My mom is not only my mother but my friend and confidant. When I have a problem or need advice, she is the one person that I can always turn to. I need not ever worry about what she might think, she always tells me the truth. Weather it is good, bad or indifferent. She has been there for me my whole life in the good times and the bad. About 13 years ago (shortly after my baby brother died at the age of 29), she was diagnosed with C. O. P. D. (chronic obstructive pulmenary disease.) aka Black Lung Disease. It is a very slow painful death. A number of things can cause this disease: smoking is the number one cause, also working in dusty mines, coal dust, rock crushers and the like. Moma is in the final stages of this disease. Now we have found out just today that two chambers in her heart are not working properly. The parts that are not working right are the parts that get rid of the excess fluid. Needless to say she has congestive heart failure (fluid on, in or around the heart) Our days together are numbered and very precious. I thank God for every second that I have with her. My mom is only 69 years old, a far cry from her parents age when we lost them. Her father was 85 and her mother was 100 yrs, 5 months and 6 days. Please, Keep my dear sweet momma in your prayers. I know there is no cure, but, I do pray for her comfort and peace. Thank you all for your continued Prayers and support. God Bless you All!!