I want to tell you about Death With Dignity. I want to tell you about my great-aunt Mary Ann Rowe. I dont know her very well. In fact all I know is that she was a retired Naval Officer and never married. I remember her being a cheerful conversationalist, but nothing more. Some time ago, gosh--how long has is been? Two years? My mom told me shed been diagnosed with brain cancer. I felt bad for everyone involved of course, but I didnt really know her. So, I prayed and sent her encouraging messages. My mom kept me updated over time...none of it really sunk in...surgeries here, good days there....your grandparents are headed East to take care of a few things.... And then Emily Maynard hit the news and it clicked. My great-aunt was living with the same type of tumors that Emily Maynard was. I was suddenly so filled with pride. I started paying more attention. You see, my people are fighters. My grandfather, 1st Lt John A. Rowe, USMC Retired, had his eye and fingers blown off in Korea saving his men from a grenade but he didnt just lie there and die. He fought and lived and has nine children and who knows how many grand children and greats to show for it. My mother wasnt supposed to live past childhood, but she fights tooth and nail to this day for her quality of life. Theres not a moment to waste. So, of course, my great-aunt chose life. In fact, she had told us all that she was going to beat it, but in September of this year, my mom told me that her aunt would be moving to assisted living soon. My mom would be the one to travel from Nashville to DC to tend to this matter as a representative of the family. And this is where my story becomes quite Dignified. Human suffering necessitates human caring and we are nothing without love. My mothers ministry or talent is caring for others, hospitality, mercy, comfort. Shes amazing at it and fulfilling this purpose is how she brings glory to God. My mother drove to DC the first week of November, saw to my great-aunts affairs, got her situated, carefully went through and disseminated her personal papers and belongings, sat with her and insisted she get proper care. My great-aunt gave my mom the gift of purpose. My friend Charissa and Renes cousin Krystal opened up their homes to my mother while she was in the area. These women are two of the most loyal--two of the most caring people I know. My great-aunt gave them the gift of a renewed bonds of sisterhood and friendship. It was about this time that Rene and I learned we needed to leave NY asap. We were able to take the kids to my mom in DC to take back with her to Nashville while we packed the house....little did we know I would soon be packing alone. My great-aunt gave Rene the gift of fluidity and peace of mind. In the end, my great-aunt couldnt feed herself. Her friends would come put the spoon to her lips. But, she still had her sherry every night before bed. :) She died with Dignity this morning. Mary Ann Rowe. She was 64. My great-aunt gave me the gift of legacy. I have many difficult days behind me and I may have many more ahead, but I have God on my side and Rowe blood in my veins, and we dont just lie down and die. We fight--we live!!
Posted on: Sun, 21 Dec 2014 17:17:38 +0000