Mom passed away on October 20th, just four days short of her 91st birthday.
Since she fell last Spring, broke her hip, and had to go through everything else that went along with that, she never really got back to where she was before the fall. Dementia also got in the way of her ability to gain back strength and mobility, no matter how hard everybody else was working to help get her there.
But being almost 91 is a good, long life. And, Mom was famous for saying how much she loved life.
Less than a week before she passed, I could see that she was changing. And then, it just sort of went fast. Two days before she passed, Mom went on Hospice. A chaplain and music therapist showed up to pray and sing Holy, Holy, Holy and Amazing Grace with us, just in time because Mom was still able to open her eyes a little, and try to sing along. She never seemed to be uncomfortable, and we were able to be with her most of the time. We did go home at night to rest.
All of the kids made it there to see her. The day before she passed away, a lot of us spent the day in the room with her, talking and reminiscing as we took turns holding her hand. We listened to some of her favorite music, including the Tennessee Waltz by Patsy Cline. I think she probably liked that day, it was almost like a party. She always loved hanging out with her family, and she loved a good party. 💕
The staff there were so good to us. They brought in carts of snacks, coffee, and lemonade. They were kind to us, and gave us big hugs. They told us that Mom always said thank you, and told them that they were beautiful. I could see her doing that.
The morning that Mom passed away, we all gathered again in the room with her. Katie brought in a chocolate French Silk Pie in Grandma Joyce's honor. It was a time to grieve, and gain closure. I'm glad we did that.
We're working towards a Celebration of Life service this weekend, which will be for both Mom and Dad. Burial for the two of them will be at the end of November.
I have waves of sadness at times, and I miss my Mom so much. But, I also feel relief for her now, life in memory care with dementia can be rough. And, I take comfort in believing that Mom is now back again with family and friends who've passed on before her, and that she's now finally at peace.