MEMORIES

On Christmas Eve 2013, I did not know that this would be the last time I would talk to my Mom and she would know who I was.  It has been  a month today since she left this earth, and I still think of her at times, sitting in her recliner at Willow Lane and it is time to visit her.

FINAL RESTING PLACE

Yesterday, Jan. 4, 2014 , we said our final goodbyes to Mom. I want to picture her together again with Dad after all these years, and her body pain free again.

I hope she was smiling down as her Great Grandsons and Great Great Grandsons carried her to her final resting place.

THE END OF A LONG JOURNEY

I had my last lucid moment with my Mom on Christmas Eve.  When I went back on Christmas evening, she did not seem to know I was there, and did not talk.  The nursing home called me Friday morning at 8:30 and said she was not doing well. I spent the day there, and my children and grand children began to gather as she was unresponsive and Hospice did not think she would come out of it. We kept vigil with her through the night Friday, and into the evening Saturday as she continued to decline.  Saturday night at 10:11 pm she peacefully slipped away snuggled in her granddaughters arms.

Although I have been so afraid and dreaded the inevitible time coming, I was in awe of how quickly and peacefully she went.

MOM'S HEALTH DECLINE TIMELINE

Mom was in and out of hospital most of 2010. In Nov, she began being in and out of hospitals, Residental Facility, and Nursing Home weekly or monthly.  Was in Willow Lane January 2011. In march of 2011 she came home for short time for the last time.  Since March of 2011 she has lived in Willow Lane all the time. She has remained able to transfer herself from chair to bathroom and bed except for some episodes where she needed help.  The past week she has gotten weaker and more confused. Last night she did not even know I was there. Has had a med change so perhaps her head will clear in a few days

CHRISTMAS EVE

Christmas Eve, that magic night for all the kiddies.  I have my dinner all put together to pop in the oven tomorrow.  Looking forward for our get together. Some can come, others have other places to go.  But whoever is here, we will have a good time.

Mom has had a bad week, sleeping a lot, and confused when awake. Is getting weaker about transfering herself and they are helping her some. I am so afraid she is going to fall since she will not ask for help, they have to just catch her needing help.  Hoping she is more alert tomorrow for company.

WELCOME DECEMBER

December 3, 2013 was a very nice day.  Went shopping without a jacket.  Am getting a handle on Christmas, have some gifts , some wrapped, some not.

This has been a nice Fall. In November Willow Lane had a Thanksgiving Dinner. Tim, Debbie, Jackie, and I went out and ate with her.  She is doing pretty well.  Still transfers herself, tho her memory is only about 10 minutes long. She still knows us all.

I feel a freedom I have not felt for a long time. December is going to go very fast I think. WL Christmas reception is DEc 19th, and some of us will be going to that.  I have my tree up, and am gettting in the Christmas spirit.  This may be a sparse Christmas, but we can enjoy dinner and getting together.

I am already looking forward to the new year.  About this time, I am ready for out with the old and in with the new.

NOVEMBER

November is here and moving right along.  Today the 15th is mom's birthday.  Went out this evening and took her some Russell Stover soft center chocolates, and put pictures of the 2 new great great grandbabies in a holder for her.

Have been cleaning on the house for 2 weeks. Will be all ready to put up the tree after Thanksgiving.  We are dining at Robbins on Thanksgiving.

I found a light at the end of the tunnel. and things should not be to stressful for awhile. Still hoping the house will sell soon.  Have brought the price down about as much as we want to.  It is worth more, but the market sucks.  There are 2 or  3 houses on every block for sale.

I am beginning to coast into a holiday mood, and will be looking for this year to end, and get to a fresh start.

And I can still dance.