In Loving Memory

On our last night in Utah I got a call from my brother that he had just taken my mom to the hospital. Although fine earlier that day (she had watched my sister's kids and helped around her house), that afternoon she had come down with flu-like symptoms and by that evening had become so lethargic it worried my brother. The Drs. determined that she had a bacterial infection and immediately began antibiotics. We were sure that with the antibiotic treatment she would recover. However, at 5:30 the next morning my cell phone rang. My brother informed me that it didn't look good and that we needed to come to Denver. We were supposed to fly to Milwaukee that night, so we changed the flight to get on the next plane to Denver. When we got there, my mom had been diagnosed with multiple organ failure. They were doing everything they could to try to rid her body of the infection, but it ultimately took her that evening (July 8th)--not much more than 24 hours from the onset of symptoms. My family and I were crushed. This was so sudden and unexpected. We had a beautiful service for her that was perfect, and we felt comfort in being surrounded by family and friends who showed their love and support. I am still dealing with the heartache, the longing, and the loss. I miss her so much it hurts, but it is getting better with time. She was a wonderful person--and an even better mom. Thanks, Mom, for the 28 years I had with you!