After her first trip to the ER for aFib and CHF symptoms and a failed attempt at getting in-home hospice in place because the ER still hadn't released her medical test info after 2 days, then another trip to the ER after she had a stroke, she was finally able to do what she really wanted which was to pass in her own bed in her own home.
She was cognitively clear to the end, even when the stroke paralyzed her right side and she couldn't talk, she was still communicating with me with her eyes and other hand, squeezing mine as I asked her questions.
I'm still processing the medical and emotional whirlwind of this past week. I'm looking at my 95-yr old Mom and continuing to pray that her heart stops in her sleep rather than go through what my Aunt did. It wasn't as bad as what some people's LOs have had to endure and all together her exit took 9 days to play out.
The night before her stroke we were having fun playing the card game Golf like we've done 100+ times over the years, and she was always the designated scorekeeper. The next morning she was watching Sunday mass on tv when she called me in to say she didn't feel right. Then I realized she didn't have the use of her right arm and half her face was drooping, then she stopped being able to talk. The EMTs came so fast (bless them).
I'll just say that having her PoA, medical proxy and Advance Healthcare Directive in place was invaluable. I cannot imagine how it would have gone if I hadn't been with her with those papers in hand.
I had flown home to MN briefly for my own medical appointment that I had been waiting for. Now I'll be taking my Mom down with me this Friday to manage the rest since I'm also the Executor.
Another cousin of mine has a sweet daughter I'm close to. She is going to also come to FL (because she can work remotely) and help scan my Aunt's copious slides and photos. My Mom will help give them context. I'm looking forward to this, since I was 100% dreading this task (it was this or store yet more boxes of "ancestor possessions" in my basement).
My Aunt liked to tell the story of how she was looking out the window of her NYC school and saw the Hindenburg float by. She would have been 17 or 18 years old then.
((((hugs))))))
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So sorry to read this. Are they all gone but for your mom now? I remember you saying that your mom and her sisters all raised you. Many condolences to you and your mom.
I am so sorry for your loss.
I'm glad your aunt got to leave this world in her own bed. That too was a blessing.
I can only hope as good as you've been to your relatives that when your time comes someone will step up and be just as good to you.
God bless you.
Where did she live to see the Hindenburg go by. It exploded here in Lakehurst, NJ.
It is a relief when the passing is relatively quick compared to others .
How wonderful that you have a family member who can help digitize and organize old photos and get your mother’s information on them now. I hope they prompt many wonderful, comforting memories.
Blessings to you all!