Mom's Obituary

Anna Christine (Chris) Lumpkins Cook

March 24, 1939—

January 26, 2010

Chris Cook 70, daughter, sister, loving wife, mom, and grammy passed away Tuesday morning, January 26^th 2010 in Salt Lake City, UT after a valiant fight with cancer. Chris was born in Ajo, AZ on March 24, 1939. She was the oldest of four children born to Louie Christianson Lumpkins and Genva (Robinson) Lumpkins.

She attended school in Albuquerque and Farmington, NM. She graduated from Farmington High School in 1957. She attended BYU in Provo, UT and UNM in Albuquerque, NM.

She married the love of her life and eternal companion Jack Denison Cook on January 29, 1960. Marriage later solemnized in the Mesa Arizona Temple on June 3, 1966. They were three days short in celebrating their 50^th Wedding Anniversary.

She was a life long active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints serving in many ward and stake callings and for the past eight years as an ordinance worker in the Albuquerque New Mexico Temple.

She is survived by her husband Jack Cook of Farmington, sons Bret Cook and wife Dee of Albuquerque, NM, Greg Cook and wife Amy of Gilbert, AZ, Kurt Cook of Farmington, NM. She is also survived by daughters Lori Webb and husband Chuck of Farmington, NM, and Kristi Mcilmoil and husband John of Provo, UT; nine grandchildren, Megan Cook, Ayrton Cook, Garrett Cook, Connor Cook, Ashley Wray, Chance Webb, JD Cook, McKay Cook, and John D. Mcilmoil; two great grandchildren Kade Webb and Eden Wray.

Her granddaughter, Tiffany Lynn Cook, her mother-in-law, Janet Cook and her daddy, Louie Lumpkins, preceded her in death.

She leaves behind a legacy of love, simple faith and inspiration to all. She will continue to be an angel among us. We love you Mom.

Funeral services will be held Monday, February 1, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Stake Center, 4400 N. College Blvd. Following the services internment will be at Greenlawn Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Chuck Webb, John Mcilmoil Jr., Derek Wray, Chance Webb, Garrett Cook, John D. Mcilmoil, Ayrton Cook, Connor Cook, JD Cook, McKay Cook and Kade Webb.

A viewing will be held at Brewer, Lee and Larkin Funeral Home, 103 E. Ute Street, on Sunday January 31, 2010 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Arrangements are under the direction of Brewer, Lee and Larkin Funeral Home, (505) 325-8688.

An Angel Will Always Be Among Us

This is the most difficult entry to write. Mom passed away this morning surrounded by her eternal companion-Dad, and her children. Mom fought valiantly until she was called home.

Mom's funeral will be on Monday, February 1st at 10:00 am. The services will be located at the LDS Church (Stake Center) 4400 N. College Blvd. There will also be a viewing Sunday evening 5:00 pm-7:00 pm. at the Brewer, Lee and Larkin Funeral Home.

Our hearts are filled with gratitude to the angels of the Care Source Hospice Home. As sick as Mom was she continued to touch the lives of those that had the blessing to provide care for her. A heart felt thanks to each of you for prayers, notes, flowers, donations to HCI and loving Mom.

The tears will continue to fall but we know she has spoken, as the Apostle Paul, "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith." Mom was and will continue to be our Angel. "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid" (John 14:26–27).

Simple Faith

We know the way Mom has chosen to live her life will allow her to declare, as the Apostle Paul, "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith." Mom has a simple faith and that faith is pure love.

"Love is the guiding light that illuminates the disciple’s path and fills our daily walk with life, meaning, and wonder. Love is the measure of our faith, the inspiration for our obedience, and the true attitude of our discipleship. Love is the way of the disciple." President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Simple Reminders

As Dad and the five us knelt by Mom's bed for family prayer, we were reminded of what Mom would tell us each time we left home, "No empty chairs in the world to come." We were also reminded of the counsel given by Elder Neil A Maxwell, "rather than simply passing through trials, we must allow trials to pass through us in ways that sanctify us." Mom will always be the enduring legacy of allowing trials to sanctify her. May each of us follow her example of faith and courage.

Tender Moments

Mom has been blessed with a few peaceful days. However as the cancer continues to ravage her body comes the difficulty of breathing from the fluid filling her lungs. Despite the difficulties she continues to press forward with courage. No matter the struggle she constantly brings a smile to our broken hearts.
The priceless moment of the day came as all five us kids stood by Mom's bed. It was just like when we were little and we all lined up to give Mom a kiss goodnight. Tender moments will continue to be shared as Mom, Dad and the five of us are given one more day as a family.

Pics of Mom and Family Visits

Saying "I Love You"

Each of us already knows we should tell the people we love that we love them. But what we know is not always reflected in what we do.

We should remember that saying “I love you” is only a beginning. We need to say it, we need to mean it, and most importantly we need consistently to show it. We need to both express and demonstrate love.

President Thomas S. Monson recently counseled: “Often we assume that [the people around us] must know how much we love them. But we should never assume; we should let them know. … We will never regret the kind words spoken or the affection shown. Rather, our regrets will come if such things are omitted from our relationships with those who mean the most to us” (“Finding Joy in the Journey,” Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2008, 86).

May every spouse, every child, and every parent be blessed to communicate and receive love, to bear and be edified by strong testimony, and to become more consistent in the seemingly small things that matter so much.

"More Diligent and Concerned at Home" Elder A. Bednar (General Conference, October 2009)

Finding Peace

We will forever and always feel these words in our hearts, "I shall always be near you; in the gladdest days and in the darkest nights …"
*Through prayer, that path to spiritual power—even a passport to peace, we continue to find comfort in our hearts. The tender mercies of one more day.

*Finding Peace, President Thomas S. Monson

Our family is surrounded by the angels of compassion that work at this beautiful hospice home. Mom has the most breathtaking glow about her. Her room is filled with reverence and peace. We are engulfed with love each time we walk through the door. Tears fall but peace is in our hearts as we know we are a forever family.

Mom shared this thought with me from Lucy Mack Smith as a reminder to watch over each other as a family. "We must cherish one another, watch over one another, comfort one another and gain instruction, that we may all sit down in heaven together." And we will!

Request: If you have a fond or funny memory which you have experienced with Mom please e-mail momsupdates@gmail.com

A Place of Reverence

Mom has left the Huntsman Cancer Institute. We appreciate the care that was provided to her during her time at HCI. We have moved her to a hospice home. This place is so peaceful and has a very reverent feeling. Those who are providing Mom's care are extremely compassionate. She thinks this place is heaven on earth.

Mom will not be returning to New Mexico and we know how much each of you would like to come and give Mom hugs and we are grateful for the love you have for her. However at this sensitive time, the family requests that all visitation is restricted to direct family.

Decisions and Peace

As I sit down to write tonight it is extremely difficult to find the words. As each of you know, Mom has been diagnosed with Poorly Differentiated Neuroendocrine Tumors. With this type of cancer and as advanced as it was there is no way of knowing where it started. This type of cancer is extremely rare and is a very aggressive fast growing cancer. It is treatable but not curable. With chemotherapy treatment life expectancy is six months to a year. The surgery Mom had was very invasive, and she has fought hard and long to recover from the surgery. Her fight entailed two trips to the ICU, E-coli infections, and fluid accumulating in her lungs. Tests results showed the cancer had spread to her lungs which is causing constant fluid accumulation. She is on oxygen to help improve her breathing. This has taken a toll on Mom's body. After counseling with many specialists, Mom has made the decision not to undergo any kind of chemotherapy treatment. Our family is at peace with this decision and we know that our Heavenly Father will call her home.
We know each of your prayers have extended her life thus far with the tender mercies of our Heavenly Father. We ask that your continued prayers will be to bring comfort with the suffering Mom continues to experience. Our family is grateful for each day we are given to be with Mom.

Because We Had Today

The late-night tears are replaced with trust and we feel God's hand in our life. Are hearts are filled with joy because of the forever moments we have been given with Mom.

Storms of Life

Mom taught our family in spite of difficulties in life, it is important to stay close to a loving Heavenly Father. Mom shared this thought with me from Sister Patricia Holland, "never flee from God and never, ever isolate yourself from Him. Kneel every day and thank your Savior for His atonement, His redemption, His forgiving mission which took Him to Gethsemane and Calvary." She also taught to appreciate the storms of life because those storms will define who you are and will be your testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Schedule Torture

Mom's daily routine: 4:30 am--time to check weight, vitals, flush drains.
5:00 am--blood sugar taken (this occurs every 4 hours)
5:30 am--Doctor after Doctor comes into her room until 9:30 am
8:30 am--check vitals again, meds are given, flush drains, change bags
9:00 am--argues with the physical therapist--therapist says "I'll be back"
10:00 am--change wound bandages
10:30 am--heparin shot, more meds
11:00 am--try and take short nap, before vitals, blood sugar etc.
12:00 pm--asks for the 20th time, what day is it? What time is it?
1:00 pm--argues again with the physical therapist. (they have learned she will relent if it is on her terms, this generally results in returning a third time.)
2:30 pm--pain management comes by and some more docs
3:00 pm--try to sleep
4:00 pm--agitated and tired, doesn't matter vitals are still taken, meds are given, tubes drained, blood sugar levels tested. Continues through the remainder of the day and through the night. However during shift change (7:00 am-8:30 am/7:00 pm-8:30 pm) you better not have any needs. To be honest this is the time when Mom pushes the nurse button over and over again. Mom is known as the pistol! She keeps all of us on our toes at all times.(Starting all over again at 4:30 am.) Mom refers to her schedule as daily torture.

Day 30

Tip of the Day:
Oxygenating your eyes causes a wind storm and dry eyes.
Mom recomends this latest fashion trend from the Hunstman Cancer Institute, oxygen tube may be worn as eye glasses or a head band. (She has a tendency to oxygenate everything but her nose)

Faith

You need never be discouraged or afraid. The way through difficulties has always been prepared for you and you will find it if you exercise faith.
Pres. Henry B Erying.

Good Moments

Mom has two good days. She has been able to walk a bit further each day with the help of the good ol' walker, the physical therapist and Dad. We tell her before she knows it her and Grammy Pumpkin (Lumpkins) will be racing. She is trying to eat, a couple spoonfuls of something everyday. She also is getting better with sipping on an Ensure throughout the day. Thankfully the meat and potatoes bag (feeding through an IV) is providing the calories she needs. Mom said "You know it is so frustrating because everybody says you are doing so good today, if that is true why do I feel worse everyday?" How I know that feeling.
Many have asked about Mom being treated with anxiety medication...yes she is being treated and it does help but doesn't take the anxiety away. Again this is a very common symptom among cancer patients and it is real. The anxiety med knocks her out, it is a fine line finding the right dosage so that she able to do therapy.
We are extremely grateful for the good moments Mom is given.

The Grandkids Visit

A small glimpse of the Grandkids visit to see Mom.

Little Princess Eden

Mom enjoyed seeing Eden. She wanted so much to get out of bed and play with little miss princes Eden. Eden took her little babies and put them on Mom's (Grammy)bed. She told Mom (Grammy) lots of stories. For a moment today Mom was able to forget about her physical body. Again the tender mercies of the Lord was extended to our family today.

Pain and Anxiety don't Mix

Another rough day for Mom. The anxiety she has is getting worse. Anxiety is typical for cancer patients. Pain management has been assigned to Mom to find a course of action that will control the pain and anxiety. Mom has been extremely blessed to have Jake as her nurse. (She says "Oh he is so cute!" Lori and I agree with Mom's statement) He is so compassionate and goes beyond his job to help Mom. We are so grateful for him. Ashley and little Eden will be here tomorrow. She keeps asking is my little Princess Eden here yet? We pray tomorrow will be a calm from the storm.

Top 10 Things We Have Learned--It's Always Groundhog Day

We have had a number of people ask about this type of cancer, we are still meeting with the doctors concerning treatment and prognosis.

Things we have learned from Mom's stay at the hospital:

1. Warning--don't always believe what your doctor tells you, it is hazardous to your health.
2. Mom says, "Go Eat." Que for us to leave her alone.
3. When the nurse asks, "What is your pain on a scale of 1-10?"....response "Beyond a 12!"
4. And if nurse than asks "Do you need any pain medication?"...response, "No I like to be miserable, thanks for asking."
5. Mom, "What the heck is the time?"....response, "What time do you want it to be?"
6. Mom, "I'll start tomorrow."....response, "Sure you will."
7. Mom's feeding bag is called the steak and potato meal, but if it comes in pink its not strawberry.
8. How many nurses does it take to change a bag, we don't know we are still counting.
9. Mom has developed a 7th sense....the sense of somebody sitting down, the sense of somebody falling asleep, the sense of somebody relaxing....her instinct to this sense "I need just one more thing."
10. Most common sound in the hospital--beep, beep, beep, beep, beep, beep, beep, beep, beep, beep.....beep!

We Love Mom:)

Misdiagnosis

Mom was misdiagnosed, she does not have ovarian cancer. The cancer she has is Poorly Differentiated Neuroendocrine. Dr. Soisson originally thought Mom had ovarian cancer but the pathology report came back as Poorly Differentiated Neuroendocrine Tumors.

We are still praying for a miracle for Mom and we have witnessed the many tender mercies of the Lord. We are grateful for the small miracles we have been blessed with as a family. We also know it is not in our hands.

Families Are Forever

"What all of us long for in our hearts is to feel bound together in love with the sweet assurance that it can last forever. This is the promise of eternal life, which God has called His greatest gift to His children (see D&C 14:7). That is made possible by the gifts to us of His Beloved Son: the Savior’s birth, Atonement, and Resurrection. It is through the Savior’s life and mission that we have the assurance that we can be together in love and live forever in families." --President Henry B. Eyring

Ups and Downs

Mom had a great morning. She was able to sit in a comfortable chair for an hour. She also took a shower with the help of many. Mom, "Oh it felt so good." Physical Therapy came by but she was to exhausted, so Dad asked if they could return later. (Mom asked if Dan Ivie could be her PT--"you know he is the best) As the day continued she slipped further into exhaustion and was unable to do anything else the rest of the day. We are so excited for what she accomplished today! It may not seem like much, but it was a marathon for Mom.

Day 20

Day 20 and life right now for Mom is pretty rough. She had great night. The nurses came in to stand her up this morning (she is unable stand or walk), they dropped her. This is the third time she has been dropped in the last ten days. She has so much fluid (it truly is unbelievable the amount of edema she has) that she is dead weight. She literally cannot stand on her own. Mom has so much fear from being dropped, she is scared to death to get out of bed. This has again set Mom back.

The results from the abscess showed Mom has E-coli. This was caused from removing some of the intestine during surgery. She is being treated with antibiotic. Dr. Redding feels very strongly the E-coli caused the lungs to fill with fluid so rapidly after each drain. Yes she still has fluid in her lungs from the cancer, which is a concern, however the lungs are not filling at a rapid pace. A tremendous blessing.

Dr. Dobson switched her pain meds. That to is a blessing. She still has pain but is able to keep her pain level at a 7 instead of off the chart. Yes this seems endless but Mom is still fighting and is with us. "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto your own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct thy paths." Proverbs 3:5-6
(Pictures: Christmas day, John D. dressed as Santa and delivered Mom her gifts, she smiled)

Tender Mercies

Mom has enjoyed the moments she was able to spend with our family. Lori is coming on Monday. Many tears and memories were shared as a family. The tender mercies of the Lord are being given to Mom and Dad.

First day of the New Year and a request

Mom expresses appreciation for all the thoughts and prayers that you have each offered. At this sensitive time, the family requests that all visitation is restricted to direct family.