My mother had a heart attack early Friday morning, and was taken to the hospital by the paramedics. She was on life support through Easter weekend, during which my extended family flew in from various places and took turns camping out in the ICU waiting room so all the adults got a chance to visit her one more time. Unfortunately, her heart failed on Tuesday morning. She was getting over an intestinal infection, which may have stressed her system in ways we didn’t know about until it was too late.
Right now we’re planning her funeral. It feels strange to type these words. Around this time last week my mother and I went with my sister, her husband, and the baby to a nature preserve. She had a great time walking around, spotting birds and squirrels, and relaxing outdoors in a way she hadn’t in a long time. This is how I like to remember her. She was always so full of life and love. If anyone was in need of comforting, she was there with a plate of food and a listening ear. I remember someone on this board once titled a thread something like, “My mom’s a mom, you know?” and it instantly reminded me of my own mother, because that’s how she was. From the time she helped my grandma support her younger brothers after grandpa left, to all the years of raising us and later helping us raise our kids, to all the friends and relatives who she offered a hug or a meal or a place to stay for the night, she was a nurturer. That is how we will all remember her.
I’m very sorry. (I wish there was something more helpful or profound to say at such times, but if there is I’ve never found it, though I have found that people saying that somehow is meaningful.)
I’m sorry to hear about your loss. This was a wonderful tribute, and I hope you keep those happy memories to keep you strong in these rough times. hugs
