Here's a little history

She suffered so much in the last 4 years, I'm amazed she survived. She went from a "gloriously soft" 5' 3.5 145lbs (and I can't believe she was that heavy) down to 81lbs and was in constant and agonizing pain.

She couldn't eat anything without severe pain that lasted for hours. STILL, she managed to take care of me and ask how my work day was.

After her surgery, she was back and more beautiful than ever. Back to her "I want to lose 5 pounds!" 130, which, in my opinion, is perfect for her frame. Her face always had a smile on it.

Every time I'd get down on myself, she'd assure me that things were far better than I perceived them to be. I've been so incredibly spoiled for so long, I can't believe it! And it has nothing to do with material possessions as we rarely had extra money. Most of the 'toys' I have were paid for with tax returns and clever budgeting.

Before my Mom even let go, my Wife took over. They got along like mother and daughter, and taking care of me seemed to be their favorite hobby. Since they're both gone now, I suddenly find myself in uncharted territory without a map.

Anyway, I have so much to do now that I won't be able to answer replies on a predictable basis. She did everything for me. She was my nurse, accountant, counselor, companion and lover. I'm completely lost without her. I just hope I can function at work well enough to keep my job, our home and everything we worked so hard to achieve.

She went to doctor after doctor and they diagnosed her with everything from acid reflux to ulcers. Finally, she found a doctor (and a surgeon) that seemed to care and he ran a full diagnostic on her.

They found that most of the arteries/veins that fed her organs were severely restricted. Almost to the point of complete blockage. The doctor jokingly said "You're getting just enough blood to keep the organs wet but not nearly enough for them to do their duties."

Anyway, long story short, as I mentioned, she was in agonizing pain for several months, went from around 140+ to 81 pounds and nearly died. Her surgeon literally had to argue with other doctors to get them to allow him to do the surgery.

He said, we can't wait! Wait another week and she won't survive! Needless to say, I was extremely worried and just about collapsed then. Once I found that she survived the surgery, I was relieved.

When she recovered so quickly, I (we) assumed we'd never have to worry about that specific problem again. She was doing so well I couldn't believe it. Her surgeon happens to golf with her doctor so they were constantly discussing her case and bragging to themselves how successful the operation went.

She loved them both and finally talked me into switching MDs. We shared the same doctor for the last few months.

Well.... long(er) story short, 4 days before she passed away, she mentioned a sick feeling in her stomach. Since I had the flu over the holidays, she said "Well... it looks like I'm finally getting that flu."

Needless to say, it was much worse than flu. Her stomach and intestines literally died. She was in extreme pain.

Of course, I'd come home from work and ask if she'd contacted the doctor. She said "I left a message."

I wanted to take her to Urgent Care but she didn't want anything to do with that. She said she wanted to wait until Monday so she could see her own doctor and wouldn't have to list all of her many, many medications and have a stranger working on her (again).

I stayed home Monday. Her doctors office opened at 9:00 am. About 7:30, I said "Let's go now and by the time we get ready and get there, he'll be open." She agreed.

Right now, I don't want to talk about what happened next but, let me just say, the paramedics were at my house by 8:15 and she was gone by 1:00pm. I just can't believe it.