Final Preparations

Tomorrow is Mom's memorial service. The official good-bye. For me it will start the long good-bye. This time the slide show has gone together very well, unlike when I put Dad's together. I finally got music onto Dad's this week..THANK YOU JOY!!

Aunt Jeanette and Uncle Cutler arrived safely yesterday from California. What a blessing she has been..Coming up twice in such a short time. I spoke with my friend, Lorri, today and she will be there as well as my friend Sara. The Lord has blessed us with such good people in our lives.

Last night was laugh night..Erika, Diane, Joy, Lydia, Melody, Rhonda and I went to go see "Mamma Mia" last night..What a hoot!! I thought I knew Abba's music, but I only recognized a few. My sister, Debbie, saw it a couple of weeks ago and talked about a "Mamma Mia" party where a group of friends get together for a meal, visit the thrift store so they can get an appropriate dress and go to the movie. I passed that on to my friends who thought it would be fun and they added dancing in the aisles too! What a vision! I know Diane would do it!

I will be glad when tomorrow is over.

Preparations

Today was spent at Mountain View Funeral Home. This time (refer to a post on May 6th, I think..) we had an appointment. We had requested the same director, Chris Steward. What a neat guy! The lady in the tweed suit (May) was wearing a very dignified, blue pant suit. We got to bypass the sales room..I brought my camera this time, but didn't need it..(I keep alluding to my post in May..) One person I forgot to mention from our last experience here at Mountain View was the cemetery advisor...I won't mention his name, but he is the epitome of creepy. When we were there in May, he had on a black suit, black vest, black shirt with a black tie..Very creepy..His fingernails were manicured and had a very weak handshake. Today the shirt was orange and I can't remember the tie. Debbie and I had a difficult time trying not to laugh too much!

From there we had lunch and then headed to St. Mary's to plan the service. We got that done and our last stop was the florist. Everything is ready..

For me, finding the humor is what is keeping me sane. I know it's a defense mechanism, but that's me! I'm my Father's child. I was reading some letters my Dad wrote to my Mom while she was in Spain. He always said about me "Charlee is just being Charlee." I sure hope that was a good thing.

Right now I am numb. There are some details still to work out..putting together a memory table, a slide show with NO MUSIC!! I can't figure out the music on slide shows..Wednesday night I'm going to see "Mamma Mia" at the Shelton Cinemas for anyone who wants to join me..

We continue to covet your prayers. I had a real hard time sleeping last night. I kept seeing my Mom at the time of her death every time I closed my eyes. I will be working on her slide show and hope that will help put good images in my mind.

God Bless you dear friends!

Move Over Beverly Sills, Heaven Has A New Soprano

Today at 11:43AM, my Mom's suffering ended and she is in heaven with the Lord and with my Dad..Hallelujah!! Debbie and I were with her when she died. I am so glad we were, but I really don't want to go through that again.

Mom's memorial service will be Friday August 1st at St. Mary's Episcopal Church in Lakewood at 1PM.

Tomorrow we have details to deal with, but at least there is no apartment of close up.

Thanks for all your support. It means the world to us.

Prayer request

Debbie and I need your prayers. We are exhausted both physically and emotionally. We are confused, to say the least. Why is our Mom holding on? We have told her we will be sad, but ok when she goes. I am even struggling with anger issues, but I don't know who or what I'm angry about.

So..please pray...for God's will and for wisdom for Debbie and me. I've asked the Lord if there is something that perhaps Mom is holding onto that needs resolution. Pray that she would have no fear, and that she would understand that eternity with the Lord will be so much better than the life she has down here now.

Thank you!

July 26th

This post is out of order..I initially posted it on my other blog...This is Saturday..the next one is today, Sunday..

Today Mom is back to being out of it again. I called this morning for an update and she was still pretty alert. She was asked if she wanted food and she declined. She didn't want any liquids either. I think she is fearful of choking as it has become hard for her to swallow.

When Debbie had gotten there around 10, Mom was out of it..apparently she had become agitated and was also having trouble taking her morphine. And, her right leg was very restless (which is part of her disease). She was given some Adavan (sp) and that combined with the morphine has knocked her out. She has not had any food or liquid since Monday the 21st. I don't know how long someone can go without that, especially in a very weakened state.

More later...

So Very Tired..July 27th

I have just checked into a hotel near Manor Care. Mom is still hanging on. I spent last night in her room and got to sleep around 1AM. The aids came in around 3AM to reposition her and after they left, she was really struggling with her breathing and she was moaning. I called for help, but the nurse was with another resident. She got there and assesed Mom's situation. Her oxygen level was at 55..normal is 100. We had opted to not continue oxygen back on Thursday. She is definitely slowing down, but she is a strong woman. She always has been..physically and mentally. Needless to say, I was very scared. Debbie and Lenard had decided to go forward with their trip to Leavenworth to see a live "Sound of Music." I called Debbie at 3:15AM...There's a part of me that is struggling with the no oxygen, but I have been assured that it's ok. It would probably not help much at this point. It was initially given to her Monday as a comfort measure. And, Debbie and I have determined we want Mom to move forward. We think that is what she would want also. I also called Reg and he got up to Gig Harbor at 4:30ish. (AM) Debbie and Lenard decided to wait until daylight before heading out. Mom had settled down and was breathing easier.

So, I'm here hoping to rest. I want to stay close, and I don't think I could have driven home. So far I've stayed every other night with my Mom..It's hard to sleep there as there is lots of activity throughout the night.

Both Debbie and I are so very glad that our Dad passed first. This would be so hard for him to go through.

Please continue praying for us as we walk to the end.

More.......

Today has ended up being an interesting day. Mom was actually quite alert. It's very confusing. She does not speak, except a few words to the aides as they reposition her. But, her eyes were opened most of the day and she responded to Debbie and me when we talked to her. She would give a little smile to something funny or raise her eyebrows. Debbie said that when she left she asked Mom if she was comfortable..Mom winked..but in talking with the staff and Hospice, this is not unusual for someone who is dying. There is often a rally right before they pass..I guess we'll see..

Thanks for your prayers!