My Mother passed away 20 days short of her 65th Birthday.
She was a complex woman who suffered the physical ailments of Friedreich's Ataxia(FA); a rare, debilitating, life shortening, degenerative neuro-muscular disease.
Since her death in April of 2013, the thing that saddens me most is that I have come to know and understand her better after death than in her living years. To understand with a greater sensitivity and depth the extent of her emotional intensity and physical suffering.
She was a Daughter, Sister, Wife, Mother, Grandma, Aunt and Friend.
Born to two Alcoholic Parents while a teen she lost her Mother to Cancer and had to take on her Mother's responsibilities for her 4 Brothers and Father; one of her Brothers being Blind as well as Physically and Mentally Disabled, she became his Caretaker. Then as a Newlywed in her early 20's being diagnosed with a rare disease.
As a Wife she and her Husband were blessed with 3 Children; 2 Daughters and 1 Son, and later 7 Grandchildren. They were married 43years; 'til death do us part'.
Also suffering many tragic events in her life. Having to send one of her Brothers to prison for molesting her only Son. She watched her Oldest Daughter and Son turn to drugs and recklessness. She spent many years raising a Granchild. She sat through every court hearing and arraingment while her Son was arrested and sent to prison. She even suffered the heart ache of losing a child; her first-born and Mother to 4.
She woke up daily only to realize her body was prematurely aging and crippling more and more day after day. She dealt often with selfish, insensitive people being annoyed that she was either in their way or not moving fast enough, and at times thinking she was drunk due to her staggered walk and slurred speech.
She was strong for many reasons.
Stronger than I ever gave her credit for. Strong enough to defy all the doctors predictions. She is now a history maker! Surely to be mentioned as a subject in future medical journals. Surviving almost 7 years beyond the previous oldest woman with FA(being diagnosed early) who was only 58. She did it! She surpassed life expectancy.
She lived through, and dealt with, a lot.
She was strong!!
Miss you more than I ever thought I would. :(
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