Mama's Passing

Mama died today at 1:30 pm. I had sat with her all morning and had left to take the boys to lunch. We had just gotten our bill when the nursing home called and told me that it was time and to come back. I was so fortunate to get there before she died. The Hospice nurse, Patti, Mama's CNA, Bridgette, and several of the staff nurses where in the room with me. We all told Mama that it was OK to go and not to worry about us. Bridgette sang, "Jesus Loves Me" (which we all joined in on the chorus), and I held her hand. I had time to tell her that I loved her and not to be afraid to go on. I told her to tell Daddy and Clyde hello for me and to tell them that I loved them. About 10 seconds after that, she breathe her last breath. Mama's last words to me were "I love you" - that was on Tuesday. I have had the honor to be with my Daddy, my brother, and my mother at their passing. I called Larry and he will be flying in tomorrow. Her funeral will be Monday, December 31st, at 11:00 AM.

I will go to the funeral home in the morning at 10:00 to take her clothes. My brother and I had already planned her funeral last year. The hardest time I had was when the funeral home arrived and took her away. I cry not for her but for my loss of both of my parents. However, I lost Mama a long time ago to Alzheimer's. Through all of this, I have learned so many lessons about life and family. In life and in death, God is good.

This picture was made in the early 1950's (before I came along). What a beautiful couple my parents were. They are now reunited!

Last Night

Last night the nursing home called me to come see Mama. They had also called the Hospice nurse. The doctor just happened to be making calls and he was also there. The doctor has started morphine to make her last days painless. The Hospice nurse made my brother talk to her and say his good-byes on the phone. It was amusing to see this nurse tell my brother what to do and him in North Dakota. I stayed until midnight and came home. The CNA's and nurses were very attentive and I left her in good hands. I plan on returning today and spending a good bit of time with her.

She is totally unresponsive but I talk to her anyway telling her it's OK to go on home and that I love her. The boys tell her about what they are doing. It's a sweet time together. Please pray for a sweet release from her life.

Gift from Nancy

My friend Nancy sent me a wonderful box filled with Christmas goodies. Everything was just perfect!

Mama

I visited Mama in the nursing home this morning. She is non responsive and I couldn't get her to wake up. She was so peaceful sleeping that I just let her sleep. I signed all the paperwork with Hospice yesterday, December 26th. I know she will be well taken care of in her final days. This is picture taken in November when my brother Larry was visiting from North Dakota.

Our Christmas Tree

Our tree this year. This picture was taken with the overhead lights off so you can see the lights. The picture below is a fabric tree my mom made back in the 70's.

Teacher presents

I made these cute picture frames for the boys' teachers this year - very inexpensive and cheap! My type of presents!! I plan to do them each year for their teachers. Thanks to my friend Carrie who gave me the idea!

Deniska & Nikolai

Deniska and Nikolai share time together! They are getting closer each day.

Lillian's Birthday

Happy Early Birthday Lillian!!

We celebrated my sister-in-law's (Lillian) birthday with a surprise birthday party when they were visiting from North Dakota this year. These are pictures of this event. Her grandchildren provided the entertainment!


Nikolai enjoys Birthday Ice Cream...


Deniska gets in on some ice cream action!!