Six days upon the road.....

by Otony, Sunday, July 28, 2013, 16:52 (4080 days ago)

Just rolled in from California. My step-mother, Maria Aveni, passed away in Los Altos, CA this past Monday, and we made a fast trip down to make arrangements and attend the funeral. Short notice for all involved, unfortunately.

We drove 10+ hours including stops both Tuesday and Wednesday. Thursday and Friday was the viewing, church service, and internment, and it was 4+ hours on the road each day as we stayed with my niece in Lafayette. Then came the long slog home Saturday and today.

This was our 33rd trip to California to see Maria since moving to Walla Walla four years ago. I would have gladly made 33 more trips if it would have changed her condition. Seven years in a nursing home with advanced Alzheimer's disease is no fit way to live. We tried to move her closer to home, but her doctor advised against it due to her fragility. Had she been closer we would have visited far more often, but as it stood, she has been in a vegetative state for years and years. A bitter pill I tell you.

God Speed Maria, we miss your gentle heart.

Otony