In the four days since Mom's birthday, things have once again changed:
She no longer gets out of bed at all. We change her sides every few hours to relieve pressure, but her skin is breaking down in one spot already.
Mom cannot communicate anymore. At most she occasionally opens her eyes and makes noise but does not attempt any words.
She sleeps quite a bit, and her arms and legs are very rigid.
The hospice nurse says that this is the really hard part-the waiting. Everyone understands now that she is going to pass away, but no one can pinpoint when. Her blood pressure is not going down much, which proves that Wanda Jean and God have their own timeline for this event!
It has been wonderful having 'lil sis, Karen, down here the past 2 weeks. She loves to tidy up the piles of papers in my kitchen and make early-morning coffee. Seriously though, going through something as devastating as the wasting-away of your mother, you need support, and Karen has been a rock for our family! We lean on each other as the emotions shift.
Time is spent getting things organized, listening to Patsy Cline and George Jones cd's, eating many, endless calories and taking turns napping. What else can be done? No one wants to be away from Mom for too long, since timing is so uncertain.
As always, love to all and continued thanks for your prayers and support. Will send out another report this weekend!
Take care,
Sharon
The amount of love your mom must feel is just amazing. She is truely lucky to be at home, with those who love her most, in such a comfortable setting. I can't think of a better way to make the transition we all inevitably will face.
ReplyDeleteI shouldn't read this at work...it makes me tear up at my desk...
lots of love and prayers being sent your way,
Sarah