Two Years Ago Today (not a surgiversary)

Two year ago today, in the wee hours - just after midnight, my mother passed away. She just took her last breath and was gone. My father, sister and I were all in the house. You see, she had suffered several strokes two weeks before and the hospital could do no more for her. She was so paralized (all but one hand) that rehab wouldn't have yielded much. They put a feeding tube into her nose and she pulled it out twice letting us know that she didn't not want any part of it. So with hospice's help, we took her home to die. It is still hard to write that. What does this have to do with WLS? To me, it has everything to do with it. Right after her death, I went to see my own doctor. I looked at her and said "I'm following in my mother's footsteps - I already have diabetes and high blood pressure. I have coronary artery disease and strokes coming. What can I do?" She suggested WLS. Rich (my fiance at the time) had WLS a month and a half before. I had thought about it for myself but not really seriously until this conversation with my doctor. My insurance didn't cover WLS so Rich and I got married a year earlier than planned to get me on his insurance and get the WLS ball rolling. We were married on November 22, 2004 which would have been my parents 52nd wedding anniversary if my mother had lived. Obviously we picked the day to honor my parents. Who gets married on a Monday anyway. LOL! My WLS had to wait for me to get added to the insurance and to get approved and to get back surgery done first. I remember getting the call about my surgery date. I didn't pick it but it was scheduled for May 20th, 2005. That day would have been my mother's 73rd birthday. I knew the date was meant to be. Here I am two years after her death, thinking about her. Thinking about how shocked she would be to see me now. I'm 121 lbs smaller than when she last saw me. As of yesterday for the first time ever as an adult, I weigh what I weighed in 8th grade 156 lbs (I'm actually 155 today). She would be shocked. She might even be concerned that I had lost too much. Imagine that. So, tonight I'm thinking of my journey over the past two years and thinking of my mom. Her loss, spirited me into getting a full life back. One of hope. One without diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea and hopefully without heart issues and strokes. Thank You Mom! I love you and I miss you! Your baby, Kathy

Kathy, I'm so sorry you're greiving for you mom tonight... I lost mine 13 years ago when I was 18. She died on her 52nd birthday. I think of her often and I know how hard it is. Even now, I miss her. I'm glad, though, that you've been able to honor your mother in such a special way, both by deciding to improve your health and then by doing it on her birthday. Your overwhelming success is a tribute to her and I know she's smiling down on you, wherever she is.

Kathy, That was beautiful, I know she would be so proud!

Kathy, you have made such great progress. We are all so proud of you here. Seems a special gift that you were given Rich and the comfort and encouragement and support of your sweetheart when your loss was so fresh. His example with wls and your doc's nudge with genetics not looking favorable...seem to be nuggets of gold. Look at you now! You are in my prayers daily and especially at this anniversary. I was just thinking of my Mom tonight as we drove home from dinner. My Down's syndrome brother in the back seat. He's having surgery tomorrow for a hernia. I was pondering and asking God if Mom could pray for him and me and our family. A lot of crisis lately. Seems like a 'Mommy hug' just about now would feel great. The same week my Mom passed away a lady from church picked me up for a Bible study. We became dear friends and now after 24 yrs. she is one of the dearest blessings in my life. She's maybe 8 yrs. my senior. My kids called her Grandma almost from the start and she is my 'Mommy person' . I called her this afternoon to cry on her shoulder about a daughter who has gone astray. What an inexpressable comfort. I pray for you such a treasure. None could ever replace our Mom's. Occasionally if we are double blessed he gives us a friend who has the knack to help fill up the 'hollow'. You gave a very lovely tribute. Mary

Sorry for your grief Kathy, but what a great job you've done of honoring your mother!!! It so blesses my heart to see someone who had a wonderful relationship with her mother. And for your surgery to work out to the DAY, how cool is that!!! I'm sure your mom was proud of you before - but now - WOW you'd blow her socks off with all your accomplishments in the past two years. Hugs, Laurie

Kathy, I am sure your mother was so proud of you your entire life, and as a mom, I can only imagine the joy she must feel that you have regained control over your health and body. Your memories of her will always bring you comfort. Thank you for sharing this memory with us. Debra M.