Journal entry by Andy Paterson —
Hello friends and family - many of you have reached out to ask about my mom and dad, or Nana and Papa, as many of you know them. Between hurricanes and COVID 19 there has been plenty of reason for concern. My regular visits to Wilmington, NC had stopped due to the pandemic and my sometimes daily phone chats were not cutting it. My parents were increasingly needing to rely on local emergency services to help them when they were stuck somewhere in the house or sometimes even their car. My dads mobility has been significantly impacted by his 91-year old knees, which barely hold him up these days and make daily activities difficult for him to do.
My mom, who has always run the house, even during the times when she had a full time job, kept everything going with a smile. She had some recent challenges with heart arithmia but found a way to medically keep that in check too.
This amazing woman, who we all love dearly, has finally met her match. Two weeks ago mom was diagnosed with advanced stage ovarian cancer, which has already begun to spread in her body. At the age of 87 she does not want to treat it and has instead chosen hospice care at home. Now is the time to care for mom as she has cared for so many of us. Between me, my sister Ava, and the local hospice team in Wilmington, we are keeping her as comfortable as possible in the time we have left with her.
You are all dear friends and family whose presence has enriched our lives. The wonderful memories we share from our many gatherings give us all some peace in this difficult time.
I will use this site to keep you updated. Please feel free to send mom and dad a note. Their address is 206 Granada Avenue, Wilmington NC 28409. My cell is 303-588-1487.
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