aunt christine

This is a hard post to write.

Last Monday we received a call that changed our lives.  Aunt Christine had passed away.  Even now, a week later, it still feels so unreal and part of me can't believe it really happened.

Sunday afternoon she went into cardiac arrest in the middle of Relief Society.  There were two nurses who were there and began CPR while the paramedics were coming.  They were able to get her heart started again before taking her to the hospital, but she never regained consciousness.  Once at the hospital it was touch and go all night.  Then, her kidneys shut down.  The doctors tried to get dialysis going to get rid of all the toxins in her body, but they had a hard time getting it going without lowering the amount of medication needed for her heart to stay going.  Eventually, however, it all became too much.  She flat-lined a couple times and finally passed.  An autopsy was performed because there was no medical reason why she died.  The doctors did everything they could for her, but weren't able to save her.  The autopsy came back "inconclusive."  The only explanation that has come out was that she was in the middle of training to run the Phoenix marathon later this month and her electrolytes were out of whack because of that.  Her potassium was just too low and it affected her heart.  Although we would like for there to be a concrete reason why, it was confirmed to us all that it was her time to go.  Heavenly Father needed her home, and she has work she needs to do on the other side.

We got the call Monday afternoon and were all in a state of shock all week.  Emotions fluctuated and life was reevaluated.  Prayer became our refuge and I'm so grateful for good friends and so many family members who sent so many prayers to me and my family.  We felt each one as we were given the strength to continue on with our lives and make it through the funeral on Saturday.

Though we were all very sad, and lots of tears were shed, it was really nice being with my family.  I love my siblings and I'm so thankful for the gospel in my life and the knowledge we have of the Plan of Salvation.  It is such a comfort in times of grief, to know there is a plan, and that life doesn't end with death.