So far this year has not been great. While dealing with health issues of my own, my dear Mother passed away last week. She was 96 years old and had a good long life but that doesn't seem to really matter now. She's gone and I miss her.
I visited her on the day she passed. She was up and in the dining room of the nursing home. She was on oxygen and her breathing was raspy. She was working to get each breath. I knew then she would not make it through the night. When I got home, I messaged my nieces and nephews. I wasn't sure anyone was letting them know what was happening and, sure enough, they didn't know. About one hour after I let them know she was passing, my sister called me to let me know it happened. So I had to message them all again to let them know she was gone.
My Mom was an incredible woman. I'm sure everyone feels that way about their mother but she was. She worked two jobs for most of her life, making sure we had all that we needed. She lived on her own and drove to and from church and the grocery store until she was 93. Then she just decided it was time to stop driving and she happily handed over her keys and car. When she could no longer do the steps at her house, she moved into my sister's house and had to allow someone else to take care of her for a while. She hated that! Then, on Christmas Eve, a couple of years ago, she had a stroke. My sister did her best to take care of her at home but Mom never really bounced back from the stroke and she become someone who require total care. Eventually, it became too much and the family knew it was time to find a home. St. Joseph's Home was the best place for her. My Mom was very religious and she enjoyed that the home was run by Nuns. She got to know all of the aides there and they were all so friendly and nice to us, the family. Overall, as happy as she could be in a nursing home, my Mom was happy there. They took good care of her.
But now she's gone. Her funeral will be this week. I know I will be a mess. But I have all the good memories to take with me. And now, that has to be enough.
1 comment:
Today is the the 4-year anniversary of my Dad's passing. You are right, all we have left are the memories. WE need to embrace them. Don't be afraid to cry, because you will. Often. For the rest of your life. Your Mother sounded like a wonderful person.
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