This summer

**wag** · 07-04-2009, 09:10 PM

This has been a very different summer for me. I have been in NC for three weeks. First with my mom in ICU, then the hospital, and now hospice. She is not in any pain, just kind of fading away. I am here for about 9 hours a day. She sleeps a lot. I have read quite a bit and my niece lent me her laptop, bless her heart. I went out to lunch with Bitsy the other day which was pretty wonderful. My sister has been Mom's caregiver in her home the past year and spent much time with Mom before that when she was still living in her own home, so I am doing the bulk of the mom sitting right now, although she comes at suppertime and leaves at 9 or 10.

This has not been as difficult as I anticipated, although it is hard to see her so confused (her dementia) and eating so little is making her almost skeletal looking.

I am missing my husband and my normal summer routine, but I would not miss this gift of being with my mom on her final journey to be with her Savior.

**Ima Teacher** · 07-05-2009, 04:53 AM

At first it was really, really hard to see my dad's rapid decline, but I am really glad that I took time off work and stayed with him. Hospice was wonderful as well. His nurse said that she loved coming to houses where the family was comfortable with their spiritual standing. She said it always made things much more peaceful.

((((((((wag))))))))

**kontan** · 07-05-2009, 06:32 PM

Though I am sorry you are having to face this particularly difficult time, I am thankful that it is at a time when you can make it your focus. Thoughts and prayers with you and yours.

**billybob** · 07-05-2009, 11:13 PM

It is always hard to endure the loss of a family member, particularly a parent. But be grateful that you had a good relationship with your parents and that you could/can be with them as their mortal life ebbs away. My thoughts and prayers are with you also.