On March 17, 2008, my 32 year old daughter began to complain of pain to her right calf. For two weeks prior to that she complained of flu symptoms. By early morning on March 19, 2008, her calf was swollen and discolored. She went to the emergency room. It was thought at the time that she had a blood clot and respiratory problems. After some time in the emergency room she was taken to the ICU. Her blood pressure was critically low and breathing was difficult. By the early morning of March 20, 2008, she was placed on a ventilator. The diagnosis of NF was given. On the morning of March 20, 2008, my son-in-law was asked to grant permission to amputate her right leg. He gave permission. Many crucial hours went by before her right leg, buttock, and pelvic bone were removed. Permission was granted in the early morning however surgery was not performed until that evening. During that time the infection was visibly spreading rapidly. Following surgery my daughter was placed on life support. A cut was found on her large right toe which is believed to be the point of entry of the infection. A few weeks before she lost her shoe while camping. The decision was made by her husband that evening following surgery to discontinue life support as it was determined that the infection was too far spread and further surgery would be needed to remove her right arm and shoulder and that was no guarantee. My daughter would not have wanted this.

While all of this was happening I was on an emergency flight half way across the country to be with her. I asked that she be given The Last Sacrament. I arrived in time before she was removed from life support to tell her goodbye and that I loved her. I do believe she squeezed my hand. To watch my daughter take her last breath is the hardest thing I have ever had to do. I hope someday that image will fade. My daughter was beautiful, highly intelligent, sensitive, caring and loving. I am still trying to grasp the idea that what took nine months to make took only a few days to destroy. She had her whole life ahead of her. She will be sorely missed and I have planted a rose garden in her name. She leaves behind a loving family which include her husband, four children, a granddaughter, mom, dad, step-parents, five sisters, one brother, neices, nephew, aunts, cousins and friends.

IMMORTALITY

Do not stand by my grave and weep...
I am not there
I do not sleep.

I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am a diamond glint on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.

When you awake in the morning hush,
I am the swift upflinging rush
of quiet birds in circling flight,
I am the soft star that shines at night.

Do not stand by my grave and cry...
I am not there.
I did not die.
I live with the Risen Lord.

Thank You,
Karla Williams

Correspondence is welcome.