Mom passed 01.14.09

I spent Tuesday night at my parents, when my sister Carol, who never went home to Florida after Christmas but stayed to take care of my mother, and I woke up on Wednesday morning, thought today would be our mother's last day. Carol called sisters Dottie and Beth , brother Jimmy and his wife Daisy. I talked to Michael at work and thought it best for him not to come since his mother, Pamela Ruby Arnold Edwards Jones died five years ago almost to the day of liver cancer. My Mom's breathing was labored all day, we all took turns hanging out with her even though she was heavily drugged, the last two days never gained conciseness. I was in the living room on Wednesday, with Beth, Daisy, Dad and of course my Mom in her hospital bed. I noticed the icicles that formed from the roof of the front porch. Thought they would make a great picture. I took only a few pictures and came back into the house, it was cold out there.

When I came into the house I noticed everyone going into the living room, Mom was foaming at the mouth, we called Hospice in North Reading and they told us she was in her last stage of life. We rolled Mom onto her side so the form would drain from her mouth. Her breathing was very labored and her eyes flew open, we were all crying holding onto her and her spirit left her body. It was hard on all of us, it seemed like we cried and hugged each other for hours, time stood still. I called Hospice to let them know she passed, of course I was crying and called the main number, they were great and called the correct number for me. Sandy, the nurse, who was taking care of Mom came over to do the pronouncement. Sweeny's came over after we all said goodbye to Mom. They took her out and we're now getting ready for the funeral next week. She'll be cremated in a day or two and I'm glad there will not be a wake.

Here's to my sister Carol, who stayed up here in Massachusetts with the snow and cold, instead of returning to Florida to play golf, Mah Jong and driving around with her husband Jim in his Miata, to care for Mom.

Carol it was a long four weeks but I know Mom, Dad and all us appreciated you giving your time. Love you!!!!

Michael, thank you for being there and giving me the support during this time, I'm so fortunate to have you in my life, Love you!!!!!