Edwarda Obara, a main character in the book called " A promise is a promise" ,which is about 17-year-old girl lived as a vegetable and her devoted family, passed away on the 21st of this month.
It has been over 42 years since she fell into a coma. Miami Herald reported that "Obara died in her house with a big smile on her face." quoting her sister Colleen's word.
A 17-year-old girl, who dreamed of being a pediatrician, unexpectedly lapsed into unconciousness in 1970 caused by diabetes. Going into a coma, she grasped her mother Kay's hand and said "Promise you won't leave me, will you, mommy?" "Of course not. I would never leave you, Darling. I promise. And a promise is a promise." her mother replied.
The promise was kept. Obara never opened her eyes since then, but her mother didn't left her side. She fed her through tube and repositioned her frequently to prevent bedsores. She also read her books and talked her constantly. As years passed by, and Obara's hair became grey. But Kay braided her hair on both sides as she was in 17 years' old.
In 2008, an 80-year-old Kay passed away in her sleep by her daugher. She used to say that caring Obara is not a burden, but a pleasure. Following her mother, sister Colleen has cared her "the most wonderful sister."
The news of her death was reported through a website(edwardaobara.com). The funeral will be held on 27th in Sudden Memorial Park, Miami, Florida.
http://joongang.joinsmsn.com/article/867/9985867.html?ctg=1300&cloc=joongang|home|newslist1
That's one of the saddest, most beautiful stories I've ever heard.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, I suggest not using the term "vegetable". It's not a nice way to refer to people in her condition.