The journey has ended...

[Guest guest]

My beautiful mother left us at 11:55 last night.

I was blessed and privileged to live with her and my father for the past two

years, and play an active role in her care. While it was difficult at times,

and a struggle while I was also dealing with my own diagnosis of metastatic

colon cancer and two surgeries and chemo, I wouldn't have traded my time and

ability to be with Mom and Dad for anything else in the world.

I was with her and Dad as she drew her last breath, and her sweet spirit left

her poor little damaged body and brain. She had been having mini-strokes for

several weeks, each one leaving her more debilitated and confused than the

previous, but we still had moments where we connected and were able to express

our love for each other.

We might not have had the best relationship when I was younger, but I have come

to the knowledge that it was not just my fault, nor just her fault, but a

combination of divergent hopes and dreams and aspirations and expectations. We

grew, as time passed, to appreciate each other more and more, and I realized

last night that there had not been one single day in my life when we had not

talked either in person or by phone.

I don't regret keeping Mom at home, and being proactive in her care. It was

difficult for my 87-year-old dad at times, and she could wear us all to a

frazzle, but our doing so kept her with us far beyond what many are able to

survive with LBD with Parkinson's. She was never hungry, never thirsty, never

wet, never soiled, never neglected, and ALWAYS knew she was loved. I cooked all

the foods she loved, and kept her content.

Love them.

Hold them.

Too soon they leave.

Jannis

Daughter of , who left us at age 82

Victor over LBD with Parkinson's