Dear Friends and Family,
It is with regret that I inform you that our beloved Carol is no longer with us in the physical universe (at least in the form we are familiar with).
Although she was continually weakening, she told me as early as last week that she wanted to keep fighting the cancer. And she was winning that battle. Her tumor marker numbers were still falling. But the Cachexia (wasting away) was getting worse much faster that her tumors were decreasing. She was frail and emaciated.
On Thursday, she had a seizure that last lasted multiple hours and surely caused neurological damage. There was no fun left for her at that point, and Hospice kept her as comfortable as possible. George, Mike, Tanya, her caregiver Ruth and myself never left her side.
Her niece Darcy and her family came up to say goodbye, and our family friend Bethany and her family came up to say good bye. All people my Mother would have wanted to see.
She died peacefully on Friday, August 13th. The mood in the room was purely that of gratitude. She had suffered so much the last few days, that we all wanted her to cross to the other side and be with her Mom and Dad and other close family and friends who had made the journey before her. Surely there is more for her to look forward to there than staying in a body that no longer served her needs.
We are deeply saddened when we think of our personal loss, but deeply thankful when we think about how much better it is for her.
She did not want to have a memorial service or a funeral. Instead, she wished to have a celebration of her life! In her honor, we will be having a party just the way she would have wanted it: POT LUCK!
The date is Saturday, Oct 2, and we hope you will let us know if you can make it!
My Mom was so grateful to you for reading her blogs. When she had the strength, she cherished logging on and seeing the comments you left.
Mexico was a miracle in all of our lives. She outlived Kaisers prediction for her life by an entire year, and the treatment in Mexico kept her feeling healthy for a good 8 months, which was plenty of time for her to enjoy her family and friends and think about all of the things that were important to her life. And it turned out, she had all of them.
Blessing to you from Carol, I am sure!
-Seth Coltan
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Carol was one of my best friends in the world for the past 52 years. When she left her bereaved family and friends yesterday, to enter the next life, we all are diminished. Carol Greenfeld Coltan Guillen will be deeply and sorely missed by all who were privileged to know her.
ReplyDeleteCarol was a beautiful person, from the inside out, who spent her life sharing love, doing good deeds, constantly learning everything she could--about health, nature and always undertaking new activities. She cared passionately about her family and friends and never was hesitant to enthusiastically express her views, opinions and knowledge--always with the intention of helping others.
Carol didn't have a mean or selfish bone in her body--she shared everything she had with anyone who needed it. Her hospitality--often taken advantage of--was extended to family and friends without "reservations."
Carol was one-of-a-kind; I tried to be as good a friend to her as she was to me, but she set such an incredibly high standard that I never could equal her. She taught me so much about being a parent, friend and the person I am. Carol will never be forgotten by anyone who knew her. Wherever she's going is where I want to be at my life's end.
Love always from Adrienne E. Katz Katz
I've known Carol since 1962 - 48 years now. We were on the same dorm floor at the U of C. I have seen her only 3-4 times since we left Chicago, but she remains in my mind as one of my best friends, ever. I echo what Bill wrote completely and fully. I have no words of my own right now. This is Diane, but I cannot figure out the profile bit right now.
ReplyDeleteOoops, that was Adrienne's comment.
ReplyDeleteDiane
Carol was a wonderful friend and mentor. We loved to talk about herbs, supplements, colloidal silver, kombucha mushrooms, Louise Hay...She was way ahead of her time. I will dearly miss her. Diane McKay
ReplyDelete