My mother, Arlene Thomson, had an extensive back surgery July 18, 2019.  She had been unable to walk and in constant, debilitating pain.  The eight-hour surgery was a huge success but, as a complication while in a rehab facility, her lungs developed an inflammation and she was transferred to ICU, where she remains. 

The rotating team of doctors have not been able to determine a cause for the respiratory malady, and her needs for oxygen increased daily, eventually requiring her to need a ventilator...life support.  The ventilator could only be used for a maximum for two weeks because of damage to the windpipe.  The only alternative, once the breathing tube was removed, was a tracheotomy that would be needed for weeks or months, or forever.  Given that terrible choice, late last night, my mother bravely decided to have the ventilator removed, with no tracheotomy, knowing that she would die.  She is in that process now.  

Arlene Thomson is a wonderful, guileless person.  She loved her family and friends, her art, gardening, and her beloved desert house.  I do not know how I will survive when she is gone, I'll miss her so.  I welcome your own thoughts and memories of her. 

Kelly Palin