u/OrneryQueen

Twelve days ago, Wednesday morning, the MC called as I was on my way to see mom. She had an unexpected downturn that morning. The next six days were some of the hardest in my life. I sat with her, talked to her, sang to her, and prayed for her as her heart slowly gave out.

She was in stage 7, but has never presented in the "normal" journey. Hers was unique, according to hospice. Mom was 92, and her journey was well over a decade, nearing 15 years. We lost dad to cancer during this time as well. I was blessed that her normal spicy, cantankerous personality mellowed out rather than intensified. This mother I will miss along with old mom. The joyful sorrow has begun.

So I went to visit my mom yesterday at the MC. She is usually happy to see me. She's in later stages, and in a wheelchair. Her happy place is in the Common room where she can visit with others. My husband and I get there and she's asleep in the chair all warm and cozy.

Here's how the conversation went:

Me (Rubbing her shoulder): Mom are you awake?

Her: No!

Me: Sleeping Beauty, you want to wake up and visit?

Her: No!

Me: you want me to leave and come back later?

Her: Yes!

I kissed her forehead, laughing myself silly, reported her to the nurse and CNA and left. Will go back today. But, Lord have mercy, I got a tiny view of my "old" very spicy mother. It was good to see she's still got in there somewhere.