Next Friday, November 30, my family will host a memorial reception in honor of my mother, who passed away on October 10. This will be at Community Church at Chaffee Crossing, 1900 Church Street, Barling, Arkansas 72923. Please join us and feel free to come and go any time between 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Mom's obituary will run in this Sunday's Southwest Times Record.
Friday, November 23, 2012
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Autopsy
In terms of uplifting and day-brightening blog post titles, I'm not sure this one is a winner.
But a fact.
And who do you know that carries around death certificates in her work bag for a week? That'd be me.
For those of you who don't already know, the coroner officially deemed "smoke and soot inhalation" as the cause of my mother's death. Contributing to her death, the coroner listed "congestive heart failure" and "hypertensive arteriosclerotic vascular disease." Now that may not sound like good news to you; in fact, it was a surprise to me because our family didn't know mom struggled with these health issues. But this revelation coupled with the what we already knew of her declining health--multiple diabetic maladies and recovery from a broken hip earlier this year--brings comfort to me.
It explains why my mother only made it about six feet before collapsing once the grease fire broke out. She was apparently cooking chicken on the stovetop. Her walker was fourish feet away at the sink. She made it to the dining table, trying for the back door. It also comforts me to know she did not suffer long. Her body with those health struggles could not sustain life very long at all.
The complete autopsy--as far as I know--is not yet released. I suppose some of the testing takes a bit.
But some closure is better than no closure. For that, I'm thankful.
But a fact.
And who do you know that carries around death certificates in her work bag for a week? That'd be me.
For those of you who don't already know, the coroner officially deemed "smoke and soot inhalation" as the cause of my mother's death. Contributing to her death, the coroner listed "congestive heart failure" and "hypertensive arteriosclerotic vascular disease." Now that may not sound like good news to you; in fact, it was a surprise to me because our family didn't know mom struggled with these health issues. But this revelation coupled with the what we already knew of her declining health--multiple diabetic maladies and recovery from a broken hip earlier this year--brings comfort to me.
It explains why my mother only made it about six feet before collapsing once the grease fire broke out. She was apparently cooking chicken on the stovetop. Her walker was fourish feet away at the sink. She made it to the dining table, trying for the back door. It also comforts me to know she did not suffer long. Her body with those health struggles could not sustain life very long at all.
The complete autopsy--as far as I know--is not yet released. I suppose some of the testing takes a bit.
But some closure is better than no closure. For that, I'm thankful.
Sunday, November 4, 2012
Family from the Funeral
On October 17--my mother's birthday, no less--my family gathered to pay respects to my mother's memory. Sadly, it seems, only major events like funerals, weddings, and births get us together anymore. But something is better than nothing. I absolutely treasured the time spent. Here are a few (well, a ton) snapshots to share:
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Halloween Numero Dos
It's the second Halloween in Anna's little life. Too bad she didn't get to trick-or-treat this year. Sniff, sniff. An ear infection ruined our fun. (And I was planning on eating all her chocolate. Fail.)
But don't cry too many tears. She DID get to dress up in her OU cheerleader outfit for music class yesterday. And she doesn't even like sweets so no disappointment there (for HER anyway; I'm still pouting about all the Twix bars I'm forfeiting). Here she is singing a musical tune:
This is really what I saw most of music class, that is, when she wasn't plastered to my shoulder. This was earlier in the day, pre-ear infection diagnosis. Thus, why we decided to skip the festivities tonight. As you can see from the pic, the fun was touch and go.
Yes, that's my daughter in the back . . . the one picking her nose. Sigh.
Buddies. Giving each other "the look." "So, your mom dressed you up like a fool too, eh?"
Yes, don't adjust your glasses, contacts, or your screen. That's me--and Anna--on a horse. You can thank the wonderful Ms. Lisa for this. :-) We joined her at a fall festival; and somehow I got talked into a horse ride with the wee one. It was fun, and I enjoyed entertaining the audience with my graceful on-and-off the horse routine.
Anna was enthralled with "toss the tennis ball" here. She also played a few rounds of bean-bag toss, go fish, and the pick a duck. She loved it!
Happy Halloween from the Youree cowgirls!
Monday, October 29, 2012
More School Shots
No, no, not needles, silly. Pictures.
I actually loaded these pictures weeks ago but never got around to adding text. Better late than never, right? The sandals have been replaced with socks and the sleeveless is not a long-sleeved shirt. But maybe not for long; supposed to have highs in the 80s later this week.
The girl loves her lunchbox, er bag. And she carries it with her arm up the entire way. This is how she rolls every Friday for school.
Here is her class minus Hannah.
Her cubby she shares with Gabe from the 2's class.
Friday school has been a big treat for Anna. She loves it more than I want to admit. :-) This last Friday, she was able to glue construction paper onto a paper plate. Time. of. her. life. Yay for Fridays!
Saturday, October 27, 2012
God Moves in a Mysterious Way
God moves in a mysterious way
His wonders to perform;
He plants his footsteps in the sea,
And rides upon the storm.
Deep in unfathomable mines
Of never-failing skill,
He treasures up his bright designs,
And works his sov'reign will.
His purposes will ripen fast,
Unfolding ev'ry hour;
The bud may have a bitter taste
But sweet will be the flow'r.
Blind unbelief is sure to err,
And scan his work in vain;
God is his own interpreter,
And he will make it plain.
Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take;
The clouds ye so much dread
Are big with mercy and shall break
In blessings on your head.
Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,
But trust him for his grace;
Behind a frowning providence
He hides a smiling face.
-William Cowper
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Chris Is Discharged
Not really his home, but my sister's. Why? Because Chris doesn't live in Nashville.
For those of you confused or just tuning in, let me catch you up:
Our mother died in a house fire on October 5 in Van Buren, Arkansas. My brother Chris lived with her but was not at home during the blaze accident. On October 16 & 17, we had services for her in East Tennessee. My brother drove there. He was limping due to pain in his right foot. My husband even checked out his foot on Tuesday. The would was still there but did not appear to be infected.
On Chris' trip back to Arkansas, he stopped in Nashville where my sister lives to stay the night. The next morning he awoke with his foot in much worse shape.
The rest follows in this order: urgent care clinic, ER, admitted, surgery, four-day stay, discharged yesterday, horrible night at Tina's house with vomiting and pain.
The surgeon said it should take around a month to heal if all goes well. He has an open would that home health services is treating every other day; and my sweet sister is changing otherwise. He goes back to doctor on Wednesday for a follow-up appointment. How long he will stay in Nashville is not yet certain, but could possibly be a month.
For those of you confused or just tuning in, let me catch you up:
Our mother died in a house fire on October 5 in Van Buren, Arkansas. My brother Chris lived with her but was not at home during the blaze accident. On October 16 & 17, we had services for her in East Tennessee. My brother drove there. He was limping due to pain in his right foot. My husband even checked out his foot on Tuesday. The would was still there but did not appear to be infected.
On Chris' trip back to Arkansas, he stopped in Nashville where my sister lives to stay the night. The next morning he awoke with his foot in much worse shape.
The rest follows in this order: urgent care clinic, ER, admitted, surgery, four-day stay, discharged yesterday, horrible night at Tina's house with vomiting and pain.
The surgeon said it should take around a month to heal if all goes well. He has an open would that home health services is treating every other day; and my sweet sister is changing otherwise. He goes back to doctor on Wednesday for a follow-up appointment. How long he will stay in Nashville is not yet certain, but could possibly be a month.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)