Tuesday, May 9, 2017

Sweet Memories


so I won't ever forget...

a couple of things from the last few days with Mom
I stayed overnight with her
holding her hand each time she raised it from the bed
something we've done for years now
only leaving for a few hours
to feed the cats
inject some meds
while my sister stayed with Mom

Thursday she had a high temperature
even while on antibiotics
so we knew
she didn't respond to us 
other than opening her eyes

early Friday was so much better
she even shooed away the male aide
from Hospice
when he arrived to care for her
with think she associated him with the Hoyer lift 
she talked with us on and off all day

on returning that afternoon
I woke her up leaning over to kiss her
oh the joy on her face
when I said hi Mom
she kissed her hand 
then placed it on my cheek


for a few days she refused anything to eat or drink
except a few Lifesavers
later that day I was sitting there
eating my gummy bears
when she said I sure was chewing a lot of gum
 I told her no, that was Judy
I was eating gummy bears
immediately her right hand went up 
she ate one and was satisfied

she was happy to sit up in bed
watching the Andy Griffith show
she even drank some butter pecan Ensure

just some general chit chat after that
lots of I loves yous...

Saturday morning we knew our time was short
the Crossroads Hospice team was phenomenal
I can't say that enough

***** 

my NC sister and her husband will arrive in a few hours
we'll just putter around my yard and house
catching up on chores and weeding

tomorrow we're all going to lunch together
my local sister and I have decided to
start with a clean slate
it's what our parents wanted most
all their girls to be friends

we think that she waited to leave us Sunday morning
until she knew we would heal our relationship
just one more loving gesture from Mom

*****

your words and prayers have touched my heart
filled me with love and hope
I am only sorry I can't hug you all in person

17 comments:

Julie - My Primitive Heart said...

Dear Kelley,
I am so happy for all these great memories you have to be able to hold on to as the days pass! Also, that you were able to mend your relationship with your sister!! That is a precious gift for both of you!! Please know that you will be in my thoughts and prayers!
Sending you BIG HUGS, my friend~
Julie xo

Lori from Notforgotten Farm said...

wonderful memories. much love to you ~
L

Simply Quaint said...

Such wonderful Memories you've made with your mom, she will always be with you.....in each quilt piece, rug hook and kitty cat running around.......bless you Kelley and your sisters may you all morn, heal and remember together....,

Blessings
Rhonda

marly said...

So glad you are having some family time to reminisce, relax, and share the joy of her life along with the grief. Wishing you peace in the coming months.

jan said...

My heart goes out to you. Both breaking and mending. Blessings to you and your sisters. Jan

WoolenSails said...

What wonderful memories of your time with your mom, during his last moments.
And I am glad that you and your sisters will be together and sharing those memories and continue that love, I am sure your mom is smiling down on all of you.

Debbie

basketnut said...

You brought tears to my eyes reading this post from you Kelley. Makes me think back to last year with my Dad. I'm happy to read you are moving forward with your sisters...life is short, that I have learned too.
Hugs to you,
Tammy

Carolyn said...

Your Mom was The Best! I never knew her, but from following your blog it's easy to tell she raised her children with a special touch and lots of love. I know you will miss her, but she left this world knowing she raised her children to do the right thing. I am proud of the decisions you girls have made. She would be just as proud. Hugs and prayers to each of you.

Jacqueline said...

Time will help but you won't forget.

Margaret T. Zenk said...

So sorry Kelley, your posts have really touched a very large community. Wonderful thing to have a blog where people far and wide follow you and truly care. Your devotion to your mother struck a chord. May you be at peace.

Angela Tucker said...

What beautiful memories...I think that all of us hope to have the same when it is time for our parent to go. You are a good daughter.

annie said...

Hugs, bless your heart!

acorn hollow said...

you were such a blessing to your mom and she was a blessing to you what more could we all ask for in life? thinking of you
Cathy

Rugs and Pugs said...

Sweet memories.
❤️❤️❤️
Lauren

NMK said...

What a sweet post ..... take care

elaine allerton said...

Great memories for you,,,,, thanks for sharing ur life with us!! Lots of strength there!!!

Gayle said...

You've been SUCH a wonderful daughter - you're mom is SO proud of you! So sorry for your loss....