Hi, Family and Friends.

As most of you already know, my mom, Umeno Carol Ford, passed away peacefully in her home on Oct. 5th, 2025, at the age of 93. About a year prior, she had fallen and broken her hip. The surgery went well, but while she was in the hospital, they x-rayed her chest and discovered what looked to be a mass on her lung. At her age, it was considered too risky to even do exploratory surgery, so we decided to go home with no further surgeries. My mom did, however, qualify for hospice care, and we elected for my mom to receive that service while I concurrently cared for her at home. It was a very difficult time with a lot of pain, tears, and frustration, but there were plenty of happy moments as well, and my mom and I were able to resolve some of our issues with each other that had manifested over almost 6 decades. We made peace. We expressed our gratitude for each other. We both said, "I love you".... and now she is no longer in pain, and she has been reunited with my dad, who passed away 20 years ago.

After my mom's spirit left, her body was wrapped with great care in a blanket and respectfully moved from her home. Her wish was to be cremated and her ashes scattered at sea where my dad's ashes were. Her cremation has already been paid for but not her final goodbye at sea. This is where we could really use some financial assistance and also some help with the public celebration of life. Any amount is greatly appreciated, and there is absolutely no judgment if you cannot.

Please know that we are deeply grateful to everyone who has reached out to me and my family with their love, prayers, kind words, flowers, cards, and meals. Our family thanks you so very much.

With love, respect, and gratitude always,

William Christopher Ford