Gifts from Mary Ann

Kathy G. said:

Ro10 thank you so much for

Ro10 thank you so much for this and all you do to keep us updated!

You and Mary Ann, Jan and several others were on this board when I first signed on last November. I had so little information and a million thoughts running through my mind...some of which were not that pleasant. You all took the time to break things down for me in a patient and caring manner.

I began going through the older posts when I had time, and found that there were the 'regular's here who kept supporting the 'old' and new' who came to the board for comfort, information or advice.

No one can put a price tag on that kind of service especially when many of us are at the lowest points of our lives when we arrive here.

Mary Ann has a wealth of information 'stored' on these message boards. I enjoyed and learned alot from her posts on nutrition as that is where my journey is focused right now. She also offered so much other assistance.

I believe God is not in necessarily in Church or up in Heaven, but inside each of us. He uses us to touch and teach others. Mary Ann has definitely shared her gifts of knowledge, patience, courage, etc. with all of us.

I pray for her every night. I hope we can be kept in the loop regarding her progress and that her pain is manageable.

Kathy

This saddens me deeply as I have always held a very special spot close to my heart for my friend Mary Ann.  She has ALWAYS been strong and never complained, but there for comfort to everyone.

All of us on these boards most likely never personally met, but sure have become almost sister-like as we bear our soles.  I feel like I'm loosing a sister and darn it, it truly does hurt deep down inside.  

Ro, I do hope Rudy keeps us posted on her progress and as well, lets Mary Ann know we're all here for her....with comforting arms around her.

Love to all,

Jan

txtrisha55 said:

Thanks Ro for the update, sad that it is.

I feel that I am a newbee having just joined this site in 2011.  I have read a lot of the past post to find information out and Mary Ann's were there helping to support and educate along with all the older messages from when this site first started with Linda, Diane, and even yourself back in 2009.

Mary Ann you always shared your knowledge with everyone andwere so supportive and caring for others.  I prya that God gives you comfort during this time.  I also pray for Rudy to have all the support and stregth he needs during this time.   

This news just makes me so sad that another sister is losing her battle to this terrible disease.  I pray for all the ladies and their families that do find this site for support, knowledge and encourgement. 

The others have all said it for me and said it so well.  At this point, I do so hope they are keeping your body comfortable.  My nursing career started in the days when that wasn't done well and I am so gratefull for all of us that hospice is there for us when we need them.

You were one of the first persons to respond to me, when I came here back in 2009, so angry, hurt distressed, after losing my mother . You're proof that angels do walk among us . I'm a better person because of you . You've taught me about courage, and patience, faith and perserverance.  You are greatly admired and loved.

Sending great big cyber hugs your way,

Cindy B.

Thank you, Ro for suggesting this, it is a wonderful idea.

Mary Ann, you have always been there to help, support and offer advice to anyone who joins this board.  When someone is down or is worried about a forthcoming procedure or treatment, you have shared your experiences to help them through.

I have valued your articulate, reasoned and supportive advice so many times.  Your courage and dignity in facing this dreadful beast of a disease is awsome and I hope that I can follow your example when my time comes.  I have never met you but I feel a bond across the miles. 

Take care and God bless you and your family, Mary Ann.  I hope that the hospice are able to keep you comfortable and your pain under control - you deserve nothing but the best of care.

Helen

Thank You Ro.... 

Mary Ann, we often go through life not knowing the impact we have on other people.    You came to me when I was drowning in sorrow.  I felt so lost, so alone, so empty.  Your gentle spirit and kind words gave me strengthen to pick myself up and face my illness head on.  Because you took time for me, I was able to live my life again. For this I, my husband and my daughter will always be grateful.  

You are loved, admired and cherished.  My God bless you, Rudy and all your loved ones.

I read Mary Ann your posts yesterday. She smiled and briefly opened her eyes to acknowledge her understanding. Thank you for the kind words. Mary Ann is at peace now. She died at 5:35 p.m. yesterday in my arms, with Phoebe, the cat, sitting on the edge of the bed. The sounds of soft Native American flute music eased the transition to the next life. The house seems so still without her presence. She was a beautiful woman, inside and out, who showed incredible courage and spirit in fighting an aggressive cancer for nearly five years. Her spirit lives on in the lives of those she has touched over the years as a friend, therapist, advocate, teacher or mentor. Mary Ann is missed ... This discussion board and your feedback and support were a great comfort to Mary Ann. Cancer is a beast. I am a 6-year survivor of prostate cancer; Mary Ann's sister Rita died several years ago from pancreatic cancer. I would like to do something to get the word out about uterine papillary serous carcinoma. Need to think about it a bit more. God bless all of you.

ConnieSW said:

Rudy

Thankyou for thinking of us and sharing Mary Ann's last moments.  I am so pleased to hear she got our messages.  I'm crying so its hard to see to type this.  I will miss her so much and I will keep you in my thoughts as you learn to live in this world without her physical presence but with your memories to bring you comfort.  

 

If you decide to have charitable contributions made to some group that was important to her, please let us know.  I would like to contribute.

 

Connie

Oh Rudy...my heart is breaking for your tremendous loss and I also write this with the tears streaming down my face! Mary Ann has thankfully moved to a place where I believe she will never have to suffer again, but you dear friend will be feeling a different kind of pain for a long time to come.

God bless you through the days to come and may He carry you when things get too rough. Mary Ann loved you with all her heart...I had to go back and read her last post about going into hospice b/c I could not believe she had gone so quickly. She mentions you then in the knowing way wives have about their husbands...

I am so glad she died at home in your arms and Ro had the timely suggestion for us to do the gift posts and you were able to read them to her. It sounds like a beautiful passing!

My thoughts & prayers continue to be with both of you over the coming days.

God bless...

Kathy

elpasorudy said:

Mary Ann

I read Mary Ann your posts yesterday. She smiled and briefly opened her eyes to acknowledge her understanding. Thank you for the kind words. Mary Ann is at peace now. She died at 5:35 p.m. yesterday in my arms, with Phoebe, the cat, sitting on the edge of the bed. The sounds of soft Native American flute music eased the transition to the next life. The house seems so still without her presence. She was a beautiful woman, inside and out, who showed incredible courage and spirit in fighting an aggressive cancer for nearly five years. Her spirit lives on in the lives of those she has touched over the years as a friend, therapist, advocate, teacher or mentor. Mary Ann is missed ... This discussion board and your feedback and support were a great comfort to Mary Ann. Cancer is a beast. I am a 6-year survivor of prostate cancer; Mary Ann's sister Rita died several years ago from pancreatic cancer. I would like to do something to get the word out about uterine papillary serous carcinoma. Need to think about it a bit more. God bless all of you.

Dear Rudy,

I am one of the many women diagnosed with UPSC who appreciated the strength, comfort, and wonderful information in Mary Ann's posts saddened by your loss.  I send thoughts and prayers of sympathy and comfort to you.

When you do decide on a way we can help to memorialize Mary Ann, I too would be honored to join this effort.

Sara SG

elpasorudy said:

More Mary Ann

A steady stream of visitors came to the home the day before Mary Ann died. It was a beautiful day. Friend Francesca, a certified yoga instructor, sang and chanted mantras, clearing the path for a tranquil transition. Judy Lee and Judy Beaumont, ordained Roman Catholic priests who serve the poor with their unsanctioned church in Fort Myers, prayed and administered the Healing of the Sick sacrament. Mary Ann was able to receive communion. Friends Sue, Irene, and Mario shared stories. Neighbor Beverly delivered a homemade pumpkin pie, and Mary Ann ate most of a slice, her first food in two days ... Mary Ann has a photo she wants me to post to the site. When I figure out the technology, I will do it, perhaps later today .... I had asked Mary Ann to give me a sign of her well being after she died. When I telephoned her brother John yesterday and started giving him the details of Mary Ann's passing, the phone disconnected and I was unable to reach John for five minutes. He called back and said a lightening bolt struck near his house when I told him his sister had died. It knocked the power out. Coincidence or was Mary Ann strutting her stuff? - Rudy

I'm so sorry to read of Mary Ann's passing.  Grateful it was peaceful with her in your arms.  You wife was a powerful force who was always here for any of us on these boards and I will always remember her strength.  She showed me how to keep on going and enjoy life to its fullest.  

When you write of the "coincidence" I think it's Mary Ann yes and know GOD TRULY WORKS IN MYSTERIOUIS WAYS!!

Cherish her memories as I know they have to be wonderful as she was a beautiful human being.

Deepest sympathy!

Jan

Cindy Bear said:

Rudy

Thank you so much for sharing these intimate moments with us. I am deeply saddened to hear of Mary Ann's passing, but I feel peace and joy knowing she was surrounded by so much love and caring.. what a beautiful picture you have painted so eloquently with words.... flute music, her beloved cat, and the pumpkin pie sounds pretty gosh darn good too..

I am also happy to hear that Mary Ann knows how much we loved and respected her. She's left her mark on this discussion board, and in our hearts. It's hard to believe that just a few short weeks ago, she was still walking every day. I know the days ahead will be difficult for you, I am sending big hugs and prayers your way.

 

Cindy

To take the time to come here and share your grief with us means more than you will ever know. I do not say this as a matter of habit or expectations - but your wife was so very helpful to so many here that you can rest assured you are being lifted in prayer and support. Thank you for sharing with us at such a difficult time.