My mother-in-law, Sharon, passed away on August 13th. She first told us she wasn't feeling well shortly after her birthday (which was when we went to Pepe's with the Cs), and a week later Rod and Dan convinced (forced) her to go to the hospital. However, it wasn't until a few weeks after that that she was diagnosed with end-stage liver disease - or, at least, that's when I heard it for myself from the doctor (I think the family was in much denial, which is understandable).
We had a small, immediate-family memorial service about a month ago.
It has been a very rough time for all of us, especially Roddy. Daniel is doing okay - he's not very communicative, but he seems to be doing alright. Dan was having an extremely tough time at first, but now he's keeping busy working long hours, making up for the time he spent at the hospital for the few weeks before Sharon's passing.
It was somewhat of a shock and seemed to happen so quickly, but we were all there for the last couple of days with her at the hospital. Trudy and Pop came down from Maine (we had just gotten back from Maine ourselves). Sharon spent the last night of her life in Hospice at Middlesex Hospital which, by the way, is amazing. They were absolutely incredible there and made everything so wonderful for all of us (as wonderful as could be, that is). She was in no pain and Roddy, Dan and I were in the room when she took her last, peaceful breath.
I never knew how much damage can happen to a liver and how much our entire body counts on our liver. TAKE GOOD CARE OF YOURS.
Rod is now Daniel's legal guardian (per Sharon's wishes), but he's staying in the house with Dan, it's not being sold. Right now we're still getting through it together, although I don't think anyone ever completely "gets through" the death of someone they love so much.
She was an easily misunderstood, beautiful spitfire and will be greatly missed.
