On March 10th, while working in the garden, my stepmom had a brain aneurysm rupture. She was taken to University Hospital where emergency surgery was performed. Over the next 2 1/2 months, she faced struggle after struggle, surgery after surgery. With the best surgeons, the most skilled and caring nurses and staff, and family by her side, she fought day after day. I have never seen someone fight the way she fought. My dad was by her side every day. I will never forget the way her eyes would open when he would say, "Cindy Mae" or the way her lips would pucker each time he would put chapstick on her. Yesterday, after 10 weeks of being a warrior, with her hands in his while he stroked her cheek, she left this world in the most perfect moment of beauty and peace to go to Heaven.

Unfortunately, and unknown to us until very recently, due to a clerical oversight, my mom was not covered with a life insurance policy. She and my dad raise their 7-year-old granddaughter and 13-year-old grandson. She was the biggest part of their lives. The most important person. The one to cook dinners, to kiss boo-boos, to give baths, to comb hair, to help with homework, to ease pain, settle emotional struggles, and fill any void they might ever feel with the hand they were dealt. While I have no doubt that my dad will make her beyond proud by raising these babies on his own, there is now the brutal reality of financial hardship associated with this time.

They say it takes a village. So I am calling on you, our village. Thank you for all the calls, the messages, the visits, the cards, the thoughts, and the prayers. You have all shown us so much support during this time and I am forever grateful. Thank you for it all, thank you for reaching out, thank you for loving her.