Mom says, "Old age stinks!"

My mother is a sweet, gentle, private lady, and strong--very strong.

She isn't perfect. While growing up, she held all emotion tight within her chest. We were never cuddled. I don't even remember being hugged until after Steve died. She softened then and became more vulnerable. But even growing up without hugs or kisses, I respected her as an amazing lady. When David was so little and sick...all of our money went to pay medical bills and our fear for his health kept our emotions raw. Yet, anytime things got rough, I would think, "What would mom do?" and I'd pull myself up and convince myself that almost empty glass was really half full.

No, she isn't perfect, but she's one of the most amazing women I've ever met.

This blog was intended to let people who love her, but do not live here, know how she is doing. The last few weeks have been difficult and I feel to give you further examples of her health would be betraying her privacy. She would want all of you to remember her as she was.

Please continue to call her and send cards. You may talk to her and she will appear to be fine; then again, tonight she didn't know if she was talking to me or Judy. She did remember that our friend, Diane, came to see her today and got to hear the piano player. Her mind works as if it has a short circuit...sometimes it works...sometimes it doesn't.

Many of you call and visit us to check on mom and we appreciate your love and concern. You are all welcome to contact me or Dave, but since Judy's daughters and Steve's daughter now live in this area of North Carolina and Steve's son Michael and his wife Michele stay in touch you may also want to talk to them to see how mom is doing. I can no longer announce to the world mom's deteriorating mental condition. I feel I'm going behind her back, and I promised her we were in this together and I would be honest with her at all times. She is embarrassed by her condition and does not want people to know.

She is emotionally very fragile. I do ask that you be very careful and not give her any bad news. It's important that her world stay as calm and happy as possible.

Remember her beauty inside and out and feel free to contact us at anytime. We're doing our best...please keep all of us in your prayers.

This blog is closed.

Marsha