Matthew Fogg's family including his dad Zollie Fogg who is now deceased (on March 27, 2000) at 100 years of age seated in the middle wearing a white shirt. The family is now gathering to say good-bye to his mother Lillian Fogg (seated to the left of his dad) who is seriously ill in bed at the family home in South East Washington, DC. Her favorite songs are "There's no place like home" and "he will come and save me"

Home-going Service For Lillian Fogg

Tuesday December 17th 2002
Wake 10:AM - Funeral 11:AM
'Way of the Cross' Church
9th & D Street North East
Washington, DC

The passing of Lillian Wayne Fogg

To the neighbors and friends,

It was only several weeks ago when we were advised by medical personnel that mom was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Although she had been through a very trying health ordeal two years ago, which was a miracle that she survived, she rebound strong and heathy with words that "I have never felt better in my life". This latest news was quite a shocker for everyone. We all realized this current diagnosis could possibly bring closure to 83 years of living and her time with us!

Throughout the preceding weeks, all of mom 's children would find time to congregate at her bedside in an effort to exemplify much love and to make her as comfortable as possible. As we all pitched in to bring her laughter and joy, she made it very clear that she did not want her sickness to be longsuffering or an extended burden to her love ones.

Thus, shortly after her diagnosis mom began to complain of being very tired and her demeanor for living seemed to rapidly decline. During one particular moment as I sat by her bedside, I quickly turned my head away to look at the wall in an effort to prevent her from seeing the tears flowing down my face. Nevertheless, she grabbed my hand, and in a soft, almost childlike voice, informed me that although the doctors said there was nothing they could do, I shouldn't cry because Jesus would make a way. Each day thereafter, she began to slowly slip away to the point that we were all just hoping that she could at least make it until Christmas. But within a short period of time, it was apparent mom only had a few days remaining in this life, and that we should now render our final expressions of gratitude and good-bye.

Thus, as quickly as she laughed and smiled with everyone, within a very short period she slipped into a semi-comatose state. Even then, and as she grew weaker, she would still respond to our voices in a very subtle way. We would gently place our heads against hers and talk softly in her ear: thereby constantly assuring her of our presence; the fact that we loved her dearly; and that it was alright for her to leave because we've had a wonderful time with her!

In the early morning hours of Wednesday, December 11, 2002 (her youngest daughter's birthday) mom slipped away "very peacefully" with her favorite spiritual music softly playing at her bedside, and her children nearby. Later, as my identical-twin brother and I assisted members from the corner's office in removing her body from her home, I can unequivocally say with the support of all of her siblings, this is clearly the way mom 's would have wanted this chapter to close.

As the coroner's van road away with her body in the cold rain and dawn's early light, my grief became overwhelming. So as not to alarm or disturb anyone, I slipped away (unannounced) until I could gather myself.

Mark Anthony Fogg