My parents have both died because of poor health.

Amy_B

I am 31 years old and have lost both of my parents to health related issues. My mom died in 2005 of a heart attack. She was 47 years old. It was a big shock but not incredibly unbelievable given her habits. She smoked 3 packs of cigarettes a day, ate out a lot, and didn't work. She was incredible sedentary. She died 3 days before her second grandchild was to be born.

On March 2, 2012, my dad, who has been battling type II diabetes for years along with heart issues (quadruple bipass in 2007) and was only 55, went into cardiac arrest. He wasn't found for at least 10 minutes at the rehab center where he was staying after he had first a couple of toes amputated then half his foot then half his leg. It took 20 minutes to find his heart beat after that (to revive him). He never recovered from not having oxygen for that long, and on March 4, we decided to take him off of life support because he would have no quality of life. He died 2 hours later.

I am having a very difficult time with this. I was able to lose over 100 pounds after my mom died (my motivation to lose), but I gained a little back. I know I need to continue my journey, and I am, but emotionally, it's very difficult. I know he just passed, but I would like a day where I don't feel like completely breaking down.

I guess the reason I am posting this is because of my pain and wanting to share why we really need to get healthy. Think about your family and the pain they would go through if you passed away because of poor health.

Helenatrandom

I am so sorry for your loss.

Both of my parents are gone now, too. My daddy died of lung cancer when I was 23, and my mother died 17 years later of a heart attack (2 years ago). While I don't know what it is like to lose them so close together, or both by the age of 31, I know grief. The pain DOES ease, though you will always miss them. The day will come though when you can remember the happy times and be glad you had them rather than just hurt because they are gone.

:flowerforyou:

minimetobe10

I am so sorry for your loss. I cannot imagine.

Thank you for sharing. Leaving my little one without a mom is one of my motivations for doing this. I cannot imagine not seeing him grow up.

becoming_a_new_me

I am so sorry for your loss, and I pray you find strength. While certainly traumatic for you, imagine much longer you will be here for your children so that they do not have to go through what you went through. You are certainly a strong and amazing woman...keep up the hard work!

mbrownks77

I'M so sorry for your loss...... My mom died last June af COPD. She was only 60. Now, my 54 year old aunt has it too. Yet I continue to smoke. I promised my mom before she died that I would get this weight off and need to try harder. Losing your parents makes you put alot of things into perspective. I just try to remind myself every day that I WILL BE here to see my kids and grandkids grow up. You have done an AMAZING job on your journey hon. I have no doubt that you will continue. You are an inspiration to me and MANY others too. You are in my prayers. Keep ur head up!

Elizabeth_C34

*hugs* I have had to bury 3 people I love from smoking-related cancers and a very good friend who died last year at the age of 47 from complications associated with morbid obesity. I know it's not the same thing, but it's so frustrating when it happens and you lose someone so dear to you from poor decisions on the part of the person who passed. The anger, frustration, and hurt can seem palpable at times.

Know always that they loved you and want only the best for you. If you have children, use this as inspiration to be the best mother you can be for them so they don't have to go through the same with you. Remember that it is all about quality of life. We can't control when we die, but we have a lot of control on how we live and what legacy we leave our children.

47 and 55 are way too young to pass away, and my heart is with you. *hugs*

Rae6503

Oh man. I'm so sorry for both of your losses. That's horrible.

brandiuntz

My sincerest condolences to you. I lost my mother to Type 1 Diabetes this past September.

I watched her health decline over the years. I have other relatives with diabetes (Type II), and it's the same story.

Like you, I remind myself the importance of staying fit and healthy.

jenilla1

Celeigh12

I'm so sorry. I feel some of your pain. While I still have my dad, I lost my mother 14 months ago to a sudden infection, but her obesity was a factor in her death. She was 69. It was a wake up call for me, but for many months I was pulled between eating for comfort because I missed her and wanting to avoid following in her footsteps. I am firmly on track now, but it makes me so sad that she never wanted to be healthier. I don't want to live her life. I want better for myself. I want more.

Wisemomoffour

My heart hurts for you...I'm so sorry that you've had to go through this. My dad died of a heart attack 13 years ago and my mom died of diabetes complications 3 years ago. Both of them probably could have extended their lives through healthy eating and exercise, but I don't think we knew enough a decade ago. Information is so much more readily available now. But my folks left a legacy--because of them I will take care of myself. I don't my kids to grieve for me at too young an age. Hang in there. Make them proud and do good things for you!!!

andrearaquel48

I'm so sorry for your loss. You're right, your father just passed, and you need time to grieve. Try not to be hard on yourself and give yourself time to mourn his loss. But also remember how healing exercise is - even just going for a walk will boost those endorphins and give your heart a little lift. You will get through this!

kriskaryl

Bless your heart, honey. That is an awful lot for you to have to go through. We are all very happy that you recognized your parents issues and have decided to take control of YOUR life. You are young and have many things to do in your life. Keep working on you!

janna674

i have been you friend for over a year her on MFP...i feel so bad that you lost your mom and dad in such a short time...no words can fix what happened with your dad...but i assure you gaining a few in a rough patch is going to get you done ...i know it does me, but we will manage it together and you are strong and i know you can do it!

korsicash

So sorry for your loss, so proud that you see it and can make a change and stop the cycle. BE the example for your children and live long so they do not have to feel your pain. My dad passed a few years ago but due to an accident. Had that not happened he was on his way to major weight related issues. His triglycerides were scary high! Heart disease runs deep on both sides of my family as does obesity. I want to be the change in my family and live a healthy life for my son! Good luck on your journey!

Lozze

I am so sorry for your loss and pain. I wish I could do more but *big hugs*

You are doing a wonderful thing and have achieved so much. You can do this.

BrookSt_Jane

So sorry for your loss, it is a heartbreaking story. My prayers to you and your family during this sad time.....You are doing a great thing for yourself, stay strong and you will get through this.

Beastette

I am so sorry that you are dealing with this. I hope you are getting some real-life support as well as on MFP. Take care of yourself as much as you're able.

Elizabeth_M

I am so sorry for your loss. Hugs and prayers to you.

Give yourself time to grieve, but try to keep in mind why you want to be healthy. Don't lose sight of that.

You can do this, you are strong, as you have already proven!

vanillasugar

Very sorry for your losses ((hugs)) I have nothing to add that can ease your pain but glad that you yourself are on a healthy path and setting a good example to your loved ones.

Jorra