This is a topic about which I’ve been thinking for some time, but dared not author a post about it until now.I wanted Mom to die. When I saw her quality of life dissolve in a matter of 2 weeks, when I saw her bed bound, when she no longer could read a book, when …
My grandmother — my mother’s mother — immigrated to Minnesota through North Dakota, from Saskatchewan, Canada by covered wagon. I remember Grandma telling me about circling the wagons and digging trenches at night to ward off attacks. Her daughter — my mother — was comfortable with the Internet.I first introduced Mom to computers in 1997, …
Mom finished her marathon yesterday at 5:15 p.m.Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and may perpetual light shine upon her.May her soul, and the souls of the faithfully departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
Mom claimed that as an adolescent, I would often not do as I was told, and that in her opinion my actions were just to be contrary. One oft-cited example was my curfew of midnight. Mom alleges that I got home on time after one particular date, but that I sat on the front stoop …
Mom’s hospice nurse came by yesterday, and confirmed that Mom was very close to the end. She estimated that Mom would die within 24 hours, but then pointed out that Mom has surprised all of us before. After all, we’re now on Bonus Day 13. Today is the 1-week anniversary of Mom’s last food. Tomorrow …
Mom has 4 grandchildren, 2 of whom, because of proximity or health, have been unable to develop or continue their relationship with her. The other 2 — my daughter and nephew — have made me so proud in the past several months since Mom’s diagnosis.Mom has loomed large in both of their lives. In my …
Mom is superwoman. Well, almost.Mom has lived in the home she & my Dad designed & built (in large part on their own) full time since 1980, and has improved her “cottage” in many ways. In 1983 or so, she had an expansive screened-in porch added, so that in nice weather, the living area nearly …
Don reminded me yesterday that I have a few posts titled part 1. I know that, and have plans for part 2s (and sometimes more), when the time is right. I’m proving it now.Mom continues on. She’s now Bonus Day 10 – beating the doctor’s outside estimate by over a week. The good thing is …
The process of dying can be messy, on all kinds of levels.I think it fair to say that, everything being equal, Mom and I have been blessed on this journey. But it’s had its challenges, as well.It was exceedingly difficult for Mom & me to switch roles. She had always been the caregiver; I admit …
When my Dad died nearly 27 years ago, the hospice movement was just taking root in the U.S. I’d read about it, and at one point suggested to Mom that she consider it for Dad. She looked at me with utter horror, and made quite clear that she and the medical providers would take care …