Update on my Mom

[kis123]

My brother is with her this weekend and he says she's talking to my grandmother quite a bit. Grandma has been gone for almost 20 years. She's been talking like that for several weeks but it's increasing. She keeps saying... I'll be home soon Mom! She talks about going home - to heaven. It saddens me when I hear it but it also gives me a warm sense of peace knowing she is going to a better place to see the people she loves who have gone before her.

*My Dear Lord - Thank you for giving my mom such a gracious and wonderful way to come into your loving arms. My family will take good care of her here until she comes to be with you for eternity.*

On a lighter note - Many of you who know me know this story. It's been a standing joke that in my family that when you die you do not get to rest in peace - You are given a job. Grandpa does parking and helps us especially during Christmas shopping time. Grandma does weather. My dad does travel - He got me 1st class tickets shortly after he died when I had to go on a business trip to Brussels. He even got me into a 5 star hotel in downtown Brussels. We've been talking to Mom about what she wants to be in charge of. She originally thought all the good jobs were taken.

During her trips to radiation we had to travel about 45 minutes north in lots of traffic daily for a little over 6 weeks. Each time we got to the highway the traffic seemed to clear up. Do you see where I'm going with this? Mom is pretty sure that she'll be in charge of Traffic. Oh I hope so!

Have a good day Everyone! Tell someone you love them!

What an interesting way to think about this! I wish your mother a safe journey to the other side. I remember when my mother passed away, she got her affairs in order and went through the process. It was painful to watch a beautiful and vibrant woman ravaged by breast cancer, but I knew she would be better off gone than to continue to suffer.

I have no answers for you right now. You have a positive attitude and that's essential to survive what you're going through. I've been there and done that, and am available to you whenever you wish to talk (or email).

 

[DonnieBrasco]

Jan,

I am a member who for the most part is a lurker. But the outpouring of love and prayers had me come out to the light. It is truly an amazing family you have there, and your mother well,she is definitely filled with understanding that is only from above. I will be in prayer for your mother and your entire family after posting this note.What a shining example of giving God your worries and trusting in him.I pray that your family is blessed with enormous understanding, an abundance of love and please tell your mother she has touched my life with her strength. It is rare and something I pray that I am able to be blessed with what a very special gift from God!! God BLess!!!

As each one has received a gift,minister it to one another,as good stewards.(1Peter4:7-10) Your family have been good stewards.Thank you for sharing

DB

 

[QBWeaver]

I've updated a few of you directly but I want to share this with everyone. I don't want to share this as a plea for sympathy because that's not where I'm at. This is a truly wonderful experience that has been filled with blessings galore. I want to share this as, oh I don't know, maybe information that can also help you when you encounter such an experience in your lives.

We have hospice in for Mom now. They are just wonderful! Her nurse and counselor really hit it off with Mom. I think they're pretty amazed with our family unity and how much we are focusing on ensuring Mom has the best time possible for the rest of her days. The humor is running rampant around our family starting with Mom so our home is filled with joy and laughter. We decorated her walker and her wheel chair so they are festive for the holidays and she loves it. We decorated her house inside and out surprising her one day when she woke up. She's proud to be the first house on her street to have her lights up.

She's sleeping more each day. This will be such a gentle passing for her and I couldn't ask for anything more wonderful for my mom.

Mom will pass on and we will have no regrets when she does. We've all had lots of quality time with her and our memories are filled with joy. Her long term memory is great so we've shared lots of fun stories of days long gone. Her short term memory is gone (she can rarely remember things that happened 5 minutes ago) but she says maybe that's better anyway! LOL

We had wonderful childhoods growing up in Marin where all the neighbors, young and old, came out to play. It was a perfect place to raise a family. Mom truly devoted herself to us and gave us a good sense of how important family is. We have always had lots of family around not only at the holidays but our vacations each year have always been together and that will continue on long after she is gone.

So... hopefully she'll make it through Christmas - I think she will. If she does that will be great. And if she doesn't that's ok. It's not up to us. It's up to God. Whenever he decides to call her home will be the right time. My brothers, their families, my uncle, my kids and I feel so fortunate to have had this time with her instead of losing her suddenly.

So we will have a wonderful Christmas filled with sweet memories of Mom.

 

[venray]

One heck of an awesome family ya got there....an inspiration to all of us....



Ray

 

[giantfan121262]

Again, I am sorry to hear about the situation, but it's great to see how you are making the best of an unfortunate situation. Your mother sounded like an incredible woman, and from meeting you, you are definitely a product of her.

 

[chrisheaven]

Jan
I will keep you and your mom and family in my thoughts and prayers
May God bless you all and continue to give you the courage to display the attitude that has I am sure been an inspiration to many.
love,
Chris.

 

[desdemona]

Jan...thank you for sharing your story of love with all of us. Throughout the battle, you and your family have shown courage and compassion that's an example for us all. I'm glad you're finding hospice to be a relief as the time draws near. I know the helped my mom and my aunt when my grandmother lingered through nine months of pancreatic cancer. But they were always there to answer questions and to lend support. From the sounds of things, you already have an excellent support system in place, but you know you have others who aren't as close by but care nonetheless. Wishing you and yours the best this holiday season... Des

 

[TklDuo-Drew]

You got a strong and loving family there, Jan. Merry Christmas and God Bless You and Yours.


Drew