Day 19

Still in Aitkin. I received some really bad news this morning. My mom passed away. I really didn’t expect that call today.  She was diagnosed with dementia a couple of months ago and put into a nursing home. Physically she seemed to be doing well, but mentally she was going down hill pretty fast. She passed away peacefully in her sleep. I’m thankful for that.

I spent the morning making arrangements to have her body donated to science. It was her wish that maybe her body could be used to help others learn more about diabetes. I don’t know if it will, but it will help someone, somewhere.

I’m certainly going to miss picking her up and going out to eat. She really loved doing that. She would get really excited over food!  She was probably the only person who constantly praised me no matter how much of a turd I thought I was.

I wasn’t the best kid. I spent many years away from home and I criticized my mom for things she probably couldn’t help doing. She loved me unconditionally though. She took me in when my biological mom didn’t want me and raised me as if I was her own flesh and blood. I wish I could have been a more loving son and not so bitter about things in my life.  These are the regrets I can’t change, but I can change. This journey down the river is certainly helping me see a new world and opening up a little more. I think my mom would be proud of what I’m doing. I’ll choose to believe that.

R.I.P. Sharon Cooper, my mother. I love you and I’m sorry I wasn’t there at the end.