A woman from Philadelphia has revealed how she was left in a horrible shock after a sarcastic SMS message to her mother became a grim reality.
Maureen Branigan, now 30, had spent the day with her mother, Debbie Branigan, 52, with shopping and picked up ingredients to make beef stew for dinner.
After the meal, the only child and her best friend were watching TV when Debbie decided to drive back home when a snowstorm appeared – only three blocks away from Maurens house.
Debbie, who suffered from type 2 diabetes and a kidney disease, often joked about how she dressed and 'her neck broke' when it was snowing.
Although she had a relatively healthy day, Maureen decided to send her an SMS to check in and ask: “Are you living at home alive?”
But she never heard anything again.
“I didn't think twice when she didn't answer. It was not unusual that she just went home, went to bed and facetimede me in the morning to make our plans for the day. We spent together every day, “she told People.
But hours later, when her current husband was walking the dog, he noticed that his mother -in -law was still in her car in front of their house and that there was an ambulance nearby.
Maureen Branigan, now 30, had spent the day with her mother, Debbie Branigan, 52, with shopping and picked up ingredients to make beef stew for dinner in January 2021
Since Maureen shared the video and a screenshot of the texts, herds of Tiktokers have come together to sympathize and share their own stories
He ran inside to tell Maureen, who remembered that she 'did not reclaim' for the news.
“I immediately called my father who was at home. I told him he had to come here, and soon, “she said.
“At that time we still had no idea what was going on. The doctors could not tell us anything and we were stuck in the dark.
“When my father was run over, I think reality started to penetrate,” she adds. 'Because the car was still parked at the door, we boarded it and followed the ambulance to the hospital, which was only a three -minute drive.
'We didn't speak much during that drive. Looking back, I think we both knew in what truth we would end up, “she recalls.
The family soon discovered that Debbie had died of a cardiac arrest.
'When I sent that text message, I never thought it would lead to her death in my wildest imagination.
“To be honest, it wasn't the first time that I texted her in that sense, and it wasn't the first time she was so texting me. We often made morbid jokes.
“I'm the only child, so we were absolutely best friends. Everyone who knows us can tell you that we were together every day. My mother embodied everything that was soft and strong at the same time.
Debbie, who suffered from type 2 diabetes and a kidney disease, often joked about how she dressed and 'her neck broke' when it was snowing. Although she had a relatively healthy day, Maureen decided to send her an SMS to check in and ask: “Are you living at home alive?”
“I didn't think twice when she didn't answer. It was not unusual that she just went home, went to bed and facetimede me in the morning to make our plans for the day. We spent together every day, “she said. The family soon discovered that Debbie had died of a cardiac arrest
Years after her mother's early death, Maureen decided to share information about her death, including her last text messages, as part of a persistent Tiktok trend.
“She was always in my corner. The best way I can describe her is that she was afraid of nothing or nobody. Nothing scared her. I could give her everything, and it was never too heavy. Maybe she couldn't repair it, but she was there. She was the softest place to land, “Maureen described against the exhaust.
Years after her mother's early death, Maureen decided to share information about her death, including her last text messages, as part of a persistent Tiktok trend.
“Without a doubt, the text” Are You Living Lol “has captured a glimpse of our sense of humor,” she said.
“A few people in my life even agree: it makes sense that this was the last text message that I decided to send her.”
Since Maureen shared the video and a screenshot of the lyrics, herds of Tiktokers have come together to sympathize and share their own stories.
“This happened literally. My father did not answer my text message for a few days and I texted him “Do you still live ????” He wasn't in fact, “someone wrote.
Another added: “My father never picked me up from school … I texted him” you still live “. He was not in fact '.
“I recognize it, when I left, I told my sick father:” Hopefully I will see you tomorrow. ” I said that because I had many things to do the next day, and not because he would no longer live, “someone also shared.
Speaking of the online reaction, Maureen said she was happy that people shared their stories and felt validated
While another joked: “My last text message was to my mother that I heard that you are not doing well, she was dead two days later.”
Speaking of the online reaction, Maureen said she was happy that people shared their stories and felt validated.
'When I finally explained the text to my family and friends, they were initially surprised, and I understand that too. But once it came into its own, I think they saw the irony of it.
'The online reaction was much better than I expected. Hundreds of people shared similar stories about innocent texts that ended in, well, death. And I'm glad they see it's okay to laugh at the turns in life.
'So many people responded with their own stories; So many can identify with it. Of course I know that I am not the first person who loses a parent, but to see how many people have lost friends or family in a similar way, although sad – of course – brings solidarity.
'The feeling that I am confirmed in my choice to embrace the smile and peculiarities of this story really helps with the grieving process.
