It was a sad night in the Heinisch family as Doug's Mom passed away this evening after a three year bought with ovarian cancer. Jeanette died quietly as Carl and Phil stepped out on to the porch to have dinner. I wouldn't have expected anything different. Jeanette put up a brave fight to the end and she never wanted to burden anyone. I know it had to be hard for her to ask for help.
The last few years were challenging for Jeanette, but she never complained to her children, their wives and her grandchildren. In our presence she was ever happy and a joy to be around. She was interested in everything that we had to share with her. She spoke endlessly about the love she had for her family and how impressed she was that Brett called her every week when he was at IU just to check in and give her an update on his life.
As the week drew on and the end of her time grew near I realized just how much we would all miss calling her. She gave great advice and as a former Home Ec teacher she always had a wealth of ideas for me or projects to try. I love that I got to share that passion with her and Meg. Every project we did in class my first year was one that she first made with Meg. She enjoyed that so much and Meg will have those memories for a lifetime.
Jeanette also loved to read and discussed the Harry Potter and other series endlessly with our family. Brett even gave her a copy of the Hobbit to read this July. She hurried and read it, so they could discuss it on his return trip. It was the last book she ever read and Brett was proud to have that moment with her.
Sports were also a topic that she was well versed in having three boys actively involved in soccer and baseball growing up. A fighting Illini fan, Jeanette shared the excitement of their final four season with Cal almost ten years ago. As we left last Sunday she made sure he had a copy of the games from their March Madness run. Cal said that is still his favorite team of all time.
Cam had a special place in Jeanette's heart as well. He was the last of the grandchildren and always the most easy going. Cam hugged her and Carl tight when he left. He still held out hope that this was not his last trip out to see her, but in her honor is finishing the fourth Harry Potter book this week.
I watched Doug cry on the way home from our last visit. Unlike Cam he knew this was his last visit to see his Mom. My heart breaks for the Heinisch family. I know that Doug, Brett, Cal, Meg and Cam will get through the weekend, but life will be different without one of their biggest cheerleaders.
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