Ten weeks ago, the doctors said my mom had two weeks to live. This morning, she passed away in her sleep. Not once did she complain nor did she say that it's not fair. She is such an amazing woman. Last month two close family friends, George Appia and Larry Hagensen also passed away because of cancer. I can't imagine what it must have been like for her to attend funerals knowing that hers might be next. But she just kept smiling. Although she slept through her last few days, she kissed me, Katie and Dad yesterday. If I ever have to experience anything like this, I just hope that I can show the patience, strength and grace that my mom did, and if something like this ever happens to Mary, I hope that I can be as loving and faithful as my dad has been.

Here is a story that should paint a picture of what kind of woman my mom was:

A doctor friend emailed my dad last month. He said that when he was younger, he applied to Julliard School of Music, but he was not accepted, so he decided to go to medical school instead. After twenty years of not touching his instrument, my mom began inviting him to play in the band for "Ham on Regal," a theatrical production put on yearly by parents of Ferris High School students. After that, she talked him into playing with the Eagles Arie #2 concert band and also with the Coeur d 'Alene Symphony. In the email, this doctor friend told how my mom gave him back a part of his life that he had lost and that because of her, he has rediscovered joy in his life.

I am going to miss her so much.