Carolyn Arvidson 12/17/1930-1/12/2017

The day I “got the call” the movers were at my house packing for our move to Idaho.   It was not completely unexpected, but at the same time, it was.

In October my sister and mother took an “epic trip” across the country visiting friends, family, historical sites, and national parks. Mom, of course, began her journey in CT and took the train to Philadelphia where she joined my sister and they began the drive: final destination- Seattle, WA.  My farm was the 1^st stop on the journey which took just over 2 weeks.

At 85 mom seemed to be in fabulous health.  She was mentally sharp, lived in her own home without any assistance, had plans for the future, and appeared that she would live forever.  My sister had no reservations about having her as a co-pilot.  Not to worry, this story will not prove my sister wrong- she wasn’t.  Mom proved to be a very able navigator and driver- and an overall great traveling companion.   This trip was a huge success and both mom and my sister had the “trip of a lifetime”.  Some of the highlights involved visiting sites of historically family significance, such as ,The Gallup House my mother’s mother’s birthplace and childhood home in IA, and a church in Deer Park, WA that my mother’s grandfather helped establish.

Upon reaching Seattle my mom commented that she was a bit constipated- well, ok, they just spent 2+ weeks in a car.  Once home, mom went to visit her doctor about the persistent issue- although she continued to attend dinner parties and luncheons.  In November her doctor sent her to the ER, where she was diagnosed with Stage 4 Colon cancer.  That was November 16^th, and the decline was rapid.  I did get to visit her in both November and December- both times she was in the hospital, and both times we did get to enjoy each other’s uninterrupted company, although not under ideal circumstances.

How lucky that our mother didn’t experience prolonged suffering.  When my mom and sister took their trip, they had no idea of the pending troubles.  They were able to enjoy the trip without sadness and grief.  I am a bit jealous of the time my sister got spend with my mom, but I am So Thankful that they took that trip together.  I am so Thankful that my mother got to see these family places, and visit with family along the way.  As always, I am SO THANKFUL that she is my mother.  Mom, I love you more than tongue can tell and words can write.