Journal entry by Nicki Upson —
Hello everyone. It is with great sadness that I tell you that our mom died yesterday at 3:30 pm. Although alert on her birthday and Sunday and able to watch the videos you had sent in, she slipped in and out of consciousness on Monday and began some labored breathing early on Tuesday morning. We were able to keep her comfortable throughout the day, and with David, the caregivers, and I by her side, she decided it was time to go. Right before she drew her last breath, she smiled and then was on her way. Although David and I are devastated by the loss, we are grateful she went quickly and seemed peaceful and in no pain.
I don't need to tell you all what kind of person Linda was. You all experienced her kind, generous, unique spirit, and quick wit whenever you were with her. Her infectious personality had us all smiling and laughing until the end. Each day I would go over to see her and I would ask, "Hi Mom. How are you doing today?" She would say "Good!" followed by a big smile. She possessed unwavering optimism. She was touched by so many of you, and her ability to make and maintain relationships with her friends was a quality I admired. In her ten and a half month time here on the CaringBridge website she had over 7,400 visits from people following her progress. I was astonished by the outpouring of love as flowers and cards continued to stream in over these last months. David and I thank you for the showering of affection and your deep friendships.
The loss of our mother is one that is difficult to stomach. We have lost our mother, and what a mother she was! We have lost our best friend, our supporter, and our biggest fan. We will miss her terribly, yet we are comforted knowing what a glorious life she led. She battled cancer and our minds didn't lose. She faced it with remarkable courage and dignity. She didn't let the diagnosis stand in her way or rob her of what she enjoyed. She continued to want to live life, spending it with you all going to her regular social gatherings. David and I were able to spend a lot of time with her and will hold dear the times we had this last year and the trip we were able to take her on to San Diego.
David and I can't express in words the gratitude we have for the parent she was and all that she taught us and gave us. One of the hospice people told my mom she got an "A" in parenting, and David exclaimed, "An A+." She lives on in us, and our hearts, although hurting, are filled with thankfulness and joy that we had the distinct privilege of calling her "Mom."
Given the state of the world with the Covid-19 virus, we are unable at this time to have a gathering of more than ten people for a memorial service or visitation. This saddens David and me, as her legacy is in all the people whose lives she has touched and that love her. We want to be able to share in remembering her extraordinary life with you, her friends. At this time, we are trying to figure out how to do that and will post here on CaringBridge what and when we will be able to have a larger gathering. In this post, we wanted you to know that she has transitioned to life beyond death.
So, please continue to look here on CaringBridge for when a large memorial or celebration of life ceremony may take place.
Thanks for all the continued support and prayers.
Love,
Nicki and DavidOne last note: Those of you who are close to my mom know how much she loved her caregivers. They were here from the time she came home from surgery last July until her death. They were with her 24 hours a day, not only providing our mom with excellent care but also giving of their friendship. Linda often had the caregivers laughing, and they all fell in love with our mom's smile. Our gratitude for their services runs very deep as we could not have made it through the last year without them. It takes a unique and special type of person to care for people that are dying. My mom had the pleasure of getting to know: Kelli, Alicia, Peggy, Tiffany, Tabitha, and Misha over the last year. The compassion, patience, and expert care my mom received from them are worthy of recognition. Unfortunately, in the last couple of months, two of their clients have passed away, and they are looking for a new person to assist. If you need help of any kind that is health-related please call: Kelli Tubbs (513) 546-1382 at Renaissance Care Associates, LLC. David and I can't recommend her and her team of caregivers enough!
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