Age 39-The Beginning of the End (Reflection of My Mom)

During my science method course, we discussed health awareness and the importance of teaching it to young children.  We talked about habits learned in our youth can last a lifetime.  This led to a flash forward discussion about how what happens to us between 40-60 years of age determines whether we will live into our 80's and 90's. 

As I reflect on my mother's health path, the beginning of the end began for her just shy of her 40th birthday when she was 39 years old.  During a doctor's visit I attended with her the doctor told her that she had 20 percent kidney function and would have total kidney failure in two years. 

Two years to the date, when she was 41 or 42 years old her kidneys failed and she began a fast track to a road scarred with illnesses that eventually lead to her death at age 57 in 2007. 

It is interesting that I did not really think about I have just hit the first milestone after my mother's death or being the same age she was when her illnesses escalated. 

Her journey of pain and sacrifice taught me that it is always temporary, that we are truly given only what handle, and that in the end death comes as blessing and not curse. 

As I approach Mother's Day, my heart gets a little hardened but shortly after the date I am reminded of legacy my mother left me and the strength that she gave me to live a life of purpose and joy.