Even though she was 96, her passing was sudden and a surprise. She had a cold last week, and was tired. My sister had her lunch delivered to her; when the staff came back in 1.5 hours to retrieve the tray, she was breathing but not responsive. Nurse was there in 2 minutes, but she slipped away. DNR on file. She passed quietly, without fuss, in no pain. For her- it was probably a perfect way to go, except that she didn’t have her children with her. I was sad that she passed without my sister or I there- her “security blanket” as she always called us. Still, she was more than ready to leave. She did not have an easy life, and I often wonder if she found much joy or happiness in her time here on Earth. She lived independently, on her own, until just this last year. Even then, she was in the independent part of assisted living, in her own apartment unit, using a walker to get around. Food and hockey were her favorite things in life as she aged. Her plants, until she moved last year.
My sister and brother in law were constant caretakers for her last year. They live 15 minutes away, and sister Janet was there at least 3 to 4 times a week, often accompanied by Phil.. One of the other brother and sister in law provided major financial support. One called her often. Mom had no idea how fortunate she was.
I was fortunate that even though I lived across the country, I was able to come back often for visits. Just here 6 weeks ago. I’m finding it rather funny that I saw her more often being 2500 miles away than I see my son at 400 miles away. Hmmm, we may have to do something about that.
My brother in law set up this “mom shrine” in his loft- which I think is just about perfect
