GRIEF AND PASSING............

“I’ve learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.

I’ve learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights.

I’ve learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you’ll miss them when they’re gone from your life.

I’ve learned that making a “living” is not the same thing as making a “life.”

I’ve learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance.

I’ve learned that you shouldn’t go through life with a catcher’s mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw something back.

I’ve learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision.

I’ve learned that even when I have pains, I don’t have to be one.

I’ve learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back.

I’ve learned that I still have a lot to learn.

I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. ”

These words are by one of my favorite poets Maya Angelou. they seem appropriate for the moment.

I was awakened this morning by a phone call from thedaughters best friend, crying hysterically, that her mother had passed away during the night. I immediately called thedaughter in from her overnight backyard tent stay - and she headed down to the house right away.

Thedaughter has been running all day, assisting with the needs of the family, she made a huge pan of rigatoni's, shopped for a blouse for this woman, and generally kept everything moving smoothly.

The tragedy here is this woman was only 47 years old, and diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's disease only 8 months ago. The doctors at that time told her she had 2-5 years, as the disease hit with a massive force. She immediately lost her ability to speak and breathing issues were present. She was a good mother and grandmother to her a little 5 year old boy - I would say she was an overly GOOD mother. This woman made life way too easy for her children, that standing on their own may be difficult. But one thing I don't believe she wanted (as I agree) was to be a burden on her family.

The family as a whole, walked a path of uncertainty with this disease. Having to learn how to address the care of a feeding tube and the breathing problems.

One looks at a passing in so many different ways. I feel that a good woman is now at rest and no longer suffering. The family has so much to deal with in the coming days and all we can do is - BE HERE!

It's been a very long day, the sun will rise tomorrow and more will have to be dealt with....but for now - Lisa, rest peacefully!