"I gained new insight into the love I had for her.  My mother had given me so much, way beyond her life in this world."

But, then modern medicine stepped in and with tiny cameras, angioplasty, a stent, some electrical shock treatment, all were declared successful. She was then sent home after five nights in the hospital. There was every reason to believe that this would be a quick recovery, perhaps no more than with a case of the flu or a bad cold. Everyone, including her doctors, was optimistic.

Then, the unthinkable happened. On New Year’s Eve, December 31, 2003, Our Lord quickly and unexpectedly took this woman, my mother. I couldn’t believe what had happened. I felt so very terrible for my loss. In fact, I was surprised how really terrible I felt. But, I remember thinking that I felt good because I felt so bad. I loved my mother very much, but I had no idea how much until her death affected me so deeply. I gained new insight into the love I had for her. My mother had given me so much, way beyond her life in this world. She taught me how to look at things positively, to try things, to strive, to improve, learn, grow and, yes, to obsess about some of the small stuff. I used to love to tell people how proud I was of my mother who was computer literate (she designed all her greeting cards on her computer and regularly exchanged e-mails with her grandchildren), an avid swimmer and an enthusiastic Bridge player.

I was with my mother before she died. I drove up to her Milwaukee home to deliver some soup, stew and rolls Bonnie had made. We had a great meeting. We talked about all the things a mother and son should talk about. The last thing we did was hug, kiss and express our love for each other. Mom was a person of strong faith and deep spirituality so there is no doubt in my mind that she is now basking in the love of Our Lord for all eternity.

How do people deal with death and illness without faith? My friend, Norb, believes they distract themselves with the noise and pleasures of this earth. They just don’t think about it. They refuse to deal with their mortality.

Mom had told me in the hospital that if God wanted her she was ready — although she hoped for more time because she was having so much fun. I was fortunate that there was nothing left unsaid between us. I had another great lesson reinforced, don’t take your loved ones for granted. Make sure they know that you are proud of them and love them, and tell it to them as often as you can because you just never know when you or they will be taken.

Sincerely,