To be awakened from a sound sleep by the jangling of the telephone is rarely a good thing, and so it was early yesterday morning at our house. Elizabeth looked at the Caller ID and said "It's the nursing home". Her mother has resided there since February, the consequence of a stroke that left her with the inability to care for herself and live at home. What now?
"Mom's had another stroke and is non-responsive" was the whispered response to my questioning look. While not a complete surprise, it was never the less very sad news for us.
Just this past weekend Elizabeth and her sister, Donna, had taken their mom out for pizza and a drive in the country. It was questionable whether she knew either of them, but she enjoyed the outing anyway. Her mind has been slowly shutting down in the months since her first stroke, and it was becoming increasingly difficult for her to recognize people and perform even the simplest of tasks. A truly sad progression for a woman who had been feisty and fun for all of the time I'd known her. She often referred to me as her "favorite son-in-law", knowing full well I was her "only" one. Our relationship was special.
If there is a silver lining to this tragedy, it's the compassion with which God has enveloped and protected her from the loss of her husband who passed away earlier this year. She had said for as long as I can remember, "I don't know what I would do without Dad". God heard that plea, and her first stroke occurred shortly before "Dad" died. She has no recollection of his passing, and would sometimes still speak of him in the present tense.
Today, she is lying in the hospital while all of us await the inevitable. Whether our wait is short or long is in God's hands, and we simply pray for a peaceful transition when the time comes.
While her voice has been silenced, she knows, as do the rest of us, that "Dad" is waiting patiently for her to join him for their eternal journey together. Life goes on, not only for those who are still earthbound, but for all those who shall have everlasting life.
EPILOGUE: Doris and George are now together again. "Mom" passed away quietly at home on September 13, 2011.
Thank you for this great report--I am sorry she & you all have had to go through all this but she really left us before George. I will always remember our last visit--even though she did not know Donna--she seemed to know me--very strange. She did have a great life and did not spend one minute not feeling well--kind of amazing. Will always love her & George!! I am sure he is tapping his foot waiting. If you all need us--we are here!!
ReplyDeleteElizabeth called & I agree --they are having a dance!! Great memories will always love them!!
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