[W2CRA] KA2YAK Update

[Bob Grear KA2OEE]

Hello Cherryville...
 
I just got off the telephone with Ray, who asked me to relay an update to the club members.  Ray's mother had requested to be creamated, and her ashes are to be returned to New Jersey for interment in Cloverleaf Cemetary in Woodbridge where his father is interred.  Ray and Heather are planning to be up sometime in September for the interment, at which time there will be a memorial service.  He will provide me with details as plans are firmed up.  He asked that the club hold off sending anything until they hold the memorial service.
 
Ray also asked me to forward the following message that he shared with a couple of other club members via direct e-mails:
 
Thank you for taking the time to send your condolences.

My mother Susan was 83, legally blind, and confined to a wheelchair.  She had Dementia.
I had to remind her every day for the last few months that Heather and I were married.


She got a pacemaker just a year ago, even though her heart was (according to the drs) strong.
Amazing how fast that year went.  It gave us another X-mas, New Years, Mothers' Day, and all.


We had been racing around for months, moving her here, caring for her.
We were using the proceeds from the sale of her NJ home to build a home for all of us here.
Too bad she won't be able to enjoy it with us.


We found her Thursday a little after noon.  I wondered why she hadn't called me that morning,
and did not respond to my call.

 
She died peacefully in her sleep on her couch in the 'mother's cottage' my wife and I set up for her.
We had enrolled her in Hospice, and the nurse said her heart just stopped.  No seizure, or anything.
It looked like she just leaned back, and closed her eyes.  Too bad she couldn't have just a little more time.


Driving home on the highway from the local town today, I realized that I no longer
had to put the 'pedal to the metal' to rush and get back and give mom her lunch, her meds, etc.
My wife and I have a lot more time, now ...


 
Now, my father and mother are gone.  Good thing I've got my wife, Heather.  She is such a blessing.

And, good friends like Bob and y'all.


I might have to go to NJ to help settle mom's affairs.  I'll try to time it for a CRA meeting.  But ...
If you're ever in the South East, let us know.  We'd welcome your visit.

73.  RayB (ka2yak) and Heather (w4hlk).
2291 Coosa County Rd 75  (Hanover)

Goodwater  AL  35072
Cell:  256-794-2390.

PS.  NO property tax in Alabama for Seniors, Disabled, or Veterans.  Unfortunately, they tax food ...