A few days ago on the thread "The One Thing That Bothers You The Most About Caregiving" I wrote that this past Thursday was a fabulous day for Mom after months of bad/mediocre days with the bad outnumbering the mediocre. She ate hearty and us three girls and Mom played the card game Rummy and laughed a lot. Mom even came in second place (with Sister 1's help). At 8 p.m., we put her to bed. From Thursday evening until this Sunday morning, she'd been solid in bed practically asleep. Nothing to eat and about total of 1/2 cup of fluid. We gave her Ativan to calm jerking so bad she was sweating and was a hazard to herself, almost like constant seizing. She groaned and grimaced in pain so was put on morphine too. After an agonizing night--for us girls--Mom passed around 5:30 a.m. She's no longer in pain and ravaged by dementia. I've read that the dying often have a terrific day then dies a few days later. I thought of that on Thursday as I watched Mom laugh and play cards. The people on this forum aren't just caregivers for their charges, be they parent or spouse, but also to each of us who undertake a most difficult task. Thank you all who have given support and guidance to me or influenced me so much. If you ever have a bad day and wonder if you make a positive difference in the world, look in the mirror and say: "Yes. Yes, I do."
What a wonderful gift you had. A beautiful day with your mum. One to remember. :)
She is at rest now.
Hugs