Yesterday morning at 4:50 my Mom died peacefully in her sleep. She had her 96th birthday last month and she finally was ready to let go and make her transition. We had a call shortly after from Judy, her caregiver to tell us Mom had died. It was part expected and in part startled me. Since the doctor had said she was going into the last stages of dementia, I didn’t know how long she would be with us. It is a relief and also upsetting; even though I knew Mom didn’t want to be here, that she missed my Dad and her cat Josephine. Judy asked if I wanted to see her body, but I said No; I wanted to remember her the way she was when I saw her Friday – fast asleep under the covers, looking warm and comfortable and holding the weighted baby doll.
I am not sure what I am feeling or what I need or want – I feel at sixes and sevens, sort of wandering around wondering what I am supposed to do. I called my sisters to let them know, I spoke to Ellen and had to leave a message for Candy because she wasn’t available. Eddie had a conference he was helping put on and there was no need for him to stay home. I think it helped him concentrate on that rather than Mom. I went to my Breakfast Networking Group – Julia asked why I was there. I didn’t want to be at home. I’m so glad I went, this group of people have been there to support, encourage and help me through some difficult times – they are close friends rather than just people with businesses I network with every Wednesday.
I am still alternately calm and teary/drippy, never sure when the drippy will appear.
LATER
I’m having trouble settling to anything – I quit writing this because I couldn’t keep going – usually I go into a flow once I start writing. I’ve been wondering if writing it out would help – not really sure any more. I tried having a lie down, to possibly sleep; didn’t happen. I know I am tired – probably exhausted, but sleeping is not working out very well. It took me a while to get to sleep last night – then I noticed how stiff and uncomfortable I was. Not sure what is going on.
Back to the story:
After Breakfast Club I went to see Judy. She told me Mom was very different on Tuesday, she noticed changes that weren’t there before – she recognized it probably wouldn’t be too long. She checked on Mom quite often that night and then Mom was gone. She reassured me that I had done everything I could for Mom and that she feels the loss as well. She loved my Mom, as she loves all the residents as long as they are there. It is difficult for her to see them go. I have tried to tell Judy as often as I can how much I appreciate her, all that she did for Mom and to thank her. She told me many times that it made such a difference for her to be appreciated – I don’t think too many do that. She said Mom was a darling and everyone in the house loved her.
I keep meaning to tell Ellen the lilies she sent for Mom’s birthday are still beautiful – they are on the dining room table for everyone to enjoy. Some have lost their petals, but quite a few are blooming.
I came home and found a voicemail from Candy – I’m sorry I wasn’t able actually talk to her. I called the Allens and also John and Luzma to tell them. I ended up checking my emails and then had a cup of tea and a pear for lunch. I suddenly felt very sleepy, so I went to lie down for a bit – I think I slept but then the tea kicked in and She Who Must Be Obeyed let me know I needed to get up and use the bathroom. I went down again for a bit, then Luzma came by. John had told her when she woke up. We hugged each other and we sat and talked for a while – she will definitely miss Mom. She remembers how kind Dad was to her, accepting her and treating her well. She loved Mom, she said she was like a grandmother to her. Their shared their gardens and many other things.
I decided I needed to do something, so I worked on the expenses for the business, I have let it go for too long. it seemed to be the only things I could concentrate on. Suddenly John and Luzma reappeared, carrying flowers. She said she knew Mom loved her rose and she thought the house should be filled with roses. There is one vase is small roses in a deep pink, one vase with red roses and a third vase with apricot roses. The last vase had white daisies – plus a balloon. In each vase is a lovely butterfly. (I’ll put the pictures in another post).
They told me to call them for whatever I need – as soon as I know, I will. While they were here Eddie called, he was on his way home from the conference, it didn’t last as long as he thought. I was glad to see him when he came home. We just had tea and bread – it was later than we usually eat and we were both tired.
I left a message for June, one of the domino ladies and also called and talked to Kathy. I know there are people to tell but I can’t quite think of them at the moment. That was Day 1.
Gift of RA 