It's been a tough year for me. After suffering
since last New Year, my mother passed away from Sarcoidosis in
June on my father's birthday in July. There was some relief in knowing she
wasn't suffering any longer. There are three things will stay with me forever.
- · The expression on her face when we looked at each other the last time.
- · The horror of artificial life support.
- · The absolute gut wrenching emotions flowing through you when you make the decision to end life support and the waiting for the end hoping there is no pain.
My father had Parkinson
Disease and was doing OK. They had been married for 58 years and missed her
terribly. In October, Dad needed to be taken to the hospital because of feeling
light headed. He was there just over a week and things were looking good. We
were planning on his release in a few days. I had just left to do some chores when
my brother contacted me to get back right away. Dad had just had a convulsion
of some sort and things looked bad. When I got back, we weren't allowed in the
room. We were then told he was gone. His heart had stopped.
And like that, I was without
the two people who to me were the best parents anyone could ever ask for. I am
sharing the duties of estate matters with my brother who is also dealing with
this. A house full of memories that must be treasured distributed to family or
disposed of.
As I sit here, I remember
exactly one year ago today, looking forward to Christmas dinner at their house.
There were no storm clouds, no warning of what was coming. It was all good.
So yes, it's been a rough year.
