March 26, 2016

from Debbie

. . .  The news to share tonight is that there are signs that Mom's body is beginning to shut down. There was no output of fluids today, which is an indicator that the kidneys may be shutting down, which is usually the first thing to happen. Also, there are some specific markings on the body that are indicative of things shutting down. Mom was not responsive at all today. She was occasionally restless, but not like she had been previously. [Terri had talked about these markings to Becky and me Friday night.]

Liz and Becky talked with one of the other hospice nurses this evening for a while. This nurse, based on her 13 yrs experience, suggested that perhaps Mom could last 7-10 days longer, Of course, there is no way to really know, but this nurse noted that Mom is a strong, "stubborn" woman, so who knows what will happen :) On the other hand, due to her extreme weight loss, she could go quickly. This same nurse talked to Dad this evening and gave him some very basic info and chatted with him. Dad seems to be doing OK overall, seems to grasp generally what is coming.

As things progress, and it seems Mom's passing is clearly coming, there will be hospice nurses there around the clock, so Dad will not be alone, nor will Mom. Of course, we will also be there as much as we can -- we will take this one step at a time. . . 
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Becky and I stopped by Saturday morning on our way home.  We took time to read with Dad from his devotional book and then pray with him.  I then said to Becky I wanted to go in and read to Mom and pray with her.  Becky didn't think she could help me out with that.  So, I went in, took a seat, and read to her Psalm 121 and Psalm 23.  I prayed with her.  Hard, but it was what I wanted to do. 

As I got up to leave, I said to Mom, "Thanks for being a good Mom.  I love you."  Then I kissed her and left.  Becky went in after me, but I have no idea what she did or said.

By Saturday evening, things really began to change.  I cried again.
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  "Just got a call from hospice - Mom has declined significantly this afternoon. They are beginning 24 hour vigil. Oxygen levels are declining. Breaths are farther apart. She could pass away as soon as tomorrow."