She has been mostly in a comatose state since then. At times, she opens her eyes and recognizes who's there, but not often. The prognosis is grave, but she has been a devoted Christian all of her life and is prepared to meet her maker if called to do so.
This event in the cycle of life and death we all face reminded me in the strongest possible terms just how important family is. So while I had writer's block, I decided to share with you what has been on my mind and to pay a tribute to my wonderful mother, Iva. She is truly a wonderful woman and mother, and was a wonderful wife to my father Charles before he passed away a few years ago.
My parents always instilled in my sister Tula and I the importance of family. My wife Gladys and I have instilled that in our children, Michelle and LaDona. My mother gets much of the credit for building the family ties that exist in our family. It is times like this that the family comes together to support each other. It is times like this that we are all reminded just how important family is and how easy it is to take for granted the importance of strong family ties.
I have been blessed with wonderful, caring and loving parents, and I have been blessed with a wonderful, loving wife. I have also been blessed with two wonderful, loving daughters. Michelle, my oldest daughter, married Todd Holden one and a half years ago, and they are building strong family ties. Todd is a great asset and a loved new addition to our family. I am proud of my entire family. They have had to put up with my being gone frequently while I traveled for the chiropractic associations. Through it all, our family has remained strong and grows stronger as time passes.
I missed spending more time with my family than I have, but more important is that we all love each other, and we all knew we love each other. Knowing that this love is always there is very important. It covers a lot of flaws. When a family knows that no matter what happens, the family will be there to support them and will love them, it brings a comfort and peace to life that is hard to describe.
I wish each of you the love and comfort I have been fortunate enough to have from my loving, caring family. God bless you all.
Dr. Michael D. Pedigo is a past president of the American Chiropractic Association and the International Chiropractors Association, and the only doctor to receive the Chiropractor of the Year Award from both organizations. He practices in San Leandro, Calif., and can be contacted with questions and comments via his Web site: www.drpedigo.com.