Just wanted to stop in and update you guys on something I'm sure you don't want to hear. My mom was taken into the ER yesterday afternoon. After several hours of treatment and testing, the decision was made to attempt a central line instead of the arm to try to combat the infection that was ongoing. Essentially, the decision was presented to us to choose between treatment or comfort. She was suffering from sepsis and massive organ failure that they were struggling to control. The surgeon had let my brother know that if it were his mother, he would choose comfort but he would be glad to continue fighting for her for as long as she could take it. Eric, Jenny and myself all agreed that we no longer wanted my mother to suffer and she had been suffering greatly these last few years. We've agreed to choose comfort. As of my last update about 3 hours ago, she was still holding on. However, we have all already spoken to her to say our thank yous, we appreciate everything you did, and more importantly, we love yous. She's resting comfortably and we all agree that she's hopefully dreaming of her pending reunion with my father. She considered every single one of you to be a family member and I thought you should know right along with the rest of us in the immediate family. You were, and are, that important to her. So please keep this off social media for now. You'll know when it's finally time. On a final note, I would be remiss if I did not make this point in fact. I am the product of two children who had a child. They were left to fend for themselves and carved out every inch of life they had despite the neglect of their families who considered bringing a child into the world at that age to be an embarrassment. I know we all miss JOCO and were quite fond of him. A point of order that is often overlooked, but never by me, is that I knew JOCO longer than anyone left living aside from his brothers and my uncle Randy. I remember JOCO in his entirety. The man JOCO became was built, and at times dragged forward, on the shoulders of my mother. She put food on our table and put him thru college. Yes he had various odd jobs here and there but for my entire youth, my mother often worked two jobs to put him into a situation to better himself and eventually become the man you all knew and loved as JOCO. That does not get addressed nearly enough and I made sure she knew that earlier this morning when I spoke to her. I think it's important that she knew that at least one person saw and recognized that. It's important that you all know that, as well. We're all on our own journeys of development, enrichment and sometimes survival. I feel strongly that this point must be made as we all wish her a peaceful journey to a reunion with my father. Thank you all again for everything you've meant to our family, and I can tell you that's a whole damned lot. I hope this sad news finds you all well, if not thriving. All of the OConnor family would never wish you any less. Thank you, sincerely.
So sorry, Corey...I have no words. You and your parents have meant a lot to us over the years. God Bless.
Corey, this is quite a shock to read so early in the morning. My deepest sympathies and I have always enjoyed posts from your mother, after your dad passed away. God Bless to all of your family
Ditto Stu....She had to have been an extraordinary woman to put up with the O'Connor boys. She has earned her eternal rest. A blessed reunion awaits. God Bless
I feel ya brother. Had to do the same for my Mom several years ago after a years long fight with cancer. You and the rest of the clan are in our prayers... Mom most of all.
It is good that you told your mother of your deep appreciation of her great efforts in building a loving and supportive family. Too many times, tributes like this are left unsaid and later painfully regretted.
So sorry to hear her time has come, as it will to all of us. I always appreciated her comments to postings on FB especially ones with my family. She is an extrordinary woman. The last time I saw her was at JOCO's funeral. She's missed him every day. I hope she is with him someday. God's peace to your family Corey.
So sorry to hear this Corey, I had many a great time with her and JO'Co at our ND trips. They were both great people and I wish her peace, she's earned it.
She officially passed on not long after I posted this. She had a priest and had famil rush her at her size m
Corey, I've always known you have a gift for conveying your thoughts and feelings in writing, also one of your dad's outstanding qualities. I'm glad you chose us to describe your love for your mom and dad but especially at this very difficult time for your mom. I treasure my relationship with Diane. She's been a constant, welcomed presence on Facebook for my daughter Betsy's posts and for her unwavering support thereof. I also have enjoyed immensely her expressions of love for every single member of her family, young, old, and deceased. She never missed anyone on their special days, and she never missed an opportunity to remember JOCo with deep love. Most of us have lost one or both parents and can relate to what you, your brother, and your sister are feeling at this time. We all are here for you.
My condolences Corey. One solace I can offer is that the departed do not totally leave the lives of those who loved them. They will still live in your thoughts and dreams and the values and lessons they provided to you will be passed onto your children by you.
When my Mom died and her former students conveyed what she meant to them I thought of ripples on a pond...the effect our lives leave on others.