Yesterday my mother was moved to hospice care and this weekend the extended family is gathering to say our good byes and to be with each other.  Mom has lived a long full life. While her imminent passing is sad, it will also be a blessing.

My dad has been mom’s primary caregiver and advocate for the years of her illness–and he has been faced with many heart-breaking decisions.   The gathering of the clan, with its aura of love and caring, should help ease his pain in these dark days.

The other night was most likely my last visit with mom when it was just the two of us.  I held her hand and sang to her gently, with tears streaming down my face.  Her eyelids fluttered, and she lifted her free hand to me (perhaps she was just trying to get me to stop).  All in all, I feel as if I have said my goodbyes.

When I picked my sister up from the airport yesterday she commented, ‘I wish I were because someone were having a baby or getting married!.’  This is a bittersweet gathering indeed.

Mom will be alive in all of us and in our memories.  For myself – I will remember her when I hear certain songs, when I eat fudge (her specialty) and when I look into the innocent faces of her great-grand children.  She will be remembered.

 

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