A year ago on September 5th, my mom unexpectly passed away due to complications from being malnurished for far too long. For reasons which I can't comprehend at this time, she was unable to eat properly, which resulted in constant pain for her physically, emotionally and mentally. As a child, I thought it was normal for Mom's not to eat. As a teenager, I was too involved in my own teenage dramas to pay attention. As a mom myself, I thought she was missing out on one the best parts of living--EATING! As a mom later in years, with a daughter suffering from an eating disorder, I realized my mother was ill as well. By the time I realized her plight, it was too late. At first, I was angry, then frustrated, then guilty for not realizing the problem sooner. None of those emotions helped my mom, however. She needed and continues to need, I imagine, our understanding. She was ill, and therefore, was limited in her abilities. Nevertheless, she loved passionately, her family and friends. I can no longer feel any negative feelings about her illness. It wasn't who she was!!! I know without a doubt, that she made sure Telisa gave birth to a healthy baby boy. Maybe, she is doing in the next life, what she was unable to do here. I know she is thrilled to be with her parents, whom she adored, and looks forward to the day when she can be reunited with her Harold! Since her death, Bodie (Van Leeuwen), Lily (Blake), Owen (Peters) and soon Redd (Van Leeuwen) and baby Beaton will be born all healthy and strong. I know Mom is sending all these little Spirits off with her love and blessings. As a family, we are united in the cause of healthy eating styles for us and for our posterity (and anyone else who will listen to us), for we have painfully witnessed the affects of Eating Disorders. My mother's passing only reiterated the vital importance of eating and caring for our bodies properly. I know we live in a world obsessed with thinness. I am grateful, we have the truth! I love you MOM! We won't let you down!
