Our Mom

by Andrea
(Louisville)

Our Mom passed away on April 11, 2014 of pancreatic cancer. She was diagnosed In May of 2013. She would have been 90 on October 25,2014.

She was a fighter to the end. She was on Gemzar from June till November when her body just could not take anymore. We also juiced for her almost until she died. I do believe it helped her tremendously, giving her strength all the way past Christmas until the end of January. Although close to the end she just could not tolerate much on her stomach.

At the end of January we had called Hosparus in. They were so wonderful to her and us.

On the day she passed, she had a rough time the night before. We had called to have the nurse check her and she said all looked good. She was so weak. After we settled her back in bed. It happened that of her 9 living children four of us were there. Along with myself were 3 of my brothers. She looked up at us and said. "I am going to have to say good bye to you all, I love you and am so thankful for all you have done for me. I just want you to come and give me a hug good-bye. We were just stunned, I remember my brother saying "you want us to give you a hug Mom" and said shook her head yes. I went over to Mom and hugged her. She said I don't want to leave, but I have to.

We all got on the phone calling all the other siblings and grandchildren telling them to come, Mom wanted say good-bye. Most everyone got over to the house and she gave bits and pieces of advice. Talking about things she wanted and just being so loving to all of us.

The local church Priest came and gave her last rites at 9 that evening. After he told her a joke and she told him one right back. That was my Mom. She fell off to sleep after, many family members were still there. My niece who is a nurse was sitting on the bed and ask about her breathing. Told us she did not have long. At 11:20 she woke up and grabbed my hands looking at us, she passed from this life to Heaven.

It has been close to 6 months and I miss her so much it still aches my heart. I thank God, that I will see her again someday. Thank you Jesus.