Melanie's funeral

On February 3rd my mom Melanie Hicks was airlifted to Iowa City and was sedated and out on a ventilator due to complications caused by covid 19 and pneumonia. While in Iowa City they also found that she had blood clots in her left leg which they did surgery to remove. Unfortunately the day following the surgery they weren't able to control the bleeding and had to give her a blood transfusion.  She was also having multiple seizures. They did an MRI which confirmed activities of a stroke.  The following Monday they weaned her off the sedation and she was doing better and slowly coming around. They finally were able to get her off the ventilator and she was able to eat a liquid diet.  She was happy to video chat with me and her grandkids who she loves very much.   She had quite a few good days. Unfortunately after eating her breakfast and talking to some friends on the phone she quickly got sick again and they had to put her back on the ventilator on February 17.  Sadly I got the devastating call this morning February 18th that she was getting sick very quickly and she was not going to make it. They agreed to keep her alive until I got there to be with her.   They kept her on the ventilator so I can sit and talk to her. I have comfort in knowing that she knew I was there as she opened her eyes and nodded at me.  She was barely breathing but was aware.  When I was ready (never ready).  But when I felt it was time because if her struggling to breathe they took her off the ventilator.  It was the hardest decision to make but believe me mom did not want a machine living for her.  She passed peacefully less than an hour later.  She closed her eyes and went to eternal sleep. No struggling or suffering. Which is how she would want to go.   It breaks my heart I wasn't prepared for this to happen so fast.  I will be calling around to funeral homes and make arrangements for her funeral .  I set the goal a little higher so we can have a lunch afterwards but my actual goal is just to cover the funeral.   Anything will help and thank you to everyone who has been there and who love my mom.  If you can't help please share because that helps.   Thanks so much!  Rip mommy you are with dad and aunt Wendy and so many other lost loved ones now. I love you so much!