Aug. 31: 9:30 am. Dad called me at 7 am this morning to tell me that my dear, sweet mommy passed away in the night. He and our friend Tom were with her, holding her hand, and sending her off from this life with love. Dad said that around midnight her breathing became very shallow. Tom had been sitting with her while Dad slept. He came and woke Dad, and so the two of them were with her when her spirit left her body at about 12:50 am.
The news was not unexpected…Dad had called me last evening to say that it didn’t look like she would be with us much longer. But I think I’d known that through the day. I said goodbye to her and kissed her when I left Hospice at 6 pm last night. I told her to have a peaceful night…and she did. For the 14 hours before she died, Mom was still and calm; she seemed to have finished struggling.
I’m so glad we had these last several days of time in Hospice for her to be well cared for and for us to spend time with her. I’m so glad for these last few mornings I’ve had, curled up with her in bed, smelling her hair and her skin and soaking up my last times with her physical presence. But in a way, I was ready for her to go and for us to turn to the next chapter of our story. This transition time has been challenging in its own ways.
Joe was staying with Michael last night, and Maretta stayed with me. I think that we’re going to get together soon so we can be together.
So here’s some logistical information. This evening, we are going to meet at Terry’s condo (100 Wisconsin Ave, #801) around 6 pm for pizza and community. If you are reading this post and are interested in joining us, you’re welcome. You can call me on my mom’s cell phone (239-5453) if you have questions.
During my sad conversation with Dad this morning, he said that at this point he is thinking about holding a visitation on Friday, September 7 with a funeral on Saturday, September 8. Ryan Funeral Home will be helping us make arrangements. More discussion about this and about nice ways to honor Mom will be discussed over the next week.