Jim here... As you may have noticed, Pure Jeevan was offline for the past week. I wish this absence had been for some pleasant reason that I could now write about. But, in truth, it was because my mother passed away last Thursday afternoon. It's not easy to write about so soon afterward; we're all painfully unprepared to describe my mother using the past tense. Her passing still just doesn't seem real to me or to anyone who knew her.She was without a doubt a remarkably beautiful, happy, and loving person who, for 65+ years, really made a difference in a lot of people's lives.
Beyond her ties to Wendi, KDcat, and me, she was also known to some Pure Jeevan family members as well as others in the raw food community. She appeared here just a few months ago to share a raw hummus recipe. And, I know she had visited and/or joined a few other raw foods sites during the past two years. She really did have an interest in it, and always loved her veggies and a good salad. In fact, she was one of those people who actually ate fairly healthfully, relatively speaking, yet still faced serious health challenges.
So many things seem unimportant when major and/or unexpected events like this unfold. But, as always, Pure Jeevan will carry on with its mission of helping others attain optimal health. Mom would have wanted that, I know. She was very interested in raw foods and natural health, especially during her final months. Just weeks ago, as her final health crisis was just beginning, Wendi and I had sent her a copy of Gabriel Cousen's "There Is a Cure for Diabetes" book and my mom had told us that she intended to begin following it seriously once she was able to. In the short time between receiving that book and when she needed to get back to a hospital, she watched her sugar drop from 450+ levels down to high 100s on her glucometer, which was super.
Her final challenge was not diabetes, though. Ultimately, my mother died of cardiac arrest, caused by insufficient oxygen getting into her blood stream, caused in turn by something called pulmonary hypertension, which we'd only found out about roughly two weeks prior to her untimely and unexpected passing. None of us (my mother included) ever knew how serious this condition was.
Going back any further (i.e., determining the exact cause of the pulmonary hypertension) enters a hypothetical realm. To me, it seems like it must relate to certain of the prescription medicines she'd been taking, or to their individual or collective interaction with her unique physiology, or to her weakened system from the cancer, the chemo, and/or the radiation -- or maybe to a combination of all of the above and/or maybe something that none of us know. The doctors were as baffled as anyone else, to be truthful. Sadly, it's all "what ifs" and "if onlys" now. So, I don't want to invest a lot of energy into theorizing about it.
Original Comments
Below, we have included the original comments from this blog post. Additional comments may be made via Facebook, below.
On August 13, 2010, wrote:
I'm sooo sorry to hear about your loss, Jim (and Wendi & KDKat). Please know that am keeping you in my thoughts and prayers and sending you lots of love and healing energy. She was a very beautiful and vibrant looking woman. It seems obvious she was a blessing to those around her. Big Hugs and Blessings to All Three of You, ~tracy
On August 13, 2010, wrote:
Jim,(& Wendi and KDKat too), I am so very sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. As someone who lost their dad at the age of 63, 5 years ago to sudden cardiac arrest I know how much of a shock to the system it can be. I will pray for your continued healing and if you would ever need anyone to talk to know that I am here. We will be in Portland by the 15th of Sept., and would love to give you all a big huge HUG, you are such wonderful people for all you do...take your time to heal - it is important. Remember the air mask in the airplane - you have to put it on yourself before you can help others and I know you all have such a special, loving family that you will take care of each other. Much love, peace, healing and blessings to you all, Michelle
On August 13, 2010, wrote:
Jim, I know it hurts. You want the world to just stop and look with wonder and awe for your mother's life. Well, just know. I am stopped. I am looking with wonder and awe at the life she was given. I am in love with the son she bore, with his wife, and with her granddaughter. Through you three, I know her well, and I have been thinking of her, and of you. I am stopped. I am in awe.
On August 13, 2010, wrote:
Jim, this is a beautiful tribute.I am so very sorry. She was obviously a beautiful person with a caring, loving heart. Her vivaciousness and love show in the pictures here. We continue to hold you all close in our thoughts. Thanks for sharing this with us. Your generous spirit is probably something you learned from your beautiful mother. Sending love and hugs to each of you right now! WE love you all!
On August 14, 2010, wrote:
I am very sorry for you loss. It was a very sweet video of your mom. I will be praying for your family. Terry
On August 14, 2010, wrote:
Jim,
So sorry to hear of your mother's passing. I am sending you and your family lots of positive white light as you honor your beautiful mom and her amazing spirit. Many prayers too....
Hugs to you my friend,
Tina
On August 14, 2010, wrote:
My heart is broken for your loss and I send you only love and light.
your friend Tangela in NC
On August 14, 2010, wrote:
I can understand how devastating the loss of your mom is to you all. Hoping you get time to grieve and honor her memory.
peace to you all,
love deb
On August 14, 2010, wrote:
I am sorry for the loss of your mother! The montage of her life in pictures is lovely and must have been healing for you. Take courage!
On August 14, 2010, wrote:
Thank you so much for sharing this with me. II will forward it to my sister, Faye, in Schuyler, NY. I felt sorry about you mom's sudden death and I wish you all my best wishes as you continue to remember her share in your lives. She was our dear cousin who shared in ours. Michael L. Mazzola, DeKalb, IL
On August 14, 2010, wrote:
I remember the video of your Mother making the hummus. I thought she was absolutely charming. My thoughts and prayers goes out to your family on the loss of this very Special person.
On August 14, 2010, wrote:
Such sad news, it must be painful for you - just think how happy she is now, especially after seeing this beautiful tribute you did for her. Lots of Love to all of you ... P&D
On August 15, 2010, wrote:
Jim, I am so sorry to hear about your mom. Your tribute shows how much you loved her. Thanks for sharing.