This is the most recent photograph I have of Marian, although not posed, taken at her daughter, Christina's, home August 14th. Her two granddaughters, Maya and Rayna, are standing in front of her, enjoying Maya's birthday presents from 'Auntie Em'. Maya fell in love with "The Wizard of Oz" movie last spring so when we were meeting for lunch at Ruby Tuesday's she kept referring to me as Auntie Em! I love it! Marian has had a serious set-back with her health and according to Tina might not be able to live without life support. Marian indicated that she does not wish to live that way so unless she can regain the ability to breathe on her own......
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My former spouse drove down to Davie late yesterday to survey the situation and my bro-in-law, Harvey, was awaiting word from him before making his plans for next week. Barb & Harv were planning a road trip around Lake Superior with some friends but that may change due to Marian's fragile state. Since we live in the same state, only about 6 hours apart, we used to spend time and holidays with Marian and Biff. Since the divorce, though, my visits downstate have been much fewer, especially after Justin left home as he was not a willing travel companion to see his aunt and uncle. He would see them at least once a year when they would come up here to visit Justin's father, though. I must say, I do not miss that driving to Ft. Lauderdale one bit! If I were to go to Key West, I would sooner fly than make that drive!!!
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As I was talking with Harv last night, I expressed my sadness for him, as he faces losing two sisters. His sister, Judy, died in 2002 of cancer, on Christmas Eve, at the age of 55. Marian just turned 62 in August but had her first heart attack at age 44, complete with by-pass surgery. She had multiple heart problems since then, too many to count plus other ailments related to her diabetes, depression, and most recently, a knee replacement in November of 2009. She missed her step-dad's funeral in February due to complications from her knee surgery---bed sores! Diabetes makes for slow healing of sores and wounds.
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When I saw her two weeks ago, she was walking without a cane! I remarked at how wonderful that was and Biff said, "Well, she has enough other problems...." Guess he was prophetic, perhaps not realizing what he'd said! His health is poor also, lung problems related to years of smoking and such, and struggles, too, for his breath. He is 61 years old, too young, really, to be an invalid. But what age should one be for being an invalid??? Prayers for strength for Marian and Biff, and the family would be greatly appreciated.
