Sep
19
I’m sorry to tell you all but my mom passed away yesterday here at my house at 3:07 PM MST. I was with her as were three of my friends from the Kingdom Hall. She went peacefully and isn’t that what we all hope for?
I got to stay up playing my guitar and singing to her until 11:30 PM the night before. With the way she was breathing I really didn’t think she’d make it through the night. I was giving her the morphine as directed every hour. The next morning I asked Jack if she was still alive…yep, no change.
I knew the nurses were coming so I didn’t panic until they actually showed up…she had soiled herself again and at first they thought she was bleeding. After they cleaned her up they insisted I call someone. They placed a call to the office and I heard them say “Send the chaplain”. I hurried and called my own support group, Bro Norval and Sr Vera Clark and Sr Vickie Coletta. They were here within minutes and we all cried together then Norval said a prayer and we set about comforting each other and talking to mom.
We were all in the room when mom passed. Bobby Darrin’s Lazy River was playing on the radio. It was hard yet somehow not near as hard as I had imagined. She didn’t make a sound, just stopped breathing. I called the Pikes Peak Hospice and they sent the nurse to pronounce. She told me I had given mom a great gift in letting her die at home surrounded by love. I guess even when people intend on that happening it rarely ends up that way. I’m sad but I’m glad it’s over.
She’s at the mortuary now. Jack and I will bring her ashes back to Illinois for burial next month. I’ll post the plans on here for those of you who would like to attend the service. Thanks for being with me through this rough time. I love you.
5 Responses to “It’s All Over but The Crying”
September 19th, 2008 at 8:21 am
Becky, I am so sorry for you but at the same time am happy you were with her, that means a lot after it’s over, believe me. You are in my prayers and thoughts and thank you for caring for your mother in her final days. I will check for the services as I will attend, she was a special person in my life. Your dad and Lowell were friends in school but I believe your mother and I were better friends. My love and sympathy go to you, Judy, Shane and Woody.
September 19th, 2008 at 8:33 am
Oh Becky, I’m so sorry. She was a very lucky woman to have a room full of people there until the very end though. My grandpa passed of stomach cancer in May 2005. His passing was also very quiet and calm. Like you said about Mary, he just quit breathing. There were 7 or 8 people in his room when it happened. As heart-wrenching as it is, it was comforting to know he didn’t have to rely on morphine any more to ease the pain.
My sympathy and love to you and your family.
September 19th, 2008 at 1:19 pm
Becky……
You are an awesome daughter. I’m thankful that your Mother was surrounded by those who loved her and you. It grieves my spirit to say goodbye to yet another high school classmate. It’s difficult to type thru the tears. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Judy, Shane and Woody.
September 19th, 2008 at 8:33 pm
Becky, Thanks for sharing such a good friends life to the end. Many, many great memories. Mary was blessed to be able to spend her final time surrounded by love. Please give hugs to Shane, Woody, and Judy too! I’ll watch for the plans as we may be able to be in Il then. Always,
September 22nd, 2008 at 10:37 am
Sorry to hear about your mom. She was a dear and faithful friend to my mom. I thought 20 years ago when my mom died that there would be a cure down the road.
Please know that you, Judy, Shane and Woody are in our thoughts and prayers. You guys gave her a great gift in taking care of her.
Liz