Johanna M. Guma-Aguiar

As some of you may or may not know my mom was brought home on hospice last week. It’s been pretty hard juggling so many feelings all while trying to stay strong for my dad. They celebrate 65 years of marriage this December. I’ve been trying to deal with hospice care, medicines,and new symptoms by switching my mind on what I call “business mode” but it’s hard to deny the reality of the situation. I’ve had to have really tough conversations with her, my dad, and my siblings on numerous occasions. Conversations I don’t think you can ever prepare for. I have slowly started to gain a new appreciation for things, even the smallest of gestures or details. I’ve always tried to live a positive life thinking the best of others but this is different. Life really is so precious. Just 5 months ago we were celebrating her birthday and she was up and laughing and walking and talking and blowing out her candles. In a blink of an eye things can change, make sure you make the most of every day, appreciate, love, and hug those that matter to you. Tell them you love them, make sure you won’t have any regrets if they didn’t wake up tomorrow morning even more so make sure you leave nothing unsaid if you never wake.
That being said, I am all too well aware that I am not great at keeping in touch, calling you, texting you often, but know, if we’ve ever shared a laugh, a hug, a drink or a tear you are special to me. I will always carry those moments with me as big or insignificant as they may seem. If I’ve ever coached you, worked with you, prayed with you, coached with you or traveled with you, you are special to me. Thank you for giving me 49 amazing years. To many more laughs, tears, and memories, THANK YOU!