Preemptive Measures

My mother died on June 25, 2002 of a type of lung disease called "interstitial pneumonia." She developed pneumonia and then it got in between her lungs and got worse. It is incurable. Her sister, Margaret, died of it in 1983 (the year I was born). My mom went to a specialist in Seattle even. We had four oxygen machines in our house that June. It was the hardest thing I have ever had to go through. My parents knew she wasn't going to make it but never disclosed that to my sister (who is five years younger than me) or me. In fact, my dad never speaks of her passing. I had a long talk with Gail (my step-mom) during break about what really happened. It was hard to hear. A few years ago I got a lung x-ray as an example of my normal lungs. I just ordered a copy of them so I have them on record to show my doctors. And I have to be very very careful when I get sick to make sure I don't let it get to my lungs. Sigh.

I miss my mother.