Thursday, July 03, 2008

Tragic Tuesday

I never made it to my chiropractic appointment in Natick on Tuesday, or my track workout in Waltham for that matter. Heck, I never even made it past the 495 exit on the Mass Pike in Hopkinton. About 50 minutes after I published my last post and hit the highway, I ended up back in Worcester, at the Emergency Room of St. Vincent's Hospital, where my world was flipped upside down.

I'd rather I was there because my car had flipped upside down, but no, I didn't get in an accident. That I could have lived with, even if it killed me.

What transpired in the minutes after I parked my car and found my family is a scary scene I'm having trouble trying to close the curtains on, and one that I'm still having a hard time believing happened altogether.

"They...think...she's...dead...Mario," my brother Matt finally choked out in the hallway outside of the waiting room. Opening the door to that waiting room to see my usually stoic Dad sobbing hysterically made this surreal nightmare a morbid reality.

She - Shirley Marie Kirwin Fraioli - Mom to me, my brother and two sisters, husband of 27 years to my Dad, daughter of 50 years to my Papa Billy, sister to her seven siblings, Auntie Shirley to her dozens of nieces and nephews and Shirl to a countless many friends, had passed away unexpectedly at home about an hour earlier. She was 50 years too young.

It's hard to believe all of this transpired in the last 36 hours, and as I said before it's hard to believe that any of this has happened at all. Mom's sudden death is a shock to all of us and a day later it still just doesn't seem real, but the fact of the matter is it's a shocking reality, not just the bad dream we're all hoping to wake up from tomorrow morning.

As a family, I hesitate to say we're doing OK, but we're doing the best we can right now. The Fraioli Family and the Kirwin Klan are a tight-knit bunch, and together we're gonna get through this - we always do. Plus, we've had a little help from our fantastic friends, and as I and the rest of my family have come to find out in the last day or so, there are many of them. To all of you out there, your support means a lot, just as my Mom means a lot to all of us.

So keep my Mom in your thoughts and prayers, and be sure tell your own Mom, Dad, or whoever it may be that you love 'em. They'll love you for it, believe me.

I love you, Mom, and already miss you more than I can put into words.

Auntie Shirley, with her other two favorite "kids", Sean & Alicia.

17 comments:

Unknown said...

I love you Mom, more than you'll ever know! Love always, Matt

Anonymous said...

Mario
I am sorry for your loss. May God bless your mother and your family.
David

Matt Pelletier said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous said...

I am sorry to hear about your mother, mario. The both of you as well as the rest of your family is in my prayers.

Anonymous said...

Mario

Best wishes of warm support to you and your family during this difficult time... stay strong

SF

Anonymous said...

Mario,

You know my thoughts on religion and all that, but I will make an exception for your family and pray today for you, your mom, and the rest of your kin.

Jay

runforlife said...

Mario,

I am so sorry for your loss. I lost my mother a couple of years ago. She was my inspiration. You and your family are in my prayers.

Steve

Morning Shakeout said...

Mario:
My prayers go out to you and your family.

Brendan

DoubleJ said...

Mario

I am very sorry to hear about your mother. My thoughts and prayers are w/ you and your family during this difficult time.

JJ

k.gwyth said...

we love you mario. you know you and your family are in our hearts. we'll be there soon.

Rich Heffron said...

Mario,

I am deeply sorry to hear of your loss. Your Mother and your family are in my prayers. Stay strong.

Rich

JARRIN said...

Mario -

My condolences to you and your entire family on this sudden and tragic loss. I can't express my sadness for you guys right now. You, your family and your mom are in my thoughts.

And as you have instructed, I called my mom yesterday and told her how much I love her. Thank you for reminding us not to take anything for granted. Promise to see you soon.

- JARRIN

Sean said...

Always here for you bud. We are thinking about you and your family everyday and wish we could be back home for you.

Anonymous said...

so very sorry. words can not describe the loss. may she rest in peace
-matt

Matt said...

Hey Mario,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this tragic time. Here for you buddy if you ever need anything.
-Millsy

Anonymous said...

What a thoughtful loving tribute in honor of your Mom!!! You are such a mature, articulate, young man.
Your eulogy was touching... it makes the reader feel as if they knew her too (even if they didn't).
May you find peace & comfort as you reflect upon the memories & special "gifts" she instilled upon you & your family. You will continue to feel her love & guidance throughout your entire life.
God Bless!!!

Anonymous said...

Mom,
I can't believe it's been four months already since you were taking from us. I love and miss you more then words can describe.