In Memoriam........

AGE 18ish

Today is the 24th anniversary of my mother-in-law's death. I still miss her so much, even if I did only get a few years with her........and only 6 months as my mother-in-law. We had a lot in common. We both loved to read, to play Trivial pursuit (she beat me BIG every.single.time. :) ), art, music......and Marty. :)

She died at age 50 years, after suffering for three years with Lou Gehrig's Disease, also known as ALS......amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a fatal form of muscular dystrophy. It is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord.

Marilyn was so brave, such an inspiration to all of us in her suffering. The night that she died, she called Marty to say goodbye.....and then later, in the wee hours of the morning, it was the phone call we had been expecting, but it still caught us asleep, literally. I do not remember what time it was.....3 am, 4? I do remember Marty and I lit the candles on our mantle and prayed a rosary together, and then we took a walk to a nearby park.

I try to keep her memory alive for my children, none of whom she ever met. We have offered every Rosary for 24 years, in her memory. Her picture above is always in their view.

She was already ill when Marty and I got engaged. In fact, now that I think about it......if we had not got married three months after we got engaged.........she never would have made it to the wedding. We still did not think she would be able to travel, but Marty's brother Bill made it happen. I am ever so grateful to him. Marilyn was SO happy at our wedding. I always remember that. I love the candid photos taken on that day.....she just shines. She died six months later.

Rest in Peace, Marilyn

February 26, 1986

The only photo I can find of baby Marty and his mother.

This was moments before the Kentuckian born fella migrated to California.
Brother David smiles on.

Marty's parents stand with us.

Marty's whole family at our wedding.

With one of her many grandchildren, Jeniffer.

One more thing:

I had mentioned a long while back, in my prayer requests, for a friend whose father was dying of brain cancer. It is actually Marty's friend. Well, her father died today, on the same day. They still thought there was another month, and Terri missed getting to be there when he died. She had been planning on staying with him shortly, till he died, but she never made it. I know this must be so hard for her. She is very close to her parents, especially as an only child. Please pray for their family, and the repose of his soul.

Thank you.

Love, chari