Saturday, August 2, 2014

Heading back to DC for Funeral…and Training and Etc.


Getting On with Life 

June 22, 2014

The time is finally here.  Mom has been in a coma/veg state since April 24, when she suffered a cardiac arrest.  Mom had all sorts of health issues from diabetes/high blood pressure/to bipolar disorder.  This past year she has been diagnosed with congestive heart failure and was hospitalized a few times from lack of oxygen and trouble breathing.  She started dialysis back in December because of her kidney failing.  What took her life after brain injury ultimately was kidney failure as we discontinued dialysis since May 27th.  She died July 18, 2014 way longer than anyone thought.  Thank goodness it happened before I left for Baghdad and of course after I left Swaziland.  I went to visit her in April and was thinking she would die within the three week time period I was there.  There is no rushing mom’s death.  We did not believe in euthanasia and she left no health directive.  It has been rough, to say the last.

 July 28, 2014

Back in DC for consultations..what fun.  Running into all these Washingtonians and shuttle drivers.  Man, I can never get enough (not).  I guess the best part about being here *again* is having more time to spend with family and friends.  Went for Dim Sum yesterday…yummm.  Then meeting up with my cousin who I haven’t seen in a while with his girlfriend.  Last but not least, being here for my brother to support him and to help him get over the lost of mom.  She is in a better place..I started subscribing to the Bereavement e-mails from the Rest Haven web site.  I am trying to get more people to post tributes but I guess it’s more if you are close family.  Either way I always want to get an impression of what people think of her..Most likely they’ll say she was a kind person.  She came across that way.  She did come across a few manic episodes when I was in Ottawa (Canada), but she had a good heart and soul.  I know they say to remember the good times, but it’s the bad times that also stick out..Such as the time I got mad at Alyssa for misbehaving, and yelled at her, and unintentionally trying to move away, Alyssa grabbed my hand (not to let me go) and accidently fell.  My mom cried at me, and speaking with tears, she said, “you are mean to us because you know we love you.”  She really is like me, sensitive and caring and did not want me to get angry, especially at my daughter.  She wanted me to be gentle.  But as much as I always gave her my troubles, she still forgave me.  BTW, yes that was in my speech.   
Everyone is welcome to share a memory -- please, do not feel obligated to send money or flowers, just post a memory or thoughts if you will on the tribute tab.  Just Be sure to check out photos and videos I've already posted as well.  Thank you, from the bottom of my <3. 

 

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