When the Technology We Create Is Meaningful

My mom passed away yesterday. She was 83 and it was her time. We’ve been expecting this to happen for a while and we are grateful she went calmly and peacefully. We’re writing an obituary and I’ll post it here when it’s ready. 

Portrait 003

I have 4 wonderful sisters. All of them, except Susie, were able to make to Ft. Collins to be at my mom’s side when she died. However, the snow storm that hit Denver in the past few days caused many flights including Susie’s from Wisconsin to be cancelled. She had been to Ft. Collins earlier in the week, but had to return home.

Imagine if you had a chance to be by the side of someone you loved as they quietly passed away, but you weren’t able to because Mother Nature prevented it.

Sucks.

But Skype to the rescue. The hospice had Wi-fi and I had my laptop with me. I fired up Skype and Susie was able to sit there with her siblings and talk (and sing) to my mom as she took her final breaths. If my mom could see (not sure she could at that point) she could see Susie sitting with us; and Susie could see my mom.

It would have been better if she had been there personally, but the technology we have around us, and that many of us have had a part in creating, can and does have a deeply meaningful impact on people’s lives. Thank you all for helping to create it.

5 comments


  1. Walt French says:

    My work hasn’t done anything to deserve your specific thanks but I’ll sure remember it as part of what I do / why I do it.

  2. Anonymous says:

    So sorry for your loss. Thanks for sharing.

  3. Rdilipk says:

    I know first-hand the pain of not being there personally when your loved one is about to take his/her last breath. I understand exactly what your sister must have gone through.

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  5. Tysonindenver says:

    My mother was your mothers neighbor in Litchfield, Nancy McVety. I’ve been looking for Amy for years and would love to catch up with her. I traveled with my Nancy and Amy’s Nancy to Spain and Portugal…a trip I will never forget nor will I ever forget the woman your mom was…..no other words other than spit and vinegar. Please have Amy contact me at tysonindenver@aol.com. Thanks

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