This is for my Aunt Martha, Army Nurse, Veteran, Teacher

[Ikonoklast]

She is 82, my mother's oldest sister, and she is dying.

My aunt grew up with her two sisters, mother, great aunt, and grandmother, as her father (my grandfather) died fairly young from complications from TB and a poison gas attack from the trenches of France in WWI. It took him twenty-five years to die.

She studied nursing at St, Louis University, joining the Army after graduation. She was a commissioned officer during the Korean Conflict, stationed in Japan for 16 months. There she met an Air Force Lieutenant and fell in love, got engaged, and were to be married after the war was over.

He was killed in a strafing run over North Korea. She never found another love after that.

After the war, she returned to nursing, working to support her invalid aunt, her mother and grandmother. She continued her schooling, eventually earning her Masters from John Carroll. From there she went into teaching nursing, which she did for almost thirty years.

Last October, she fell and fractured her hip. After two attempts to repair it failed due to severe osteoporosis, an infection set in that is now ravaging her body. I took my mother to see her last Tuesday, as Mom is responsible for her sisters' care and needed to talk to her health care providers, doctors, and social workers....

It wasn't good. She stopped eating over a week ago, and refuses a feeding tube. Only a matter of time now, days, not weeks. Morphine barely manages her pain.

My aunt is a no-nonsense, straight ahead tough-minded old-school nurse that would tell a doctor to get off her floor, or help out a nervous intern. She was respected and liked by those that worked with her, taught with her, or had her as an instructor. She has former pupils that are now retired stopping in to see her, or have inquired as to her health.

She is loved by my family, and her extended network of friends throughout the world, some of whom go back over sixty some years.

I ask peace for her in my prayers.

Just thought you'd like to know. Martha is a tough old broad. I'll miss her.

[Redstone]

1. God bless the tough old broad. Ones like her built this country.

I had one of those die recently as well.

May she go easy.

Redstone

[auntAgonist]

2. I knew as soon as I started reading this thread

That I would be in tears part way through it, and I don't even know Martha. What a blessing she has been to your family and her world. I too will ask for peace for her and for your family as you all go through this very trying time.

:hug:
thank you for bring your heart and memories here Ikonoklast

aA
kesha

[Ikonoklast]

3. Thanks for the kind words

I always thought that she'd just keep going forever.



She also taught us kids how to cheat playing Rummy.

But don't tell my Mom.

[Cabcere]

4. She sounds like an amazing woman.

I'm sorry to hear things aren't going well for her. :hug: I'll keep her (and the rest of your family) in my thoughts and prayers. :hug: :patriot:

[w8liftinglady]

5. bless her.She reminds me of the nurse who took me under her wing

...and helped me when I was a struggling new nurse,supporting a baby and a husband while working nights at Parkland Hospital in Dallas.She left a permanent mark on me,and made me who I am today.I bet your aunt is the same.May she die with her dignity intact and without suffering.

[Ikonoklast]

6. Thank you for your thoughts

Kind words are a great gift.

[UrbScotty]

7. What a wonderful woman. Here's to a peaceful passing.

:hug:

[Radio_Lady]

8. What a beautiful tribute. Here's her candle to wish a safe passage through to the end,

and good drugs, relatives, and friends around to keep her comfortable. I've heard they can do that.

Lighting a candle at www.gratefulness.org ...

For your "Aunt Martha" -- this candle will burn for 48 hours.

http://www.gratefulness.org/candles/message.cfm?l=eng&cid=2820646

[RFKHumphreyObama]

9. My thoughts, prayers and best wishes to your Aunty Martha and to you and your family

:hug: :hug: She sounds like a truly remarkable woman

[reyd reid reed]

10. Thank you for this.

I know you'll miss her, but, cliche as it sounds, she'll always be with you. And everyone else she touched.

She sounds like a remarkable woman.

:hug::hug:

[marzipanni]

11. It just seems so sad that the medical field she worked so hard and long in

couldn't do much to help her, and now she has to deal with this in her own way to end her own suffering. I hope she can sleep, and pass gently into the next realm.

[NC_Nurse]

12. She sounds wonderful!

It's clear to me she knows what she wants - evidenced by the rejection of the feeding tube. She is doing this on her terms and I wish her peace.

What a beautiful tribute, she's fortunate to be so loved and appreciated. :hug:

:patriot:

[sarge43]

13. Clear skies, ma'am and thank you for your service

You'll be meeting your dad and your lieutenant again.

:patriot:

[Ikonoklast]

14. On behalf of myself, my family, and my Aunt

I wish to thank all of you that have her in your hearts and prayers.

Mom is making the arrangements for a Veterans funeral for when the time comes. Martha was always proud to have served her country in time of need.

Thank you all.

[Texasgal]

15. Martha sounds like a wonderful Woman!

I am a Nurse and we much respect for the Nurses that taught above us... Military nurses taught us to be who we are, they're sacrifice will never be forgotten. They are the back bone of America.

May her passing be peaceful and may her journey take her to a pleasant place of her choosing.

Bless you and your family, you are lucky to have such a wonderful woman in your midst.

:hug: