Life Changing (Mother's Death)

Mothers know and see everything; however, I never wanted to believe it was true. When I was short on money, needed a hot home-cooked meal or a shoulder to cry on, I would call my mother. I never took or valued my mother’s advice, but I always tried to learn from her mistakes. I failed to grow to my full potential when I had my mother to rely on. Few events in my 25 years of life demanded urgent self evaluation, maturity and reliance until the sudden passing of my beloved mother. On April 29, 2006, I readied myself for work in my normal fashion. I arrived at my job, Florida Blood Services, where I’m a phlebotomist on a mobile donation unit. That day our destination for our blood drive was Wal-Mart. As the work day marched on, blood donors of various ages came to donate, and I could tell the first timers by the look of fear in their eyes. During my break, I ventured into Wal-Mart where I saw some decorative vases that would complement our bathroom. From several different shapes and colors, I finally chose the perfect one for our apartment. I couldn’t wait to get home and show my boyfriend, Jeff. I arrived home from work, flushed with excitement. Jeff approved of the purchase, so I told him about the others at Wal-Mart that would pair together best. While at Wal-Mart I was interrupted by my cell phone ringing; the caller ID displayed my mother’s home calling. As I picked up the phone I was expecting to hear my mom’s voice, instead it was my brother’s. When he said hello, I could hear the haunting fear and sadness lingering in his voice. Before I could ask what he wanted, he proceeded to tell me that he discovered my mom lying on the floor face down next to her bed. I frantically asked him, “Is she breathing?” He responded hollowly “No.” I then instructed him “call 911 and start CPR.” Frozen in shock, I then grabbed Jeff, ran out of Wal-Mart, and stormed into the car. I drove like teenager in a sports car, hurrying to her house an endless hour away.