I know I don’t share a lot of personal stuff on this blog, but felt like it today. Today is the 10th anniversary of my Mom’s death. I can’t believe it’s already been 10 years. I don’t remember having a lot of hard times with my moms that other teenagers have. The only time I was “embarrassed” by her, or to have her around was when I was with my husband’s family. The only reason I felt that way was because my Mom and Sister were more open about things than Charlie’s family and I was afraid they’d say something to embarrass me. Anyway, I had a great time growing up with my mom. She was my Girl Scout leader all the way through. We camped all the time. She loved taking me to the zoo (which I’m pretty sure this picture was at the zoo.) She LOVED Charlie. It’s so sad that she didn’t get to be there for our wedding. She was able to see my wedding dress before she died, because I picked it out probably 2 yrs before we got married. My mom loved nature and wildlife. We had a pet raccoon for a while and it was like her little dog. Rosie followed her around everywhere. When my sister became a single parent, before my nephew was even born, Mom helped raise Tommy in our house. He became more of a little brother than a nephew. Mom was always there for everyone and was very active in Church. She was on the Church council and was in the choir and taught Sunday school.
My mom wasn’t healthy, though. When I was in 8th grade, I started to realize just how unhealthy she was. My mom pushed and pushed for me to be confirmed in the Lutheran faith. About a week before my confirmation she had to go to the hospital. She ended up having a triple bypass surgery and missed my confirmation. She also had diabetes while I was growing up. My guess is she had gestational diabetes that turned into full-blown diabetes. All four of her babies were late and around 10lbs. Unfortunately, no matter how sick she’d get, she wouldn’t change her eating habits and take care of herself. By the time we moved to Florida she was on dialysis. About six months after starting dialysis she started getting these mysterious bruises. She went to the doctor and told us it was some kind of problem with Calcium and that she should not drink milk or eat bananas anymore. That’s all she told us about it and still continued to eat Calcium rich foods. One day she fell out of bed and hit her head. My sister had her taken to the hospital. That was my mom’s last trip in. I went to visit her and I knew something was wrong. They had a nurse staying in her room with her the whole time and she just didn’t seem right. (She didn’t hit her head that hard!) I called the doctor to find out what was going on. He told me she had Calciphylaxis and didn’t have very long to live. He gave us 6 months if we kept her on dialysis and a few weeks if we took her off. We decided to keep her on. The doctor was wondering why we weren’t in there visiting more often and I told him that we had no idea it was serious! Mom didn’t tell us she was dying. From that phone call everything became a fog. I missed a lot of work and couldn’t face anything. I couldn’t even get up the courage to tell my sister. A couple days later I ran into my sister in the hospital and we looked at each other. We both realized the other knew. It was time to call our brother and let him know. Mike made arrangements to come down on that Sunday. Charlie got a call Friday (we’re still not sure how the hospital called him) telling him that it was the end and we should come be with her. So my sister, nephew, Charlie and I went in and we each individually said our goodbyes and then were all there to be with her as she passed. My brother didn’t make it in time. We had no idea it would be so fast. All of this took place within 1 WEEK!
I think of my Mom all the time. I’ve been showing my kids pictures of her a lot lately and tell them how much their Grandma would love them and spoil them. So today while I get ready for Brandcation, I’ll be thinking of my mom and probably spending a good amount of time crying.
I’m not going to share the nastiness of calciphylaxis, but if you want to look it up, there’s some info on Wikipedia. It’s a hardening of the arteries with calcium.
Jahira says
Paula, from your post I can tell your mom was a very nice, intelligent good lady, and she did not want her kids to suffer (This is why she did not tell you). I’m so sorry she is not here fiscally and can only imagine what you feel, remember that she is here in spirit and she is looking over you and your family. I’m sure she is very proud of you and your accomplishments, keep strong and keep showing your kids what is family all about.
Lisa @ljenator says
OH sweetie! I’m so sorry. So much to have to process for you guys, and I agree with Jahira – she probably didn’t want to tell you because she wanted you to live your life like she was alive, not like she was dying.
Sending you lots of love today!!!!
<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3
Kim @ What's That Smell? says
Wow this must be such a time of year for you. I can’t imagine…
The raccoon picture made me laugh because at first I thought it was a dog.
She’s always with you, clearly…and your kids will learn a lot about her from your memories.
Maryann says
Paula, I always read your blogs, but rarely comment. You mom sounded like a wonderful woman. I am sorry that she is not able to be with you anymore, but know she is looking down on you from above. I am sure she is glowing with pride at how wonderful her daughter turned out. Big hugs!
Sam says
I’m so sorry you lost your Mom. She sounds like she was a great woman and you had a good childhood growing up with her. You have given her a beautiful tribute.
nicole says
It sounds to me like your mother lived a full life (as brief as it may have been) it was full of love, her children and the things that were important to her. I’m sorry she can’t be there to share the joys of being a grandparent and see what an amazing mom you’ve become, but I’m sure she knows.
Katie says
Lots of hugs for you, Paula. I’m so sorry for your loss. I’m so glad you had a good relationship with your mom. And I love the photo of her with the raccoon – what a neat pet!
Andrea @ The Creative Junkie says
This post really hit home for me, considering that my father recently had a stroke and I thought I was going to lose him. I’ve never lost a loved one before and I was totally unprepared for the depth of sadness I was feeling.
He survived and while it will be slow going, I’m hopeful that he’ll fully recover.
I’m so sorry about your mom, Paula. 🙁
Beeb Ashcroft says
Oh, Paula, huge hugs to you. I can empathize because my mom passed away 7 years ago, so I know how it feels when it’s the anniversary of that day. (((HUGS)))
TRICIA @ nightowlmama says
Hugs Your mom sounds like she was a wonderful person. He always takes the good ones. My hubby lost his mom 2 months after we married.
it’s so hard. Prayers and hugs to you that you find comfort in your memories.