I wish it were happier tidings I was posting since I haven't in a while. There have been many happy events including my first Europe trip on the BBJ since I last clicked away, but it would seem tonight is not that night.
Earlier today my brother called me greatly concerned about our mom whom he has been caring for nearly daily for the last couple of months. Her health has been steadily declining since she had to quit working a year or so ago. Four days ago he noted a sudden change in her daily routine - essentially that she stopped smoking (which she had done all her life) and didn't have a single drop of Scotch (also a constant in her life and where I developed my love of the spirit). She also quit eating and my brother had a hard time getting her to take even a little food. He was going to take her into the emergency room and see what the doctors could do to help get her back on an even keel.
This morning while making plans and arrangements to get her to the hospital tonight or in the morning, he showed her pictures of my sister and her 2 kids noting that she smiled and nodded in seeming recognition. He had also been talking to her about what I was up to with my flying. Later in the day he had to go run a couple quick errands before taking her into the hospital. She was fine and napping when he left. When he got home she had apparently gotten up to use the restroom and while on the toilet, put her right arm on the bathroom counter and laid her head down on it as if to take a nap. She apparently passed there and that is where my brother came home to find her. In retrospect, we think she may have had a mini stroke 4 days ago and may have had one tonight that took her.
In some ways I suppose that if she was going to pass anyway, she got to pass in the peace of her home instead of some hospital with a bunch of needles and tubes everywhere.
Mom was never long on ceremony and had always said that if she were "in a bad way, no heroic efforts. Just let me go."
We haven't made any arrangements yet and are all still in various states of shock and mourning. Most likely we will cremate her and have a nice memorial for her. She had stated many times that she wanted a New Orleans Jazz Funeral and that "you kids are to make sure that everyone has a bottle and has a great time."
Count on it mom.
It is my fervent hope and belief that she is now at peace and happy in the next life. I have prayed for her gentle transition through to the summer lands and boy will they have their hands full with the fireball that is my moms spirit.
So raise a glass my friends and toast a wonderful Lady, who loved her family, gave all that she had and then some to help them in times of need, was fiercely loyal and protective of her children, and whom is largely responsible for the success I am today.
Hail and Farewell my Honored Mother.
Nora Jean Sims Ferdon
January 17, 1932 - July 14, 2008
Leave a comment