My dear mother Vera Frieda Fischer passed away after a long illness almost a week ago at age 95. She was an only child of German immigrants who came to America after World War 1. She lost her father when she was 10 years old and lost her mother when she was 36 years old. I was blessed to have her for almost 74 years.

When she was hospitalized with Acute Respiratory Distress from Bilateral Pneumonia, I could visit and be with her in the hospital. I was able to communicate fully with a team of Pulmonologists, Hospitalists, Nurses, and Respiratory Therapists on a regular ongoing basis. I was able to hold her hand and be with her when she died. I can make all the necessary final arrangements for her.

I am still traumatized that I had none of this when Johnny was hospitalized during the Covid lockdown
with Severe Acute Respiratory Distress. He was completely alone. Precious time was taken away from us. I also barely had any communication with hospital professionals. I could not make any arrangements. It was hard to get into a Funeral Home and get his body picked up from the hospital. We could not have a wake and Church service. It was horrific.

I am so grateful I could be with my mother in her final days. I truly hope that she and Johnny, her son, are now together again. May they both rest in eternal peace. They will forever be missed. I am now the last member of the family I grew up with and the keeper of all the memories.

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