Yesterday at this time (6:50 pm) I was sitting at my mom's bed at the nursing home. I had spent part of the day bumming around the square here in Indep with my pal, Ann, looking at the fall decorations. I did my duty counting and graphing gummy bears with Em's class. ( I KNOW I did NOT make graphs in kindergarten in 1966-67), then read with some kids in Abby's room. So I missed a couple calls. When my sister finally found me about 4:30 pm, it was "crunch time". The nursing home had called her with "the call". They thought Mom had a heart attack. I dropped what I was doing and raced down thru the rush hour traffic, not knowing whether Mom would be still there or not. Luckily she was still alive. I got to sit my her, hold her hand and talk to her all evening. The nurses were outstanding, keeping her comfortable and so kind to me. I chatted with my family a couple times. Mark and the girls were bringing me a chicken sandwich after church. Just as they came in, Mom was breathing her last. She just slipped away, without pain or drama. So that was good for me to have Mark there. The girls weren't too freaked out, and had a nice "memory time" on the way home with Mark.
So today was full of phone calls back and forth, even tho we made the funeral plans 5 years ago when they moved into Foxwood. Still several loose ends to figure out, but we'll have her service in Jeff City on Sat Oct 21 at Our Saviour's Lutheran--her church home for 37 years. My sister and I will host a meet and greet at the nursing home for the staff and any locals, prob on Thurs or Friday. Mark stayed home from work today and helped with the girls, took me on an errand, H to the chiro and tonight to the skating party for the elem school. (He's usually not the "chosen one" to that activity. :)
After 10+ years of dementia and 5 years in the nursing home, we were still surprised how much this hurts. I told my sister that "we would be really warped" if this was easy. :) We are looking forward to seeing our family and friends again. Over all we're doing ok--just bummed, but ok.
4 comments:
My love to you all! Pattie
My Dear, Dear Kri,
Wish I was there to hug you in person. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Our love to M and the girls.
Love, Dee
Thanks, friends for the kind words. At times like these I'm reminded once again how meaningful and comforting the thoughtful words and best wishes from friends really are. :)
Kris: my mom called me this morning, and I just want to say how sad and sorry we are for all of you. Aunt Gloria has been and will be missed by so many, including all the Melchars.
Mom and I are still making plans, but it looks like she and I will be flying into St. Louis on Friday (10/20), and leaving Monday. I'll email you details later on today or tomorrow.
Love you,
Karen
Post a Comment