On September 11th.  I said goodbye to the second mother in my life.

My beloved Mother-in-law went to join my mom in heaven.

She was the most wonderful woman and never, ever did I only consider or think of her as mother-in-law.   She was always my second mom.   Since my own mom passed away in 2005, she and I had developed an even deeper and loving relationship than before.  I accompanied her to all of her doctors appointments and tests and went each day to give her her insulin shots.  Something I never thought I would be able to do but because she asked it of me I learned.  I learned to do many things that I never thought I could.  I never could stand the sight of blood but with her I found that it didn't bother me because she needed me.  I held her arm while they drew blood and bathed her and just loved her.

The family gathered in her room and there was never so much love in one place.   Each loving her and wanting to be near her in her final hours.   I sat on her bed and held her hand and all I could think was how blessed I had been to have had her in my life.    They say that they can hear you even though outwardly there are no signs of it.   So, I talked to her and told her how very much I loved her and how much her returned love had meant to me for the last 40 years.  How she had always been there in times of joy and sorrow.   How many babies she had rocked with her gentle hands. 

She had been in the ICU on a ventilator again for the second time in three months.  Like two years ago, the family who could travel home did and we again spent around the clock with her.   Then she began to improve and she was moved  to the step down unit.  All was well for one night.  Then we got a call early the morning of the 11th and they told us we were needed right away.  When we arrived she was having a very hard time breathing but she and dad had talked already and decided that she did not want to be put back on life support.  So, we gathered in her room and just filled it with love.  The hospital staff were wonderful and gave us the space we needed but also gave us the support that we wanted.  A stranger came in from the room next door and just asked if she could pray for her.   She attracted people because of her loving nature.  All I could do was sit and hold her hand and tell her how very much she was loved.   Those out of town called on the phone and we held the phone to her ear.   We can't know how much she heard but each in turn told her of their love.   Gently she was taken from us and delivered into the arms of God.

I miss her.  There are times I just want to call and talk to her.  It is extremely hard to go to see dad because I see her still sitting in her chair and then she isn't there.  It seems I've lost so many of those that are the closest to me in the last short while.  But this was the second mother that I have lost.  It hurts.   I am an extremely strong person but this one has really thrown me for a loop.   Is I have come to you.  The place I can unload my feelings and feel the calm and peace that this place gives me.  She was a blessing in my life.

Thank you for being there......again.

Evelyn