Friends, 

We didn't know until noon the day before that she could not recover.  Her oncologist was less than forthcoming.  The director of Oncology at the Hospital who cared very much for Mom phoned us that morning and told us over the phone that it was time for Hospice.  To please come in and see her.  So the Dr was very kind in her delivery, but I explained to her that she was dying, that we were going to bring her home, no more tests, no more treatments, no more doctors, just Chris and I with her at home.  There was no hesitation that this was her wish.  Naturally, her first thoughts were of Donna, and how worried she would be about how this would hurt her.  Always, always, always thinking of others, always.

There is much to do to return this place into a home to live in from its current long term function as a hospital.  If people are in need of medical supplies, or incontinence size small briefs, please let us know, as was the case from the beginning, you have all been so so generous.  One of the small but defining things about Mom was each time she was able to hear about the people asking about her, donating to her care, praying for her; each and every time she was overcome with honest shock and gratitude, what an unbelievable honor she felt to receive such overwhelming generosity.  So humble, so beautiful inside, she radiated hope and love like the sun, never aware of her gift to positively lift others.  Mom never met a stranger, and no one can ever say a bad word about her.  That is some legacy.

We are fortunate to have an abundance of loving family and close friends around us now, to help us through this incredibly painful time.  This past year has been so hard for all, and so all consuming for us, that we've yet to think clearly about much. I promise that as decisions are made regarding any mass or memorial we will share it with all of you, but we just aren't ready for any of that yet.

In the mean time, the stream of photographs posted bring us such joy; please share any you have by any means you have.  You can text them to me on her phone 561-301-2722 if that is easiest, or send them to my email: specialfeature1234@gmail.com.  God be with us all.

Dawn-Marie & Chris