I have been off the forum most of the summer. My computer crashed like a big dog, and it is still very precarious in it's functioning.

The second reason is that my mom died on July 20th. She had gone in for mitral valve repair on her heart (a life long condition she has had). It was supposed to be done by robot, and be a very short surgery. Things didn't go as planned and they had to crack the sternum and go after it that way. She never woke from the surgery, but they tried for five days to keep her alive.

We were truly blessed that she did not suffer or feel any of the anxiety that we were going through.

My family is very close. I only live about a mile from my folks, so have spent a lot of time with them over the past twenty years. We have benefited so immensely from this small but mighty woman. I have no regrets, only sadness that she is gone. She was a woman of deep faith, and I feel very at ease about the end of her journey.
As my dad says: "It's actually a good thing that she went first, we need her to be there to plead our cases for us to get into heaven!"
In loving memory of Joan --- she is missed by many.

Receive my late condolences.
I lost my mom when I was 5 (almost 40 years ago...). I know exactly what you feel.

Zevang

My sorrow and hope goes out to you and your loved ones. I had noticed you were not on the forum, but you were greatly missed and I'm sure I can say we are all so glad you are back. Take care.

Oh Kipp... I am so sorry to hear about this
I was going to write to you this week to see what happened to you. I haven't seen Chris (flutist06) on here either. I hope everything is alright with him.
You are in my thought and prayers. (Big hugs!!)

Thank you everyone, I really appreciate your thoughts and words.