Jimbo's Jots

It has been now 4 years! As I write this, I am reminded what the day is and what happened on this day 4 years ago. But before I get there, I want to give some background.

My mom had been living and thriving, taking care of my brother, and eventually moving to St. Louis to help with my sister’s care. Dad passed away in 2009. She kept up with everything that needed to be taken care of. Although she relied on several of us kids to help her take care of it, she was keeping up with what she needed to do to live. Until she couldn’t.

In July of 2020, we were celebrating a high school graduation. She made the trip up to enjoy the celebration. But complained of some pain all weekend, not a lot, just some. Then, after getting home, she had a fall in the middle of the night. It was determined at the hospital that she had broken her hip. It was unclear if she had the broken hip because of the fall or if the hip was the cause of the fall. She was given a new hip and was ready to start her physical therapy.

She was moved to a rehab facility as was starting some PT, ready to get back home. Then, she was diagnosed with COVID. This was the beginning of August of 2020. The Senior population was one of the most affected by COVID, especially those in residential facilities. Mom was asymptomatic for a while. Soon, though, her mind began to be affected by the sickness. She slipped into a bit of a depression. As much as my sisters would talk with her daily, they began to notice how sad she was and how she wanted to get home.

Now, on September 6, Labor Day weekend. I was at the store getting some stuff for a cookout on Monday. I got a call from her nurse at the facility. He said that she was having some trouble breathing and was being transported to the hospital. Before I could even finish my shopping, maybe 10 minutes, he called back to say that she had passed.

So, it’s September 6 and it’s 4 years later. Today is a day of mixed emotions. I am reminded of my mom and her kind spirit. Her loving heart that she willingly poured into each of her children – 8 of us by the way. And I am a little sad that she is not with us physically. I am also reminded of the tremendous support and words of comfort and prayer that many offered us. My heart is tremendously grateful!

In all of this, I am also reminded of a God who blessed me with a wonderful mom and family, friends and so many blessings! I know that He has given me an opportunities to do what I do because of her.

Be blessed! Be a blessing to others, like my mom!