Sometimes when a loved on passes away from cancer, her relatives find solace in old photos that conjure up fond memories. Since the death of acclaimed bounty hunter Beth Chapman, 51, wife of Duane "Dog the Bounty Hunter" Chapman, Beth's oldest daughter, Cecily, 26, has been sharing photos of memories she had with her mom. Now, she shared a photo of a dress her mom made for her when she was a little girl, to remember their special mother-daughter bond.
Read MoreAnd supporters commented to share the love and reminisce alongside Cecily, “So talented. That’s absolutely stunning. You can tell it was made by an angel”
A few supporters talked about passing the garment down to another generation, “The day you get to put it on your daughter will be the day [hearts]”
“It is sooo pretty and sooo precious…my daughter had one very similar same colour and she kept it for her daughter. Sending all our love.”
Another expressed her own grief for Beth’s loss, “Ur my was my inspiration she was truly one of a kind and why God took her I will never know I can think of a million different people he could of took so I'm truly at odds with him on this hole situation God bless u and ur family u guys r all an inspiration ! [heart]”
And a few just wanted to say that they thought the dress was beautiful, “So beautiful she was talented in so many different ways.”
“That's so beautiful!! Your momma will never ever be forgotten love!! Love you babes! Stay strong [heart].”
“Wow that's gorgeous [hearts].”
Beth’s cancer journey
Beth was originally diagnosed with stage II throat cancer in 2017, and after treatment, was declared cancer free. Then, she was diagnosed again the following year with stage IV lung cancer. After the second diagnosis, she decided to forego chemotherapy, relying instead on her Christian faith. (A decision that Beth announced on Mother's Day of this year).
The journey became more difficult yet toward the end, when Beth Chapman was put into a medically induced coma to alleviate some of her pain and stress after a choking incident related to her cancer.
Beth Chapman ultimately died at age 51 in Honolulu, Hawaii, surrounded by family members and those who loved her.
The Chapman family went on to hold two emotional memorial services for their motherone in Hawaii, and one in Aurora, Colorado. The two locations were where Beth and Dog Chapman split most of their free time when they weren't bounty hunting for criminals.
Cecily and the dress that Beth made for her as a toddler
Cecily also followed up the post with another post, this one of herself as a toddler actually wearing the dress Beth made for her, angrily scowling at the itchiness of the fabric. “Ps- fuck the scratchy material at its finest #BorderlinePissed[laughing cat] [heart],” she captioned the picture.
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Ps- fuck the scratchy material at its finest #BorderlinePissed ????????????????
Supporters rushed to comment again, sharing their thoughts about Cecily’s bond with Beth, “You Mom showed the viewers that look when people tried to run on her bond! #yougotithonest”
One joked about how this part was mysteriously absent from the record, “Of course she seemed to leave out this part of the story [laughing face].”
And another identified with Beth, “If only we knew what our mamas went thru to make us extra special….”
While another joked that every little girl feels this way, “That lace is soooooo itchy lol..my daughter complains every dance recital!!!”
One person who seems to know Cecily commented her gratitude for the photo, “Omg!!! Aleeya makes that same face thanks Aunty Cici!!”
And another offered prayers, “You sure csn see Beth in that look.lol Prayersâ¤ï¸????”
Perhaps the simplest comment was also the most poignant, “[heart] those memories are some of the best!”
Information about dealing with fear during cancer
Posting photos and expressing yourself online can be one of many ways people express some of the emotions that can come with cancer. Anxiety and fear are totally normal reactions to the news of cancer, and acknowledging these emotions can be therapeutic and important to the healing process.
"I think the most important advice I would give to someone who has just received a cancer diagnosis is to find people whom they find as a source of support. To allow themselves to go through all of the different emotional reactions to that news," said Dr. Susan Parons, Director of the Center for Health Solutions/Center on Child and Family Outcomes at Tufts Medical Center, in a prior interview with SurvivorNet. Dr. Parsons did not comment on this case specifically.
"The anger, the frustration, the fear. The disappointment. Whatever those emotions are, figure out what's important to you and find those people that can help you realize that."
Dr. Susan Parons, Director of the Center for Health Solutions/Center on Child and Family Outcomes at Tufts Medical Center on dealing with fear and anxiety after a cancer diagnosis.
In times of frustration, it can be useful to a little bit of direction on specific ways to deal with it. A few of the most common ways to deal with fear and anxiety after a cancer diagnosis, that have helped people in the SurvivorNet community in the past, include:
1. Let your family and close friends know and let them help. So many cancer survivors tell us they want and need support but are often too preoccupied to make specific requests. Urge those close to you to jump in with whatever practical help they can offer.
2. Keep a journal. It can be extremely cathartic to let those feelings loose on paper. Grab a pen and a nice journal and chronical your different thoughts throughout the day.
3. Join a cancer support group. There are groups in nearly every community offering opportunities to connect with others going through a similar journey. You'll learn incredibly helpful insight from others who can tell you about what to expect and how to stay strong on tough days.
4. Consider seeing a therapist. Ask your doctor to refer you to a therapist so you can discuss your fears and concerns in a safe space. Often, vocalizing your thoughts and feelings rather than internalizing them can provide relief.
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