Thanks, and an Update

You’re all so fabulous in your warm and supportive comments — they mean so much although I can’t take time  to answer them. My family has to be my priority right now.

But I wanted to let you know that we agreed that the time was right for moving my mother to a hospice where we will have extra resources for keeping her comfortable until she leaves (she’s quite clear that she’s ready for that, impatient even). Her fabulous GP came to see her (3rd at-home visit in a week) and then set to getting her a bed. The next day, two wonderfully gentle paramedics came to move her by ambulance transfer, and she settled into her new room last night. She’s confused, sleeping a great deal, but is reassured to have us around her. Not sure how much she understands anymore but we keep promising she will have family with her right ’til the end.

I’m taking one of my daughters and a granddaughter in for a little visit this afternoon, and then I have to head back to the island to catch up with my teaching and prepare for another daughter-granddaughter team coming to do an Easter egg hunt with us on Sunday.

So thank you once again for all your kindness. I will probably be awhile, again, before I post next, but I so appreciate knowing I’m in your thoughts as you are in mine.

15 Comments

  1. K.Line
    27 March 2013 / 7:32 pm

    Thanks for keeping us posted on developments, Frances. I'm happy that your family has come to agreements on the best next steps and that your mother is being cared for so expertly. How blessed it is that she is ready for her next adventure. All my life, my (admittedly hippie) parents have spoken of death as a great adventure – a formative transformation (like birth). I don't know that I have their attitude (they work with sick people often and have observed this transition on many occasions) but I'm very glad to know that this perspective exists. They are very sure of it, if that gives you any comfort…

  2. Patricia
    27 March 2013 / 8:43 pm

    Hello Mater, it seems that the time is drawing near …. As always, I wish you and your family all the best.

  3. Tiffany
    27 March 2013 / 9:41 pm

    I went to an Easter Service at my daughter's school last night, and when we prayed for comfort for those in difficult times, I thought of you and your mother and your whole family – and continue to do so.

  4. Anonymous
    27 March 2013 / 9:54 pm

    This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

  5. Lorrie
    27 March 2013 / 10:25 pm

    Thinking of you and your family.

  6. hostess of the humble bungalow
    27 March 2013 / 11:29 pm

    I am holding you and your family in my thoughts…
    hope that you have some light moments hunting for eggs in the garden with your grand daughter.
    Hugs,
    Hostess

  7. Alison Watt
    27 March 2013 / 11:46 pm

    thinking of you at this time. How wonderful to be ready to go! And how wonderful she has you all around her to ease her way, xx

  8. pomomama
    28 March 2013 / 12:02 am

    pushing as much strength and support your way thru the interwebs.

  9. NancyDaQ
    28 March 2013 / 12:47 am

    Hospice was such a good experience for my husband and I when our parents were at the end of their lives. It's not easy to see them go, but having hospice definitely helped both situations.

  10. Pondside
    28 March 2013 / 3:57 am

    How good it is that a hospice bed was available for your mother. Now she has the best of what there is – excellent care and the support, company and love of her family.
    Just know that we're thinking of you as you do that family dance between hospice and home.

  11. Catherine
    28 March 2013 / 12:50 pm

    Excellent. You have got the best possible care in place and can spend time with her when possible and, later on, it's a huge comfort to know you did the best you could for her. Sounds like she is ready to go – nature's way.

  12. LPC
    28 March 2013 / 1:10 pm

    xoxox.

    I am so glad that hospice is the right call.

  13. ilona
    28 March 2013 / 1:43 pm

    Hospice can be such as amazing resource. I hope you and your family continue to find peace and strength in the days ahead.

  14. Unknown
    28 March 2013 / 3:23 pm

    I'm keeping you and your family in my thoughts through this difficult time. Hospice is a wonderful help at times like these. xoxo

  15. Raquelita
    28 March 2013 / 7:57 pm

    I just wanted to let you know that I continue to think of you and your family, Frances. It sounds like your mother is getting the best possible care and I, for one, can't think of a better way to leave this life than surrounded by loved ones.

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