MOM

Lost my 82-year old Mother on Thursday afternoon. She'd battled MS for 35 years, beginning with a game left leg, then this, and then also that, leading to her being unable to care for herself for the last 8 years. Early in the week she developed a sinus issue, went to the hospital for a night's stay, and the next day release her, and some two-hours later she died without any sign of struggle. Sitting in her wheelchair, she just drooped over, Dad said, and their Caregiver noticed she wasn't breathing when she tried to straighten Mom up, and was without pulse. It's like she got home, said- okay, I'm going to sleep now- and died.

I know this is about MS, and not C, but perhaps the battle she fought could help someone. I know it sure helped me. Not once during tx would I have traded places with her. I had hope of beating the one in the ring with me. Mom did not. And thru it all she never really complained, or griped about what life had dealt her with MS, though she did get frustrated by the extreme limitations those last few years. Trying to pick up the phone to answer a call became an impossible task, like holding a pen and being able to write anything, or using a knife to cut-up food, etc., etc...And every struggle to accomplish some difficult challenge of movement with her hands or legs was followed by a couple minutes of rest, and then on to the next difficult task, without gripe...And even up to the end, there she was on her recliner, or in the wheelchair, smiling, and asking me how I'm feeling in a way that told me she truly wanted to know. And every time I asked her how she's doing, without failure, she'd answer, "Well, you know, I just might make it," to which I'd typically reply, "I know you will, Mom." This one, folks, is Joe Frazier's best body shot landing square, and leaving broken ribs inside me.

I ask that on Tuesday, the day Mom's body is placed in it's final resting place, as many of you who read this will just say the Lord's Prayer, followed by the name, "Mary." The Lord will know which Mary you're referring to.

kcass