She Could Not Blink Her Eyes

by wjw on September 2, 2008

My mother passed away peacefully this evening, age 92. I was with her.

Five weeks ago, she was living independently in her own home. Whatever happened to her— there are symptoms but no diagnosis— happened fast. It was a relief that she didn’t linger.

I have already written a tribute to her here.

I have a vast and angry rant about the American health care system, but this is neither the time nor the place.

aprice2704 September 2, 2008 at 4:43 am

“We die because we are born”

is the only comfort I can offer.

Best wishes
Andy

tcastleb September 2, 2008 at 5:00 am

I’m glad you were able to be there. My condolences.

John D. September 2, 2008 at 5:57 am

You have my deepest condolences, Walter.

John Joseph Adams September 2, 2008 at 12:37 pm

Very sorry to hear that, Walter. My condolences.

mindseas September 2, 2008 at 12:45 pm

What sad news. You have my condolences.

Bonnie

Rebecca S. September 2, 2008 at 1:07 pm

Much sympathy to you and yours, Walter.

Anonymous September 2, 2008 at 3:24 pm

Walter, I’m so sorry. You wrote so movingly of your mother. My deepest condolences.

–Deborah Roggie

idiotgrrl September 2, 2008 at 7:11 pm

OH, Walter, I am very sorry to hear that. May she rest in peace.

Thai September 2, 2008 at 8:18 pm

I know how painful it is…

Fond thoughts of support from across the electonic ether

Kelly September 2, 2008 at 8:36 pm

I am sorry Walter, very sorry for your loss.

Laurie Mann September 2, 2008 at 10:01 pm

I’m sorry for your loss.

If ranting about the “healthcare” system helps you (and anyone else), I hope you’ll do so.

halojones-fan September 2, 2008 at 11:18 pm

“It was a relief that she didn’t linger.”

In general, this is about the only comfort you can find in these situations. The only thing worse than being dead is being nearly dead.

Don’t rant about the American health care system until you’ve experienced all the others–to the same extent that you experienced this one. What you’ll find is that every system is awful, albeit unique in their awfulness.

Ken Houghton September 3, 2008 at 2:54 am

Condolences on her death, and glory for her 92 years.

She survived (short list): a major flu epidemic, (most of) two “World Wars,” two major floods that destroyed much of Louisiana, long enough to see a moon landing, long enough to see a generation that has never known a moon landing, and a multitude of other strange events, including Princess Grace, a Hungarian water polo team, Vaclav Havel and the Velvet Underground, and Kenyatta to Mandela to Desmond Tutu.

As the villain says in the first Indiana Jones history, “This, this is history.”

Maureen McHugh September 3, 2008 at 3:23 am

Thinking of you, Walter.

Zora September 3, 2008 at 8:34 am

How wretched for you. I’m sorry.

Stacy September 3, 2008 at 11:09 am

Please accept my sympathies.

Dave Bishop September 3, 2008 at 7:06 pm

My deepest condolences, Walter. the tribute to your mother, that you posted recently, was very moving.

McGarry September 3, 2008 at 9:50 pm

Walter, please accept my sympathies. I just re-read your post of August 1, and was again filled with admiration for a woman I never met.

slymongoose September 4, 2008 at 2:33 am

I want to reach out and extend my electronic sympathies to you and Kathy.

Losing your Mother is awfully painful, no matter how prepared you think you are for it.

If you need anything, please don’t hesitate to ask.

HUGS,
Nan

Responsible Artist September 4, 2008 at 2:55 am

I’m sorry, Walter.

You’re a good son.

Les

Nadine September 4, 2008 at 3:34 am

My condolences.

dubjay September 4, 2008 at 6:53 am

Thank you all for your concern.

Now I am dealing with all the bureaucracy involved in the death of a loved one. It is enough to make one testy.

blacklin September 7, 2008 at 7:12 pm

I read your original post about your mother. Thank you for sharing.

My father passed away last October at age 64 from kidney cancer. This October will be the first anniversary of his passing.

Losing a parent is a horrible thing. If there is anything that I can do, please let me know.

Michael Bernstein September 20, 2008 at 1:13 am

I wish I had seen this sooner. My condolences.

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