A Surprise Twist (You might want to get the Kleenex)

Good afternoon FoMmies,

Many of you know that Mom is an extremely spiritual person.  She's had her chart read many times and several things appeared repeatedly, including the fact that Michelle and I would each be happily married and Mom would re-marry.  When Mom was first diagnosed she said that she knew she'd beat cancer because she wasn't married yet.  She repeated this refrain many more times, most recently, during her stay at the hospital.  

Then, last night something magical happened.

Mom got re-married.

Perhaps it's necessary to take a step back for a moment.  Russell (Mom's BFF) and Mom used to talk about how they should have been married.  Then a few days ago, Russell was talking to Michelle and me and again said that Mom was the closest thing to a wife that he would ever have.  Then he asked Mom to marry him.  

And Mom smiled.

Last  night, Mom wed Russell underneath my Papa's (maternal grandfather) tallis (prayer shawl; see photo at left).  The gathering itself was small (in attendance were: Bubby, Berba, Carol, Michelle, me, and the bride and groom) but the impact was immense.  Michelle, who like Mom is an ordained swami, performed the service.  After the vows Mom and Russell sipped coconut milk mixed with honey to symbolize the fact that their union should always be sweet.  Then we feasted on wedding cake -- technically two wedding cakes, a carrot cake and a turtle pie -- a sweet end to a very sweet evening.

When I used to attend weddings with Mom, I'd often be caught mumbling "Mom!" under my breath because, inevitably, she'd cry during the ceremony.  Mom's spirit must have been with me, for last night it was yours truly who provided the waterworks.  I think that the wedding was especially important because I believe that Mom can now go in peace.

...

This afternoon the hospice nurse informed Michelle and me that Mom was actively dying.  She doesn't have much time, she's unlikely to make it through the weekend and can probably hold out a week at most.  Needless to say, this has been an incredibly emotional time, and we are especially thankful that so many wonderful people have been there to lend their support.  In fact, just moments ago, Mom's neighbor Nina volunteered her home for use by overnight guests.  Of course, this brings to mind the logistics of the coming days...

I will try to post the details of what's going to happen online.  It will probably be far easier than trying to call everyone, so please check your e-mail frequently over the coming week.

Please pray that Mom has a swift and painless transition.

Faithfully,

Corey