jorge's jome

My mother passed away early this morning. She had been in the hospital for the past month with kidney problems and pneumonia. After an initial few days in the ICU, she had shown signs of improvement. Sadly, about a week ago she started developing problems again and things deteriorated from there.

To say this has been devastating is a huge understatement. Although she was 74 years old, she seemed to be in fine health and was always running around all over the place. She was well known for just dropping in at people's houses with little or no notice, it was just part of her charm. I guess I sort of expected her to be around forever.

There are so many things I learned from her. She was an incredible woman. I can't imagine what it must have been like raising two boys mostly on her own. But I can't recall ever hearing a single complaint from her. I can't even say I ever heard her say anything mean or derogatory about anyone or anything. She lived modestly and didn't seem to care about material possessions or social status. Despite being from a part of the world that is still very sexist, I think she was a great role model for modern women. She was very independent and self-sufficient, and did anything she wanted to whenever she wanted to. Yet, at the same time, she was one of the most giving people I know.

The pain that I feel in realizing that I can't just drive up to go see her any more, that I'll never hear her voice again, is almost unbearable.

If anyone is interested, services will be held at the following location:

Forest Lawn Memorial Park
21300 E. Via Verde St.
Covina, CA 91724
(800) 204-3131

The viewing will be on Tuesday evening (7/15), and the interment will be Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. the following day. Flowers may be sent to Nivea Ibarra at the above address.