As Tuesday rolled on, Linda's condition continued to worsen and the brain swelling on the entire right side lobe worsened. The 11AM CAT scan clearly showed the swelling, even impinging on the left side of the brain. A craniotomy would have saved her life but not improved her physical condition. She had several severe physical issues such as blindness, inability to swallow easily (feeding tube req'd?) and paralysis of the left arm and leg, and weakness on the right side. Linda would never have wanted to live like that long term. Laura and Sean were here at the Univ of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor with their spouses and we all decided to have her assisted breathing tube removed and she passed away peacefully at 6:36 PM today. This is the worse day of my life. I have lost my best pal, friend, boss, and companion of over 40 years! The one thing that makes me feel even a tiny bit better is that I know she is with her parents, Uncle Zack and Aunt Mamie, other great relatives and old pets Spuddie, Smokey, Julie and Fiona!!
We feel fortune that we were each able to spend time talking to her throughout the night and we believe she was able to hear us. Up until early this morning, she would squeeze our hand and rub our fingers as if to reassure us.
I will add the info on the funeral arrangements on future blogs.
I want to thank you all for your very kind thoughts, prayers and comments of encouragement to Linda and myself. It has meant a lot to us both over the last five weeks and will in the future.
Love,
Evan
Linda came to the end of this life knowing that she was a good mother, a good wife, a good person. She made a difference in a lot of lives. We should all have that as a legacy.
ReplyDeleteOn to the next adventure Linda! We will all be joining you down the road. Keep an eye out for us.
I admire your courage and strength during these dark days. You gave light and peace to Linda when she needed it most.
ReplyDeleteI'll never forget the kindness Linda showed me as Laura's college roomie. I remember our chats (this was before cell phones and voicemail) and how proud you both were of everything Laura was accomplishing. She always made me feel like a second daughter and for that I will ALWAYS be grateful.
I can still hear Linda's laughter....
Please let me know if there is anything I can do.
Much love,
Stephanie (Feher) Krol
Lief, we feel a great loss of the love of a long time very specisl friend. We will always remember the many good times we shared with Linda and you. Let me know what games you are going to in the fall so we can get together for a couple cold ones to celebrate the good times.
ReplyDeleteChuck and Susie
Let me first say 'thank you' for the phone call--to hear from you and share your sorrow. Evan, you have been so wonderful through all this--the strength you brought to Linda and your blogs have been a blessing. Thanks to Laura for helping you set it up.
ReplyDeleteLaura and Sean, your mother was a role model on how to live life--simply and fully. She never flinched. She gave so much love and joy to so many--I was a fortunate recipient many times.
We all will feel an emptiness for a very long time. Just know that you can talk with her any time. Keep her smile in your heart.
Love you,
Trisha
Evan,
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry. I blogged about it here:
http://larvalsubjects.wordpress.com/2011/03/29/this-sucks/
And here:
http://larvalsubjects.wordpress.com/2011/03/30/linda/
I would not be the man that I am were it not for your family or Linda. She was an extraordinary person. She protected me, encouraged me, talked to me, and took care of me. The last few days have been extremely hard and she went too early. I've also found myself laughing with all sorts of warm memories of her. My deepest regret is that she didn't get to meet Lizzie. We are here for you and are thinking about all of you. Much Love.
Levi (Paul) Bryant
If you need to talk I'm at 214.705.6587. You and your family are in our thoughts.
ReplyDeleteLevi
Words cannot express my deep sorrow. Linda was such a joy in my life and she helped me through many rough times. She is at peace now and suffers no more - a new guardian angel to watch over you all. My heart breaks for us all.
ReplyDeleteLove, Kathy Schroll