I have already posted "my story" here, so I guess is this the next chapter.
My mom was in the ICU and each doctor I met (and I seem to meet many) told me "it was just a matter of hours". This went on for over a week. Monday she was removed from her breathing tube and I watched the bumpy lines on the monitors, timed with her breath and heart beat slow and become fewer and farther between. I was holding her hand. I was saying my umpteenth good bye. But the lines did not flatten out. After a time, more bumps appeared. Alarms went silent. She was breathing on her own. In typical, stubborn, my-mom fashion, she announced she was not going until she was ready.
Her kidneys had already packed up and left town, her lungs were not far behind. She was on comfort meds and there was nothing left to be done. She kept them all guessing for the next two days. The strongest part was the last to go. This afternoon her heart stopped beating and she died.
I am fascinated by hearts- not the icky red Hallmark card valentine and what it represents, but that resilient little muscle which helped my mom have the last word. She would've loved it.
Posts: 35 | Location: New York | Registered: January 02, 2003
(((Wordwench))) I too am so sorry for your loss. Your Mom sounds like a wonderful person. Memories of her will comfort you for the rest of your life. Gypsy
"Happiness comes through doors you didn't even know you left open."
Dear wordwench: I'm sure you're feeling somewhat out of sorts imagining your life forward without your mother in it. You sound so appreciative for her having been in your life and to be blessed with many wonderful memories.
Your face may be wet with tears, but in your words I hear your proud smile and heartfelt joy at having been blessed to have been her daughter. Peace to you both.
"She ain't heavy; she's my mother."
Posts: 3063 | Location: SE LA | Registered: August 12, 2004
