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A little background:
Last year, I met one of the most beautiful & wonderful human beings on this planet thanks to DU. Though we never met in person, we talked often on the phone and thru email even more. This wonderful lady is 75 years old, a retired psychologist and all around wonderful person. I met her when I did a fundraiser here for my sister, after her husband died unexpectedly, and she kept in touch with me afterward. She lives in Scotsdale, Arizona.
This wonderful lady helped guide me through a rough spot with one of my kids, giving some sage advice and sharing her knowledge. She was also into astrology, and took the time to actually write out my charts for me and mail them to me, then worked to help me understand it (even though I still don't grasp it) and guided me by explaining things about when were good times for me to try to start something new, or try to make some money, etc. All the while, she was starting to become ill.
She told me she was starting to suffer from TIA's and that she had been diagnosed with a brain tumor, which she was preparing to have surgery for. I didn't hear from her for a couple of weeks, then she called me one day and said she had just gotten out of the hospital because of a small stroke. The last time I heard from her was on Sept. 30th, when she emailed me and said she was going to stay with friends for a few days so they could keep an eye on her before she went back to her doctor. She said she would contact me when she got back home, but she also said that she had letters in her bag, including one addressed to me, so that if anything happened to her, someone knew to send these letters out.
After I didn't hear from her in a few days, I began to start worrying about her some, but figured maybe she was rushed in for emergency surgery or something and that she was just recovering and recuperating. After all, I hadn't received a letter... After about 4 or 5 weeks, I tried to call her house, and I was somewhat relieved and optimistic, as her phone was still working.
I tried calling once or twice a week during November and December, although I stopped calling about a week before christmas, just in case, and I didn't want to upset any family members if they happened to be there for some reason. I called twice during January, still encouraged because her phone was still working and it was still her voice on the answering machine (I believe her son stayed there when he wasn't traveling the globe for work, but i'm not 100% sure on that).
Well, tonight, out of the blue, something told me to call her number again. To my surprise and delight, she answered the phone! My delight was quickly dampened though, at the news I received. She just came home from the hospital yesterday, and told the hospice people today that they could leave for the night because she was feeling ok. The truth of the matter, though, is that she told me that she also has bone cancer real bad and is dying.... and that she only has a week to 10 days left to live. My heart, mind & soul shattered... big time...
She wasn't able to talk long, as she was feeling very weak, but I am glad I got to hear her voice one more time, and I got to tell her thank you for all she did, and let her know she will never be forgotten.
She was a donor here, but she told me she never posted here. She was also a member of the Mother Jones site.
Here's to you, Berta "Muffi" Mankenberg. You are the epitome of what a wonderful human being is, and I wish the best for you and a safe passage into the next world. Your soul will live on, through me, as it was you who renewed my faith in human kindness and in humans in general. You were unselfish and giving with your time, spirit & knowledge. Bless you, dear lady.... I wish there was some way that I could be there for you right now...
PEACE!
Ghost
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