at the bridge, welcoming her home, where she will be disease and pain free. We know in our hearts that your pets here - Shiner, Jack, Gus, etc - will be there to support you through this. If you need anything, you know how to find us.

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  7. Oh Ann, I am so sorry! It sounds hokey but the saying is right - cancer is a bitch! My Grandma was fine one week, riddled with cancer the next, and then gone. I understand how you can be left with so many questions and so much heartache. After I lost my Mom my Grandma shared some realistic wisdom. She said "oh, honey, you will always cry and that is ok. Eventually you will cry less often". Grieve as long as you need and take care of yourself. Please email me if you need.

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  8. We are so very sorry Ann, we just hate hearing that news.m We all send you gentle hugs and all of our love. Shiner, take care of Mommy sweetie.

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  9. So sorry, Ann. Amazing the doctors didn't see it sooner, but they say when it is your time, you can't change it. Cherish the memories, you are in our thoughts.

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  10. Gosh Ann, what a shock after so much time. And yes, 55 is very young. Cancer pays no attention to age or position or accomplishments, it simply takes when and what it wants. My Mom was 44...I iwas 17, with a 6 yr old sister. My warmest empathy is wrapped around you.

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  11. I'm so sorry for your loss! My heart goes out to you and your family. Hugs!

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  13. I'm so sorry for your loss; sending thoughts your way. F--- cancer.

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  14. Oh dear Ann, I'm so very very sorry for your loss., Your mom was so young yet too. Cancer is such an awful disease and has claimed so many. My deepest sympathy to you and your family. It's never easy to lose our mother, no matter how old we are. May she rest in peace and may you find some comfort in knowing she won't have to suffer anymore. Big HUGS for you dear.

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  15. I’m sending you comforting purrz that you’ll always remember the good time. TW watched her Mom suffer for 5 1/2 months before she passed away. Sometimes quicker is better even if it doesn’t seem so at the time. It’s never easy.

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  16. Ann, my heart is breaking for you and your family. I know how hard it is to lose someone, especially around this time of year as I lost my Grandfather just over a week ago. Please let me know if you need anything, even just to talk.

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  17. Ann, I am so very sorry. What a lovely tribute to your beautiful mother.

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  18. So very sorry. I know how hard it is to lose a parent. I lost my father to cancer - he was not old either. Thinking of you and your family in your loss.

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  19. Oh Ann, I'm so very sorry. My heart is just breaking for you... I lost my mom to cancer in her 50's as well, so I know how hard this is. Your mom sounds like a wonderful woman and so very lucky to have the love of such a gracious daughter. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
    ~Debbie

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  20. We're so very sorry to hear about your Mother. All of us at Angel Prancer Pie will be holding you close to our hearts and sending comforting thoughts your way.
    XOXO

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  21. May you soon find peace in the loving memories you hold of your Mother and your times together. Know her suffering is at its end, even though your own continues. Having lost my all too young husband to cancer just two years ago, to some small degree I understand where you are at this moment in time. We watch, we wait, we hope, we pray ~ we want to carry their pain yet it is not to be. You have surely given her all the love and care possible during her last days with you, for those days be thankful. She will always be there watching over you, caring, loving. In this sad time, we share your sadness. May God watch over you all.

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  22. We are so very sorry. Moms are hard for anyone to loose. We purr for you and send gentle hugs and love.

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  23. Ann, I am so very sorry! Losing a parent is so hard especially when it is your mom and so young too! You will experience so many difficult emotions and there is no easy way through grief. The passage of time will bring sweet memories, though, and my thoughts and prayers are with you very much, Caro x0x

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  24. We are so sorry for your loss, Ann. A gentle hug from all three of us.

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  25. Oh Ann, we are so so sorry that your Mother had to go to the bridge. We certainly send many hugs and some special thoughts for her and you too. That was such a wonderful post about her. She sounds like a fantastic person. All the kitties here are purring for you in your grief. Just know you are in our thoughts and prayers.

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  26. Ann we send our deepest sympathy. The love of your family for each other shines through your post and please know we send purrs and prayers of support at this sad time.
    Dad Pete, Timmy and Family

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  27. So sorry for your loss. To lose your mom always leaves a big hole in your heart.

    Julie Q

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  28. We're so sorry for your mom. We send you comforting purrs and gentle headbonks. Purrs

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  29. DEAR ANN
    MOM AND I JUST READ ABOUT THE PASSING OF YOUR PRECIOUS MOM. WE SEND YOU OUR HUGS AND PURRS TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.
    MADI AND MOM

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  30. So very sorry to hear about your mom. We're keeping you and your family in our thoughts!

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  31. We are so very sorry to hear of your great loss. Please know you are in our thoughts.

    Hugs,
    Lily Belle & Muffin

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  32. So very sad to learn that your Mom has passed Ann. As a cancer survivor I know that even when they say "we got it all" the evil "C" can be hiding....waiting....and it's just not FAIR. Your Mom was a lovely lady - and you have lots of lovely memories to hold in your heart. I'm sure she's smiling "on the other side" and will be with you always and forever.....

    Hugs, Pam

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  33. I remember reading this summer how well she was doing, so was shocked when I read this. I can only imagine how stunned you are. When I lost my mom, I realized what a shift in life happens. Sending you my heartfelt sympathy.

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  34. Oh Ann I wish I could be there to wrap my arms around you in a giant hug and offer you some comfort. I am shocked and deeply saddened. I barely have the words. As I said when I messaged you last night, I am here for you always, I will help in any way that I can. My deepest sympathy and love go out to all of you. xoxoxo

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  35. I am truly sorry to learn of this. I lost my mom to cancer as well and I remember the shock and sorrow. Please accept my condolences. Warm hugs and deepest sympathy.

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  36. I am so sorry for the loss of your mother. I am sure she is taking care of all your pets in Heaven.

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  37. We are so very sorry for your loss. Your Mom sounds like a wonderful person, while we know you will miss her we are sure the beautiful memories you have of her will be a great comfort as time passes.

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  38. My deepest sympathy to you and your family on your loss. Your Mom was a wonderful person and will be so missed by all who knew and loved her. One more bright star shines in Heaven.

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  39. Ann my dear we are so sorry to have read that your mum has lost her battle with cancer. We are truly saddened for you and we send our love and gentle hugs. Our deepest sympathies to you and your family.
    Our love to you Molly.

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  40. Miss Ann, we are so very sorry. We send you comforting purrs, gentle headbutts and hugs.

    Wally, Ernie, Zoey and the mom Sue

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  41. I am very very sorry to hear the loss of your beloved Mother. We hold you and your family in gentle purrs and prayers.

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  42. Dear Ann,

    I send my heartfelt sympathy for your loss. Your mother sounds like am amazing woman who left a great legacy in the short time she had. May you find peace during this difficult time.

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  43. I am deeply sorry for the loss of your mother, Ann. She sounds like a wonderful, caring person who set a good example and left a lot of happy memories for her children.

    We all send a warm hug, purrs and tail wags of comfort.

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  44. Dear Ann, May the joys that you shared with your mother help carry you through this saddest of times. Your tribute to her, and the photos say without words what she has given to you...a loving heart, a compassionate nature and strength...I will be thinking of you... I remember my therapist telling me, after my husband died in 2007, that grief is like a shard of glass. It can cut you and make you bleed. But as time passes, that shard of glass becomes more like sand worn beach glass and will not hurt you unless is is broken up again. She also said let the grief come, do no push it away. Imagine yourself on the shore of the ocean, let the waves come and flow around your feet, your ankles, your knees....but don't let it push you over. When the water flows back into the sea, some of your pain and sorrow will go with it...

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  45. I'm so sorry for you and your mom. I was full of hope that she won the battle against this darned big C. It's so sad that we can do so much things but we can't chase away this C.
    Easy Rider

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  46. Oh Ann, I can't even imagine. I am so very, very sorry for your loss. She sounds like she was a wonderful, caring lady and I have no doubt that that part of her will live on, in you, your daughters, and even in her spirit. Sending you my warmest hugs and comfort. - Alana.

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  47. We're deeply sorry for this news. We pray that your heart is mending with the loss of your mom. Sending our 40 paws of love and support to comfort you.

    Huggies and Cheese,
    Haopee of mydogslove.me

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  48. Dear Ann, It is so hard to lose one's mother, but especially when she was so young. Cancer hits everyone-either a loved one, friend or the individual. I pray that the memories you have will comfort you; though I'm sure you feel like nothing will ever be the same again.
    Sending you hugs,
    Noreen

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  49. I'm so very sorry for your loss. I hope sweet memories of happy healthy times bring you comfort, as well as knowing that you mom is pain free and at peace surrounded by beloved animals and family at the bridge.
    With sympathy,
    Maggie

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  50. We are so incredibly sorry to hear of your mother's passing, Ann. We send purrs and prayers, and wishes that memories of happier times and the love of your family will in time bring you some comfort.

    With love and in sorrow,
    Kevin, Tracey, Moosey, Gracie and Zoe

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  51. Oh Ann, my heart is broken for you and your family. Your mom sounds like a wonderful and loving woman. I wish I'd been able to meet her. We are the same age and I'm sure would have gotten along great. We are sending love and prayers to you. ♥

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  52. Oh Ann, I am so sorry about your loss. It is terrible and to have to lose her so young makes it just heartbreaking. You are in our thoughts and we are sending you much love and hugs.

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  53. Ann, I'm so sorry you've lost your mom. I know this holiday season will be difficult.

    But in reading about your mom, it sounds like she has left a beautiful legacy in your love and care for animals.

    Blessings to you all.

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  54. Oh, I'm so sorry. Cancer is so terrible and takes so many of our loved ones - always way too soon. My heart goes out to you. You have another beautiful angel looking over you now.

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  55. Sweet Ann I am so sorry to hear this. Hang on to the precious memories you made with your beautiful mom. Keeping you in thoughts and prayers sweetie and leaving you lots of warm, gentle hugs. Maggie

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  56. Ann, I'm so sorry to learn about the loss of your dear mother. Losing those we love is so difficult, especially when they are young. She was a beautiful and caring lady. Thank you for sharing her story.

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  57. This is long and it was written about losing my dog - but as I also lost my only brother within only a few weeks of that black lab, also to cancer - it really is about both of them and coming to terms with it. I hope it offers you some comfort. I am so very sorry for this loss, you were lucky to have such a mother.

    "As I come home tonight, I understand that he is not here. Still, as I step up the steps, I desperately want to hear the soft "woof" of a black lab, waiting in the kitchen for me to step in. But I can only approach, in that utter quiet that is now the house, sensing those who are absent who inhabited this place but exist now as only ghosts of my past, living on the breath of memory.
    I stand outside the door, hearing hushed wind, hand on the doorknob, hesitant to open the door to every memory, more hesitant to leave them behind. I stand there silently, my presence not detected by dogs forever silent, motionless, trying to blend in with the house, the dark wood and trees, listening to the living presence of a home, all the lives and love and heartache that went into it, that formed these four walls, that now form me.

    I listen, as a churchgoer does, to chants in ancient languages that no one understands, but listens to anyway, the words a peace that flows like water. There is no bark but that of the trees, and the baleful sound of a wind that speaks the name of one departed. I listen for things I'd dream of, if only I could sleep.

    I open up the door to go on in. I have no words for what I am feeling. I have no name for the quiet that waits inside. But that is OK. There are no names for the sun’s warmth on the skin; of the trinity of earth and sky and water. There are no names for the bones that lie in quiet mourning, bringing riches to the earth. There are no names for the rocks that direct a stream’s flow, for the fur and leaves that line an eagle's nest. Yet they are, and always will be. Strong. Necessary. Waiting."
    - from the Book of Barkley

    LB (Lin) Johnson

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  58. I'm so sorry to hear about your mother's passing. The apple doesn't fall too far from the tree; you look just like her!

    Wishing you and your family peace and comfort during this difficult time.

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  59. So sorry...Sending positive thoughts to you and your family.

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  60. Deepest sympathy are just words...almost everyone in my family died from the C word including the mother of my last Cat Family. Even though my mother was older and I suspected she was ill, it was so fast when it happened...it is harder when you think you have hope or have beaten it back. Meows and purrs from the kitties.

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  61. Ann, I'm so very sorry for your loss. There are no words to take away the sadness you feel but know we are here for you. Sending hugs and prayers that your memories will give you comfort during this most difficult time.

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  62. Deepest sympathies on the loss of your beloved Mother xx

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  63. Jason's sister is that the memories of the illness will slowly fade and the beauty of a life well lived, even if it was too short, will show through, always. The very deepest sympathies to you and your family, Ann. Please treasure the holidays together even though you are mourning. We will keep best wished for you in our thoughts...
    Bethany, Jason, Wilhelm, Brychwyn, Huxley, Amelia and Leo

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  64. I am sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Bless.
    Sue B

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  65. I'm so sorry, Ann. She raised a wonderful daughter, and some day, along with all your combined animals, you'll get to see her again.

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  66. There are no words Ann, that I can share that you haven't heard already. Please know I'm sending love, including you in my prayers, and will think of you often as you mourn. The entire Bennett family, sends their heartfelt condolences to you and your family. I am truly sorry to hear this news.

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  67. Ohh Ann so sorry to hear this. You are a great person and the live within you will keep you going. So sorry to hear this. You have to be strong and believe that now your mom is ok and in peace 💗

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  68. What a great mum and what a huge loss for you, You lost someone totally special Ann.

    Marjorie and the fur kids

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  69. Ann, we are very sorry for your loss. Sorry we took so long to read this, but that's because we really wanted to read it and get to know your mother a little bit, and I apologize for not know what she had been going through, and you. She was younger than me and that is so hard to understand. After just losing my mother, at nearly 86, that was hard enough to take, but she had been in good health most of her life. Its great seeing that you love animals as much as your mom did, its a great legacy to have. I know your daughters are really missing their grandma right now but hopefully they'll have great memories. My niece spoke at my mom's funeral about her grandmother, a woman I never knew at all, I was so proud of her doing that. Please take care, I found sharing my mother on my blog was very healing. Sandra

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  70. Our deepest sympathies to you and your family. Your mother was a wonderful person to be so caring and giving of herself to her family. Warm thoughts and hugs to you. May God give you strength to help your hurt heal even just a little bid so it doesn't hurt so bad.
    Brenda

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  71. Ann, we're so very sorry for your loss and are sending you a big hug and our deepest sympathies.

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  72. Oh Ann. I am so very truly sorry to hear this. I had read about it on your social media as well and just never know quite what to say. Just please know that my thoughts are with you, and I am sending all my love your way.

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  73. So very sorry for your loss. My deepest sympathy, hugs and prayers for your family.

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  74. I am so very sorry for your loss. Losing a mom is tough no matter how old you are. Hugs to you and your family.

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  75. So sorry to read this news, Ann. Thinking of you and your family.

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  76. Oh Ann,
    I wish there were words that could take away your loss....
    I can only imagine how very difficult this journey has been for you. Please know you're in my thoughts and prayers - especially as you celebrate the holiday without her. Many hugs, warm thoughts and purrs sent your way from all of us....

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  77. So Sorry to learn of your dear Mother's passing. You're in my thoughts and prayers for strength.

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