April 9, 2002
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“November 16, 1996 - I think that mom is getting ready to go. She has been talking to Grandma a lot lately. With her sleeping so much she isn't getting much food or fluids. I'm afraid that she may develop pneumonia. She has an Advance Health Directive so there isn't much left to do but wait. I'm not ready for her to leave me. I know that she will be better off, but....” And so begins the journal of Denise Cooper over five years ago. Her mom didn’t die. She didn’t die then and she lives yet today. Denise died, though. She passed away last night after a three year battle with cancer. I never met Denise personally. I know her and her family through reading about their lives in her online journal. Her entries touched me as I journeyed along with her down the Alzheimer’s road. After she became very ill with her cancer, she was forced to place her mom in a nursing home and exert her energy in the battle for her life. A serious struggle ensued, with Denise fighting valiantly. At one point she was even declared cancer free. Denise wasn’t happy with the care her mom was receiving at the nursing home and decided she would bring her back home. She got her mom settled back in and they continued on, making the most of each day. Unfortunately, Denise became sick again in short order. Once again she began treatments and trying to fight. Many times she was too sick to even get her treatments. The Mets finally conquered her weak body and she got the word that she was going to die; there was no getting better or any hope for a reprieve. Even though she had received similar news in the past, she knew that this time it was accurate and she was right. She made preparations to die. She took her sick, blind dog to the vet and had it put down. She arranged for her mom to go back to the nursing home and got her moved back in. She spent as much time as possible with her family and friends. Then last night she drew her last breath. Her life affected mine and her courage, determination, and grit encourage me. Not just me, either. I’d venture a guess that over the years hundreds of folks have been made richer because she chose to share her experiences with us. If her web site remains online, she will continue to help and inspire people for years to come. Hebrews 9:27-28 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation. . |
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