This past week, I found out that one of my favorite doctor's mother has recently passed away, and that has affected me deeply.  Probably more deeply than it should have, but, I'm sure that's due to the recent "close calls" I've had with my own mother and her serious illnesses.

She writes beautifully about her mother on her blog on her website, www.deborahafritzmd.com   I found myself leaving the room to get a tissue, then, returning to read some more.   Leaving to get another tissue.   Coming back to continue reading.    Finally, I just brought the whole box into where I had the computer sitting!   

Much of what she writes about the way she feels, I can relate to,so well, because, I was so right on the edge of all of that, just a few short months ago, and so afraid of going back there again.
She mentions going to church alone.  I've often wondered about that feeling, myself.  How it would feel to sit in "Our Pew" …alone.    Well, I don't have to have that worry, anymore, as my duties at church have changed, and I'm now running the sound system and have to be at the back of the church. I miss sitting next to Mom every Sunday, but, I love music, and I love my new duties with the sound system, and, now, I get to watch her sway gently from side to side with the music, which is almost as nice as sitting next to her and hearing her sing.

She writes about finding it hard to breathe or even move...I've known both of those feelings, as well.  I can remember walking past the nurses station, feeling just as she had said, not able to breathe, and intentionally not making eye contact, because, they were always whispering when I'd walk by. I found out later they were comparing "all of the sisters" and they were saying that I was "the tall, thin one who looked most like my mom."  They are so wrong! I look exactly like my dad! And, I'm anything but tall! Tall, compared to my sisters, maybe, but, that's about it!

I've been finding myself taking long walks, lost in deep thought, not even knowing how long I've been gone, or even where I've been, I've been so preoccupied with this, this week.  I can't possibly know the depth of her pain. I've been close to it, but, not there. And, yet, she's going to work every day, listening to people complain and helping them, and doing it all with a smile on her face, even though her heart is broken. She is such a strong woman. I truly admire her. My heart just really aches for this lady. And, this just hit way too close to home.  

I would also like to take a minute to apologize to everyone for not keeping up with my artwork or anyone else's, lately. I really have no excuses, other than exhaustion.  I've just been really, really tired, lately.  I'm not having to take care of Mom as much, she's doing really well on her own, although, she did injure herself just a few days ago, so, that's a new worry that we're keeping a close eye on.   I've just not been out doing anything with my camera, other than work photos for the newspaper.   I'm really hoping for a better second half of the year.

And, now, for some really exciting news! My good friend, Franscesca, , is training for a marathon and has asked my permission to run it in my honor!    How awesome is that?!     Please visit her page and show her some love She has my total admiration for several reasons.  For one thing, she's a Veterinarian.  Such a tough, yet rewarding job.  Secondly, she's training for a MARATHON!  That takes determination, guts, plus a whole lot of blood, sweat and tears!  I know…I've been there and experienced it first hand!  And, last, but, certainly, not least, she's a very gifted artist.  Take a stroll through her gallery.  I know you won't be disappointed.

Now, please enjoy these beautiful ladies in these features.

                

  And, this one, is my mom  



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