My aunt died today, well technically I guess she died 2 days ago when she stopped breathing (I still have not gotten a clear idea on how long and frankly get the idea that no one really knows) and suffered terminal brain damage. It was just confirmed today after the doctors brought her body temp up after basically freezing her in a last ditch attempt to save her and run brain tests today.
She was 46 and leaves behind a husband, a 20 year old, 16 year old and 7 year old not to mention scores of nephews and nieces and 8 siblings including my dad.
I really am not sure why I am writing this, it's not really like me to seek comfort from people I do not know. And really that's not how I choose to mourn, instead I try and remember the good times.
I do know that my aunt was in many ways just another victim of a broken and dysfunctional health care system. She has been in ill health for a while since being diagnosed with Leukemia and since then her health rapidly deteriorated the last 4 years with kidney damage, having to be on and off a respirator and more.
I could tell you about how we had to host a fundraiser cause her insurance company would not cover the bills. Having hit her 'life time limit'. I wish to an extent I had details but well that's not really how my dad's side works, to this day I do not know how my grandmother died some almost 3 decades ago and talking about my grandpa (almost a decade) is a good way to start a fight.
But my family's dysfunction really isn't relevant what is relevant is she was one of the reasons I fought for health care, believed and fought for Obama. And she is one of the reasons I can not wait for this health care bill to pass. Really though the more I think as I type, that's not what I want to think about. I do not want this to be another meta about HCR or another rant or anything really about politics.
Tonight, I just want a party, DK style so please post your funny pootie pictures you've stashed away for a rainy day, your odd videos and anything else you got. Life is so short and well let's just have some fun tonight.
UPDATES:
Thank you everyone, I am working my way though everything and trying to leave everyone a comment but till I can personally thank you all consider this my thank you to all of you.
And this made the rec list? wow I really do not know what to say. What I am going to do is shamelessly plug some foundations that always need donations. Foundations like Make a Wish and Live Strong. I wish I could plug them all but I would like to be selfish and just say that charities and foundations like these need support.
I am sincerely touched at being on the rec list and as this is my party I say we feast well tonight and have some fun for tomorrow we go to war for health care!
Last thought for tonight, I am going to bed as I get to get up early and get blood drawn but please keep posting and by all means use this diary as a place to just relax a bit before our final push. I will be back as soon as I can and thank you all again.