More to say…
Mar 10th, 2008 by Kristi
Here is a link to the obituary we wrote for my mom. They misspelled ‘Milledgeville.’ This is not important to anyone whatsoever.
My mom died of muscular dystrophy, specifically a form called myotonic muscular dystrophy, which is usually an adult-onset form of the disease. Her father also died of MD. Her brother also has it, as does many of her cousins. Her case was particularly aggressive, she was diagnosed at the age of thirty and it took twenty-one years for the disease to reach the last stages. This is unusual. Many people with this form of the disease live into old age with little problems.
So the unanswered question is whether or not we, her four kids, inherited the disease. So far so good is the answer I have now. I believe my husband is going to make me get DNA testing when we get back to Idaho, just for everyone’s piece of mind. But I can do the yoga and the walking and the writing and the all-muscles-seem-to-be-functioning-just-fine things without any problems.
So…yeah. Surreal is the only word that comes to mind when discussing all of this. I’m back in San Antonio with my kids. We go back to Victoria tomorrow, and I will be executing great and varied measures to keep my kids from seeing my mom’s body. There may be actual moats and armored guards involved in this endeavor. I don’t know if the funeral home is crazy about me digging a moat, but I’m going to give it a shot.
Surreal. That’s all I’ve got. We’ve been crying and laughing and looking at pictures and marveling at the enormous amount of writing and drawing my mother did. Marveling. She stayed very busy, that mom of mine. Which is how I imagine I’d be in the same situation. Which is how I am right now, as I cope with all of the surreality going on here in Hometownland.
So there will be more to come. Don’t be surprised if I post stories of Ava embarrassing the family with outrageous exclamations during the funeral. She has a sense of pride over this occurrence, and is quick to share the news with strangers and friends alike.
Surreal. That’s the only word that applies.
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I’m so sorry Kristi. My condolences to you and your family.
Hey, Kristi. I’m so sorry.
Peace.
Just wanted to say I’m thinking of you. I’m so sorry for your loss.
Sweetie, I am so sorry… Sending you all of my love and support….
Today is the first day I found your site, and I’m sorry to hear about your loss. Your words about your mom are very sweet and inspiring…this part, especially, was exactly what I needed to hear to remind me of how to take care of myself today:
“We’ve been crying and laughing and looking at pictures and marveling at the enormous amount of writing and drawing my mother did. Marveling. She stayed very busy, that mom of mine.”
Thanks for sharing your experiences.
I’m so sorry. She sounds like a pretty terrific lady. Good luck in the upcoming days. Hang in there.
I’m so sorry for your loss.
We mourn with you in your loss.
blessings
chuck
The thing I hate about funerals and the whole…process… is how it comes and goes as if in one big gasp. But it is so sweet to be able to take time to look back on your Mom’s life through her writing and art. That’s a beautiful picture.
Thinking of you and your family….
I am crying for you and your beautiful family. I am so very sorry that crappy things happen to great people and I will keep you and Will and your kids and your sister and your whole family in my prayers. I hope that your kids help keep your mind away from the tragedy the way that mine have and that you have a peace that surpasses all understanding when you need it the most. If I can do ANYTHING for you, please call.
I’ve been lurking on your site for a while, and always love your insights. I’m hoping you all find peace within this sadness. Good for you to find and use the humor in your life to keep moving and living. It sounds like your mom has left you a great legacy in that ability. With distant mental hugs, Jen
i just caught up on your writing here and all you’re going through. i’m sorry. i’m so, so, sorry.
(((hugs)))
Oh, honey - I am so sorry about your mom’s passing. I am glad that you’re with friends and family, and going through the mourning process together. I think it helps to share it with other people who’ve been there for the ride as well.
I will be thinking of you…
I’m really sorry to hear this. My prayers are with you and your family.