How does one prepare emotionally?

Oh, you're right.... she does wish she could go. She's home with me and I just dread coming in on her and she's laying there, gone. I hope to have my wise wits about me. She's all set for the funeral director to come and get her for cremation and the memorial service will be elsewhere where most of the family is in California.

I just guess because we've never been very close, I don't suppose I'll break down and be so anguished I won't know what to do... but I may be surprised. I just like having all my ducks in a row, even when it's not possible. Ha ha.... thank you... I'll take more answers anytime.

Good question. I don't think one can ever actually "Prepare" for the death of their parent. Perhaps the knowledge that they are no longer suffering some indignities they would never have accepted makes it doable... like cap'n said, they wish for merciful sleep... my dad did many times. They are more okay with it all than we are. Time?

the 93 yr old has probably been wishing to fall asleep and not wake up for quite some time . my 91 yr old aunt on a couple of occasions has suggested these sentiments to me . when i saw her tonight at NH it just pissed me off all over again that her fktarded daughter refuses to let her go to the dementia wing where she could lie down and waste away as shed like to do .
damm , choose your poa wisely is all i can say .
if my sons ever defy my directives ill thin slice them both with the same sharpened beard beret ..
your mother isnt afraid of death , only the possibility of extreme pain -- which can and should be controlled . ( jmo )