A long update

Saturday night Mom slept the most she has in a long long time. Around 5:30 a.m. she woke up and we were able to help her get in the wheelchair. It was a special moment for Jenny, Matthew, Mark and I to spend time with her. Although the confusion has been getting worse, she was still alert enough to try and communicate with us. We were having our own little slumber party, and she was still making us all laugh.

During the early morning hours I had a feeling that this might be one of the better moments we would have with her over the next couple of days. I am so grateful for the memory of that morning, and very grateful for the family members who watched our children so that we could spend time with her in peace.

On Sunday, Mom was able to see Jason's family and say good bye. As soon as she heard that the girls were at her house she perked right up and spent some time with them on her bed. She was so happy to see her little girls. Emilie and Clara had drawn her some pictures and written some notes. Grandma was able to communicate with the girls for a few minutes.

She surprised us by wanting to get up and have a few bites of breakfast, which we gladly let her have. After she was finished eating we got her settled back into bed and resting. She stayed resting and asleep for the rest of the day. We were lucky to get to spend one more meal around the table as a family. As it turns out, that would be the last time that she would have the strength to be moved. Our amazing mother has been sleeping since yesterday morning. She has had moments of alertness but she is not responsive.

She has a brother and sister who live out of state. We have been able to skype with them so that they could see her. She was able to say a few words to them on Saturday, but on Sunday we just pointed the camera at her so that they could feel like they were with her as we talked about family memories.

Last night around 2:45 a.m. she woke up and Jenny and I sat by her side for a while before realizing that she would stay alert for a while. We woke up all the others in the house and we were all able to hold her hands and calm her down for the next few hours. We were able to let her know that it was okay for her to go. The veil was very thin and we were able to have a very spiritual moment in our home.

She has been a little fidgety and restless through her sleeping today. A few friends have been able to come over and say good bye. We are so grateful for all the people in our lives who have shown so much compassion for our mother.

Around lunch time today, the musical therapist visited, and was able to sing and play the piano for her. It is just what she has wanted. Throughout the last few days when she has had some anxiety, she has asked that someone play the piano for her. We have had our pandora station going non-stop because the music is the one thing that really calms her down.

We love our mother, but are ready for her to be at peace. My mom is one of the most amazing people I know. She has had to face many extreme trials in her life and I feel so much peace knowing that finally she will be able to have happiness and peace.