Mom

So today I've decided to talk about something that I rarely talk about in my blogs. Something that I mention from time to time, but also something that has become such a huge part of who I am.

I want to talk to you guys about my mom.

My mom was the kindest person I've ever known. She volunteered in the schools so she could be around Karl and I (she was a stay-at-home mom by choice). She got to know all of our teachers and the school administrators. Everyone knew her. She was super involved with the PTA (Parent-Teacher Association for those of you not from the US) and she really was just involved in everything. She raised Karl and I to understand the values of respect and love. She made sure that trips we took during summer breaks were educational and that we would learn things. Sure I never got to go to Disney World as a kid (first, and only, trip was in 10th grade with the marching band) but we got to see so many historical places around the northeastern part of the US and we got to learn about nature and the world in fun and engaging ways.

In our hallway closet at home we have photo albums completely packed full of everything we did growing up. Vacations, family parties, birthdays, holidays...all there, preserved on film. Mom made a point to take pictures often while Karl and I were growing up. She also made sure to make use of the video camera...there are many (embarrassing) videos of us growing up. (actually scratch the embarrassing part. I was a funny kid and everyone should be graced with viewing those videos.)

11 years ago...around this time actually...things started to get bad. Mom was seeing weird "floaters" in her eyes and she couldn't read anymore. She started losing her memory...bit by bit. There were days she didn't know who I was...or knew the names or her brothers and sisters or what day of the week it was. Things went on a downward slope quickly once she started losing her memory.

She lost her ability to speak in coherent sentences shortly after she went into the hospital.

A few weeks later she was diagnosed with Cruetzfelt-Jakob Disease. If you Google that it will tell you exactly what it is.

There is no cure.


On September 11, 2002, 5 months after the first symptoms popped up, Mom died.

Since that day I have lived my life with one purpose in mind...live life in a way that would make Mom proud.

I think I'm succeeding in that.