Late Friday evening, October 24th, having just four days earlier celebrated her 86th birthday, the cancer that had started a battle with her over 16 years ago, finally beat her.
She fought it as courageously as anyone ever has, and beat it for far more years than it beat her!
How did she do this?
From talking to her, family members, friends and personal observations I believe it was a number of things.
First of all, she had an amazingly positive attitude. She never doubted, until a terribly adverse reaction to her last chemo treatment, that she would win the fight.
I never heard her complain – never.
What I often did hear her express was how lucky she was.
A long, long life, with a lifetime mate for 64 years, four children, six grandchildren, one great-grandchild, a care-giver who has a place reserved in heaven, many, many friends, and a house she loved – what’s not to be grateful for?
She also believed she had the best doctors and medical treatments available.
My siblings and I agree that Dr. Peter Weiss, his staff, the BJC Hospice people, and everyone at The Siteman Cancer Center who contributed to her care, were the best.
She knew the hospital was the place to be for treating the cancer, but not for succumbing to it. Having lived in the same house for over 53 years, it’s the only place she wanted to be.
In the end, she, like my father, got her final wish, and died at home surrounded by family.
I’m lucky to have had her so long.
Fred
1 comment:
Just when I was succumbing to the tears, I saw that last pic. I love it. I'm sorry for your loss, but Fred is right - you were so lucky to have such a long time with her.
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