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Sent in by: Rosslan

My mom was a trooper. A lot of people say that, but I can't imagine anyone out there stronger and more stubborn than my mother. She refused to let her illness stop her from waking up each morning with the biggest smile and making that day the best that it could be. She lived for my sister and I. I would always hear her saying, quietly when she was alone at night, "If I can just make it until they're in high school..."

Well she did it.

Jesusa Rodriguez was a ill woman who suffered from end-stage renal failure, four instances of cancer (kidney twice, breast, and lymphoma), heart failure, strokes, high blood pressure, almost constant sepsis, medical malpractice, and NSF - the disease that took her life. Starting from when she was 27 years old.

She passed away on July 13, 2008. One day before my sister's birthday. I spoke with her that afternoon; she was in a nursing home. I told her I loved her, and then walked out the door. But halfway to my car, something made me run back to her room. And I ran. I gave her the longest hug I can remember, and she just looked at me with tired eyes. She couldn't talk to me, having a tracheotomy in place, but I knew that she loved me...

I always assumed that she'd be there. She was always so strong. I assumed that *other* people died. But not my mom. Never my mom. She inspired everyone she met. She helped everyone she could. She loved to dance like no one was watching. She sung. She cooked. She laughed. She played video games with me. We read together. We had little jokes that I look upon now with fond memories. She made me into the man that I am now.

And i'll always miss you, momma.

- James Kaitell-Rodriguez


Thank you, and God bless.