Written by Kaleigh Rakowski Remembering Kathleen Rakowski, October 26, 1966-November 17, 2012.
The day started off as any regular day would for my mother and I. I woke up bright and early for school and she braided my hair, made me breakfast, and made sure to do our daily handshake we created together before I gave her a hug and kiss and headed outside for the bus. Every day I would turn around and she would wave goodbye to me in the window of our home. That was the last time I would see my mom healthy.
When I returned home from school that day my neighbors greeted me off of the bus instead of my mom, they informed me that my mom was in the hospital but was just sick. I had no idea just a couple hours earlier, my brother, Bradley got off the bus and found her laying unconscious on our living room floor with her glasses shattered. He had just turned 12 and that day was supposed to be his birthday party. He quickly called 911 and ran to get a neighbors help. He helped keep her alive for a bit longer by taking orders before an ambulance could come. When we all reunited at the hospital I quickly became to realize that my mom wasn’t just sick. I was just about to turn 10 years old when I walked into the hospital ICU room with my father screaming seeing my best friend hooked up to machines. Doctors and nurses informed my family that even if she lived that she would never be the same, they recommended that we pulled life support and let her be at peace. That was the hardest day of my life.
Although my brothers and I were so young we will never forget how unexpected and scared we were. My mom complained earlier that day that she had a terrible headache and didn’t feel well, the signs of an aneurysm. None of us would have expected something so tragic to occur when we left home that morning. She was a wonderful women and I will always remember her for the selfless and kind mother that she was. It is so important to be aware of the warning signs and risks of aneurysms and to educate yourself and others on how to be on the lookout for them. They are far more common than many of us know. If we had known, she may still be here today.
I love and miss you dearly, Mom. Benjamin, Bradley and I will forever cherish our time together.
