OT: Another Mom Update
on 5/23/09 12:03 pm - MN
How can a heart be heavy and light at the same time? I've learned that feeling today.
My mom has requested that we stop all treatments to sustain her life. She wants to go home to be with her mom. The dialysis was just too much for her to take and doesn't want to go through it again. As hard as that decision is to hear, we respect it fully. My entire family has been able to travel here safely to say their goodbyes, including my nephew from California; for that we are grateful.
We are also grateful to have had this time to discuss with her all of the final arrangements, from the music to what she will wear to who will say her eulogy. She has been fairly coherent throughout the entire day and has withstood many visitors, a few funny moments and has shared plenty of her own wit.
My mom's favorite saying was, "Put on your big girl panties and deal with it." So this morning my three sisters and I all put on the largest pair of panties we could find with the words "Big Girl Panties" on them and paraded throughout my mom's room. She had a good laugh.
We are glad to have these lasting memories and are hoping the next few days are filled more with those types of moments than the sadness we all feel. Our hearts our heavy for losing her; however they is a little relief in knowing that she was able to come to this conclusion on her own rather than my dad needing to make the decision for her.
The doctors tell us that it will be a matter of a few days, so my dad, sisters and I will stay by her in the hospital until she takes her final breathe and reunites with her mom and many family and friends that have gone before her.
Thank you all for your prayers and support. We are extremely sad that she will not make her three goals; please pray for my dad on June 13th (exactly 21 days from today) as I'm sure that he will be devastated to say the least that he won't be able to kiss his bride on the 50th anniversary of their wedding. My dad plans to wear a white suit coat to my mom's funeral, just as he did the day they got married.
If you're interested in learning more about the journey we have taken in the past few short weeks, you can visit my mom's CaringBridge site - the picture of us in our big girl panties is on there! http://caringbridge.org/visit/pjlogelin
Love and hugs to you all!
What a lasting, light hearted memory this created for you all today. I'm sorry you're in the midst of losing your mom. I can only imagine having not lost either of my parents yet, that it's extreemely difficult. I hope you have plenty of good moments with her in the coming days. Hugs!
Kristy (weight loss below does not include 16lbs lost during pre WLS diet)
START: 325 Day of Surgery :309 GOAL: 180
What a heartfelt post. I only hope to be half as composed when I travel this road someday. You and your family have been and will continue to be in my prayers. There are not a lot of people who can prepare for this. How fortunate you are that your mom's wishes are being fulfilled and you all are able to have the last moments with her.
Take care!
Please do exactly what you are doing, enjoy, live, celebrate, talk, and respect. Also make sure your dad is doing ok. Take as much time as your work will allow you to be with your family.
Why do I say all this? I say it from experience. These memories will be with you for a lifetime. If you need someone to talk to, please PM me. I have lost both of my parents with times like this. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Hugs.
Donna
HUGS to you!
"You can't love if you don't love yourself"
