Something You Should Know About

Something You Should Know About

August 1, 2013

Watch "Don't Cry For Me" here.

 

     My mother passed away, on her own, in her own time, on Monday, July 1, 2013.  She was 100 years old and lived to see all of the history of the 20th century and part of the 21st century.

 

     She had numerous careers and experiences, my birth being just one small part of her adventures.

 

     Her two grandsons and her 5 great-grandchildren will miss her terribly, as will I. 

 

     Her final year was spent in the excellent care of the Adventist Care Center Courtland, here in Orlando.  They were the reason she was able to continue to her life comfortably and in a loving atmosphere.  We all are tremendously grateful to the entire staff of caregivers and medical personnel there.

 

     On a final note, this strong, outspoken, funny, and ironic woman made a difference in the lives of everyone who met her.  She was the "wind beneath their wings."

 

     I will always love you, Mother; you made me who I am today: strong, outspoken, funny and ironic.  Thank you forever.

 

 

Jonwil Kennon Campkin Coles 1913-2013

My Mother Celebrated Her 100th Birthday Today May 26, 2013

My Mother Celebrated Her 100th Birthday Today

May 26, 2013

 

Happy 100th Birthday to my mother today!

Photo Credit:  www.partytimesrus.com

 

     Last Saturday, May 19, I wrote that my mother was passing away.  With the expertise, medical care, and prayers of others, my mother is alive today, breathing on her own, and resting comfortably.  We sang "Happy Birthday" with the nurses, aides, and attendants on her hospital unit twice! 

 

     Thank you to everyone at Florida Hospital South, especially the Emergency Room staff, the Intensive Care staff, and the continued care unit.

 

     Her grandson was able to visit and even took a few photos.  She was awake and alert as all of the happiness surrounded her.

 

     We don't expect any more miracles, nor have we asked for any more.  She will determine how long she is with us from now on.

 

     Thank you for your kind remarks, prayers, and comments, especially those from my G+ friends.  Our only wish was for her to recover from her pneumonia and live to her 100th birthday...and she did.

 

     She has the best of caring people surrounding her.  She is loved and I believe she knows it. 

 

    

 



My Mother Is Passing Away Now May 19, 2013

 My Mother Is Passing Away Now

 

May 19, 2013

 

I held her hand as she struggled to breathe.  She does not know it's me.

Photo Credit:  www.querulousone.com

 

     As I worked slowly to clear the mess in my recently robbed house Saturday evening, I received a phone call that my 99-year-old mother was in the emergency room with pneumonia.  I was told to come to the hospital as soon as possible.  I left her side a few hours later as she continued to hold on to life.  As I write this, I do not know if she is still alive.  The critical care nurse said she would call me if there was any change.  It is now 3:04 a.m. on Sunday morning.

 

     Next week, on May 26, my mother will be 100 years old.  She was in the first group of women in the Women's Army Corps, when it was founded.  She spent two years in London during World War II, and endured the blitz raids there. 

 

     She had the sharpest mind and sharpest tongue of anyone I ever knew.  She could be charming and witty as well as stinging and sarcastic.

 

     She has lived longer than Queen Elizabeth, and she actually met King George III, Queen Elizabeth's father, during WWII.  She has shown me the actual photo of the meeting many times.

 

     I am praying that she will somehow recover, if God is willing, so that we can celebrate her 100th birthday with her next week.  She will not enjoy her birthday, as she is deep in her dementia and Alzheimer's these days.  Last year both of her long and shapely legs had to be amputated at the knees due to a rare infection.  She lived through the operation we thought would kill her for sure.

 

     So, tonight, friends, my heart is heavy with memories and sadness for her lost energy and vigor.

 

     God bless you, Mommy.  I hope I get to see you tomorrow morning, one more time, before you leave your daughter, your two grandsons,  and your five great-grandchildren forever.