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| My Mom Enjoying Christmas in her teens |
I often hear the term "The Magic of Christmas" but this year we actually experienced it as my ailing mother, literally devoting all the energy she could, got dressed up and attended Christmas Dinner festivities at my house. There were relatives here from out of the country - really for the purpose of seeing her and she didn't want to miss it.
But a false start earlier in the day had me preparing to transport dinner to her place because she just wasn't going to make it. But somehow she drew herself up and with my sister's help, got here. She visited with our special guests and then lay down for a nap in the guest room. She had a great rest - I know - I was checking on her regularly but about 20 minutes after my last check the dog started to bark outside the guest room door. Inside we found her unresponsive and minutes later I was riding in an Ambulance with her to the hospital.
EMS, Fire Service professionals and Hospital Staff who work on Christmas are true Christmas Angels. We saw them first hand as my mom received their calm, professional support over the next 36 hours.
So sensitive were the 3 Paramedics and 4 Fire Fighters in our house as the aromas of Christmas Dinner filled the air, the the small children playing in the next room with their new toys barely knew anything was going on.
Once at the hospital the staff of the Acute Care Emergency Department were professional yet so personable they put us right at ease despite our frightening situation through a long and uncertain Christmas night.
In the morning it became evident to my sister and me that nothing more could be done without violating Mom's documented wish for no extraordinary measures so we let the medical people know and in short order she was sensitively moved to the calm, peaceful atmosphere of the Palliative Care Floor where we then spent her final hours together.
Without pain or duress, holding our hands she passed away in utter peace.
There will be time for sadness - and no doubt lots of it - but for now I feel so good she didn't suffer (thanks to those wonderful Angels!) and that with our support and no small amount of Christmas Magic she was able to truly live until she died.
There's now a funeral to see to so I don't know when I'll be able to post next but I will be back. I hope to see you then!
16 comments:
Hugs to you!
I'm very sorry for your loss Marie. I'm glad your Mother got to have Christmas with you one last time and from what I've seen of you on your blog I'm sure you hold a cracking Christmas celebration. Hugs, I'll be thinking of you all.
I'm sorry you lost your mom, but I'm glad she was surrounded by her family and you. My grandmother died that way and although it was frightening being there, I've always been grateful that I was there because it meant she wasn't alone.
Your kind and sensitive way of treating your Mom is evidence of the love you all shared. If only everyone's passing could bring such peace and may I say, joy.
Having lost a parent myself, I know what you are dealing with - come back when you are ready.
Cheers,
Hugs xo
My condolences to you and your family. What a blessing that your mother's passing was surrounded by peace and love.
I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. It must have been so hard to see her go but how great it was that she was surrounded by her girls and love. My heart goes out to you. Hugs!
My sincerest condolences.
I'm very sorry for your loss; my thoughts are with you.
Sorry for your loss but I think it was a good way and time to leave for her (if ever that can be).
isn't it amazing that Hudson felt that there was something wrong?!
Tina
I am so sorry. That is a very hard things to deal with, but there is never a good time, is there?
You will miss her.
Oh, Marie. That is a beautiful story, and I always am touched by how much joy and gratitude you bring to the world through your blog posts and comments. I'm glad that you have extended family around to be there with you and your sister right now.
I am so sorry for your loss. I wish you strength and peace during the coming difficult days.
I am so sorry for your loss, but how lovely for her to be with her friends and family as her time with us was done.
As time goes by you will be comforted to have such memories of your mother's last hours. Though you will miss her, there will be little to regret of things left unsaid or undone. My condolences to you and your family.
Oh Marie, I'm so sorry! I am also happy for you that she passed peacefully, surrounded by those she loved. Hugs!
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