Our mother, Diane Ferris, is the most amazing woman we know. She has loyally worked as a lunch lady for the Westbrook School Department for the past 33 years, first at Canal Elementary School, and recently at Westbrook High School. She has the most incredible work ethic, hardly ever taking a sick day, or a personal day. She has accrued 110 sick days, receiving 15 days per year as an employee, which equals 7.3 years of no sick time. Truly admirable in our opinion.

For the entire school year of 2007-2008 our mother went to work not feeling well, and she endured a hot kitchen, and a fast pace because she takes pride in serving the children her famous French fries, and because she loves the women she works with.

For many many years, our mother knew every child’s name and addressed each of them accordingly, always trying to make them feel special.

She has spent her personal time being the best mother to her three children and a loving, and selfless grandmother to eight grandchildren and one great grandchild. She is more than we could ever hope for or deserve, and she has created a close-knit family and a living legacy. She attends her grandson’s ball games and cheers exuberantly from the side lines. Her voice loud and audible with her favorite mantra “Just a little bingo!” and a boisterous “yoo-hoo!” if she is trying to get your attention.

She volunteers in soup kitchens, and does anything she can to help others, always with a glad heart to help. Whether it’s cleaning houses for the handicapped or clearing snow off the cars of her friends and neighbors in the winter, our mother gives and gives and gives, and never asks for anything in return. She has a tremendous spirit of generosity and a servant’s heart for God.

We have been facing a battle with her for the past month, that has included poking and prodding, tests and waiting, and now we know why.

Our mother has been diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer. It has spread to her liver and to other parts of her body, even into her shoulder muscles. She is not one to complain even though she is in tremendous pain.

So if our mother has touched your life in any way, or the lives of your

children, she and we, would appreciate your prayers.

We live in a fast paced world filled with faxes, phone calls, and e-mails, but our mother is definitely old school, and is a big believer in the personal touch, so even though it might take you a few extra minutes to write a letter, or pick out a card, and put a 42 cent stamp on it, then drop it in a mailbox, you will make her day and maybe your words will be the ones to make a difference to deepen her fight and her faith.

If you would like to send her a card of hope and encouragement and tell her what she has meant to you as she gets ready to battle this beast, you can address your cards or letters to: Diane Ferris, 300 East Bridge St., apt. 325, Westbrook, ME 04092.

The children and grandchildren of Diane Ferris

Westbrook