Missing Mom

June 1st, three years ago, my Mom died. We'd been hanging out in the hospice room on the oncology floor for a few days; since her doctor asked for my permission to unplug Mom from the detoxifying machine that was keeping her alive long enough for my brother and I to make it to Iowa and see her. Cause of death: Stage IV Melanoma. 


In Mom's last couple weeks, a tumor in her abdomen ballooned in size (think a basketball). Then it started spewing toxins into her body. Man, I wish nobody had to see their mother like that.


In memory of Mom, I'm running my first marathon this fall and raising money for the Melanoma Research Foundation. (Because I Hate Melanoma and Love Research!) Thanks for life, Mom. Here's to you!