On March 9, Anne and I lost our only child, our precious daughter Beth. After a 30 year battle with diabetes which led to partial blindness, kidney failure, and failed organ transplants, her fragile body finally gave up. As much as I would like to tell you about her and how special she was, it is still too soon. The tears have not stopped and I just can’t do it right now. Anne and I would like to thank the hundreds of friends and relatives who have contacted us during this most difficult time. If you would like to see what others thought, or you would like to make a donation to the two charities Beth actively supported, please go to www.hinesrinaldifuneralhome.com . In the obituary search space enter Elizabeth Gatti.
I will resume my blog in a few days. In the mean time, I thank you for your continued support and patience.
Ron:
Like so many of your friends from our years in Washington, we watched Beth grow up. Amy and I grieve with you and Anne. Our prayers are with you and we are here when you need us.
Words cannot convey my deepest sympathies at this time. I’ll miss her like a big sister, she was that special. I can only hope I could be half the person she was and is in all our minds!
Im so sorry ron even though I did not know your daughter I sure felt like I did from all the stories you shared with me. I will have all of you in my thoughts and prayers.
I do hope you are ok, I miss your blog im sure you have been not liking the weather thus far. its been a cold one. and cabin fever has set in. take care vanessa
I am saddened to hear that your daughter died and with such a devastating disease. She must have been a childhood onset diabetic. The best man at my husband’s and my wedding 1n 1955, died at age 30 of diabetes. He was my husband’s childhood friend. I remember from 5th grade at the grammar school at Storrs, Connecticut that one morning he did not waken. His Father a Navy Chaplin was called home from the service in WW II. John recovered and did much in his short life. He led a band of school kids where he played by ear. He married and had a child. Later when blind from the disease, he built church organs.
Diabetes is a life changing disease. It rules your life. When I was diagnosed after having gestational diabetes 38 years before, I was shocked, as the doctors had told me I would never have it again. Actually the average time to get it back is only seven years. Six years ago when I was diagnosed with type II diabetes, there were thirteen million cases in the USA. At last count there are more than 50 million in the USA.
I met a clerk in store whose blind 30-year-old daughter has received a pancreatic implant and no longer required insulin. My husband was diagnosed with diabetes three years ago. He is still leaning to live with it. He has no feeling in his feet. Neither of us is on Insulin.
As a Registered Professional nurse, I cared for a gentleman who was one of the first candidates to receive insulin, after its development by the Canadian doctors, Banting and Best. He looked very young for his 65 years, but had a heart attack.
You and your wife will live with the memories of your daughter one day at a time. Gradually your pain will ease.
Sincerely, Mary W. Bushnell, RN