Re: Mom and Hospice

[Guest guest]

, sending you much strength.

Courage

[Guest guest]

M.:

Thank you for saying so well, exactly how I'm feeling and where I

have been for so near the same time span. It's been 16 days with

hospice (although I have previous exp. with them) and 2 weeks shy of

a year since my dear mother-in-law came to live with us.

It's almost like when we finally called hospice she could get on

with dying and she has been quite busy at it. Progressed so rapidly

that I can't believe it was only a month ago I thought she had a

good chance of still being with us after the start of the new year.

After the last 16 days, I've come to wonder if she'll still be with

us at Thanksgiving.

Sadly though, in some many ways caring for her has become so much

easier: the catheter, the round-the-clock nursing only a call away,

the pastoral care, the aides even just for bathing twice a week,

these are only a few of the relief efforts I feel. Now, we can

concentrating on helping her to pass in comfort. And making sure

she gets even short visits as much as possible with as many of her

loved ones that she can.

So, like you M., I too will probably be lurking awhile and

keeping up with the group when I can. And group: what can I say?

YOU ARE THE BEST!

Thanks,

Kathy in OHIO

[Guest guest]

Dear , I can only imagine how difficult this time must be for you

and your family. Take all the comfort you can from the wonderful

people at the hospice. They are truly angels on earth who want

nothing more than to help in any way they can. You have done your

very best for your mum and you need to appreciate yourself for that.

It is hard work but rewarding as you know. And remember that our

loved ones are always with us, in our hearts, in our minds and in our

memories.

Take care of yourself,

.

[Guest guest]

--, my mother passed in May and I sat with her the last 14 days

of her battle with this disease. I also was nothing like I

expected. You know it is coming and yet it is so unreal like a

nightmare. God be with you and help you through this. You will feel

a multitude of feeling when this is all over.

My heart goes out to you

- In LBDcaregivers , " janeymar54 " <janeymar54@y...>

wrote:

>

> I have not been able to read messages the past couple of days or

> post, but thought I would give you an update on my Mom.

>

> Since we began hospice care 12 days ago, Mom continues to go

> downhill. I will say that this is an experience that I did not

> expect. It is hard to see her like this but it has also been a

> spiritual journey for me and other family members.

> It is nothing like I expected and I am so thankful that God led us

in

> this direction (hospice).

>

> I saw my Dad die of cancer in 1986 and it was nothing like this.

We

> were waiting for his death to happen, as we are now, but it is just

> not the same thing. Hospice was not available then, and he passed

> away in the hospital. It was just not the same, I can't explain it.

>

> All indications are that Mom will not last much longer, but it is

> impossible to tell, since God is the only one with that answer. We

> are just continuing to keep her as comfortable as possible, both

> physically and spiritually, because she has a strong faith. We

have

> started playing CD's of old hymns, ones that she has loved, and you

> can just see peace and relaxation come over her.

>

> I pray that all of you will have a good day today with your loved

> ones. I continue to look over the past year that Mom has lived

with

> us and although it was hard, nearly impossible at times with her

> behavior problems, we have made so many additional memories, and I

> cherish them now with no regrets of bringing her to live with us.

> Mom continues to teach us, as does God, even at this time...

>

> Bless you all and thank you for your prayers and thoughts.

>

> M