I have been reading some narratives and have been compelled to share mine. My name is Pat and I lost my mom to an aneurysm on Sept. 17, 1998. Actually, I should say August 29th because that was when I got the phone call that my mom was in the hospital and that she was in grave condition. She and my dad went out for a night on the town that ended tragically. Her aneurysm ruptured and she was rushed to the hospital, with little hope of survival.
Over many years, my mom complained of headaches, probably not as much as she actually experienced them. It was very common for her to pop a couple of aspirin or Tylenol. It was discovered a few years ago that she had an aneurysm but she and my dad decided against the surgery. The risks were just too great. As a result, my mom gradually began to lose her sight because of the pressure on her optic nerve.
You know, life is strange because the weeks before her rupture, my mom was about 75% blind and I wondered how she would ever handle being completely blind. She was not one to depend on others. And somehow, it would have been very painful to see her become dependent, knowing her spirit. God works in mysterious ways because 2 weeks before her rupture, my daughter celebrated her 1st birthday. My mother traveled from Barbados to make sure she was there for her only grandchild's big day. I think God granted her an extension to see that happen. And believe it or not, my daughter remembers her grandma when she sees her picture.
It has been over a year, and I am now pregnant with another child. It is a joy to have another life to help fill the void but the pain of my loss never really goes away. Even when I'm happy, there still seems to be something missing. I look back and I do feel blessed because my mom lived her life cheerfully and allowed her fate to be determined by God. If she had gone through with the operation, the chances were slim that she would have survived or been able to live to the degree that she did up until that fateful day.
For anyone who has lost a loved one to an aneurysm, it is a shock, whether you knew there was an aneurysm or not, because it strikes so unpredictably. One minute, the person is alive and well, the next minute, they are clinging on to dear life. At least I know my mom didn't suffer a long drawn out death. That I am very thankful for. And I know she did the best she could under the circumstances.
Left to mourn besides myself are my dad of 39 years, my brother, a granddaughter and countless others. We all miss her terribly, I don't think that would ever change.
To Mom -
I trust that you are with God. Thank you for your caring spirit and continue to be a part of our lives. Remember to look after your granddaughter and the grandchildren to come. We miss and love you.
Pat