Wednesday, January 21, 2009

The Circle Of Life


Dinia and parents - 1958
This past Sunday afternoon we received a call from my sister who was at the Assisted Living facility where our Mom has been a resident for over 2 years. Apparently, The Queen (my Mom) was not eating, lethargic, and somewhat unresponsive. Ron and I set off to see what was going on and enroute decided that if anything would make her responsive it would be pictures of the new babies in our family. We will welcome 4 babies in our family between Wyatt's birthday on Dec 16 and mid February. Sure enough we were able to get her out of bed and she responded to the pictures of the babies.

50th Wedding Anniversary - 2002
Soon, I was reflecting on The Queen's life and wondering how do you encourage someone that is 96 years old, has buried her husband of 50+ years plus a son to eat and drink when they are just tired and want to be left alone.


Ashley and The Queen - 2005

Mother was born in 1912; yep that makes her 96! After five children, 9 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren and 5 great great grandchildren she has lived a full life. She is a talented artist and a Master Gardner. I am thankful she had the opportunity to visit us in Egypt, Scotland and Trinidad. Mother also traveled to Italy and Switzerland on painting tours. For many years she owned and operated one of the two beauty shops in our small town.

MARCAS BEACH - TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
Today she is just tired, but has never clearly made her wishes known to the family as to what to do when she gets sick. Yes, she signed a Living Will and DNR, but that was all she would discuss. Today we had to move her out of the hospital and into a rehab facility for 21 days. Initial reports late this afternoon are that she is trying to wake up and eat some. The next few days will be crucial in deciding how to care for her.
All this is being said to encourage anyone that might be reading this to be sure you understand the wishes of your loved ones. All too often these gray areas come up and difficult decisions must be made.

Dinia and The Queen Christmas - 2007
Ron and I would appreciate your prayers for The Queen and Ron as he travels tomorrow to India for his second hitch in Deli. Please pray for travel safety, and wisdom among the family to make the right decisions for The Queen's care.

1 comment:

Dede said...

Sounds like your mom has lived a full life. I know how tough making decisions about care is...Rob and I have both had to deal with that this past year. Our prayers are with your family.