My mother, Herta Wood, passed away on February 13, at 2320, just one week before her 68th birthday. She had a 3.5 year battle with MSA (Multiple Symptom Atrophy) which destroyed her body. She did not wake up that morning and dad rushed her to the hospital. Sandy made the phone calls to the rest of us to inform us on mom’s condition. The children along with all of the grandchildren started to arrive at the hospital in the afternoon. By the time mom passed away everybody was there except John the oldest grandchild. He was in Indianapolis driving his big rig. All 4 children and spouses (except Scot who passed away in 2002) along with 11 of the 12 grandchildren were there with grandma (Oma) and grandpa (Opa). The memorial service was on 2/18/08. We are planning to put her ashes at the cemetery on the July 4 weekend. Below is the picture of the head stone for mom and dad.
Mom was diagnosed with MSA in the fall of 2004. She started dragging one of her feet as she walked and the first thought was she may have suffered a stroke. After numerous tests they determined it was MSA. Some of the doctors call this Parkinson’s on steroids. The prognosis was 3-5 years. It didn’t take long before her body started to change and she started having problems walking. She went to the Mayo clinic in Florida for testing and help. They were able to confirm the diagnosis and help with her quality of life. The last couple of months she was not able to do anything without dad helping her. Even eating and taking her medicine was a chore. My father took care of her at home up to the last day which was her only final wish. He never left her side and gave her unconditional love up to the end. I just thank God for such a caring and loving father.
This page will be updated as our family moves forward and more memories come to us. I’m in the process of scanning all of our pictures with mom from all of the years. As I scan them they I will put them up on our family photo site. Please go see them and enjoy the memories with us.
