Auth Ruth

My Aunt Ruth passed away unexpectedly last night. She was 82, but you would never know that looking at her. She was complaining of abdominal pain and thought it may have to do with her hernia.. After the pain meds were not working she was transported to the hospital. After some tests, the doctors determined she need emergency surgery. Upon opening her abdominal cavity, all her large intestines and some of her small needed to be removed. They were necrotic (tissues were dead). She never regained consciousness after the surgery. Years ago she declared herself as a DNR (do not resuscitate) and did not want to be kept alive by machines or medicine. After the surgery, she was on a breathing machine and meds to keep her heart beating. My cousin who was power of attorney took her off the machines. A few hours later she peacefully passed. I was okay with the decision especially because she was a DNR for years. She would never want a colostomy bag either- she was much to vain for that! :-) We will be headed north again for the second time in 3 weekends to celebrate her life. She will be greatly missed!