Comments on: Off to Florida–but first, a reading http://www.sandishelton.com/blog/2007/06/18/off-to-florida-but-first-a-reading/ Thoughts about writing and life Tue, 07 Feb 2012 11:17:05 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1.2 By: Linda L Rucker http://www.sandishelton.com/blog/2007/06/18/off-to-florida-but-first-a-reading/comment-page-1/#comment-5622 Linda L Rucker Sat, 23 Jun 2007 13:00:03 +0000 http://www.sandishelton.com/blog/2007/06/18/off-to-florida-but-first-a-reading/#comment-5622 Sandi, I am so sorry. I have been where you are, just four short years ago, and for the same reason. Mother was diagnosed with lung cancer in November. By the end of December, it had progressed to her spine and by the time she left us, it had spread to her brain. When I got to her bedside that cold January night, she was nearly comatose. She drifted in and out of consciousness and there was no recognition in her eyes for my siblings and I. My mother was my rock, my toughest critic, my best friend. She was my sounding board and my history teacher. Everything about my family I learned from her. She was always there for me, and as much as it killed me to watch her slip farther and farther away from us, I had to stay by her side. She was there when I took my first breath, and I had to be there when she took her last. Just like when my daughter passed, I could feel Momma's spirit brush past me when she took her last breath, and I saw all the pain and fear ease into a beautiful smile. It is the second most painful loss of my life, but I am glad that I was there for her, that we all were. She knew she was loved and she knew we would all be fine. I think that knowledge is what allowed her to finally let go, and stop fighting. As far as Hospice, they are a gift from the Gods. Their kindness and strength helped us to recognize and understand all the stages of death, and it was because of them that Momma was able to die peacefully in her own home, surrounded by her family, and not in the cold discomfort of a sterile hospital room. Know that you have friends, Sandi, that offer you our love and support and if you need to talk, I am here, as are we all. Sandi, I am so sorry. I have been where you are, just four short years ago, and for the same reason. Mother was diagnosed with lung cancer in November. By the end of December, it had progressed to her spine and by the time she left us, it had spread to her brain.
When I got to her bedside that cold January night, she was nearly comatose. She drifted in and out of consciousness and there was no recognition in her eyes for my siblings and I.
My mother was my rock, my toughest critic, my best friend. She was my sounding board and my history teacher. Everything about my family I learned from her. She was always there for me, and as much as it killed me to watch her slip farther and farther away from us, I had to stay by her side.
She was there when I took my first breath, and I had to be there when she took her last.
Just like when my daughter passed, I could feel Momma’s spirit brush past me when she took her last breath, and I saw all the pain and fear ease into a beautiful smile.
It is the second most painful loss of my life, but I am glad that I was there for her, that we all were. She knew she was loved and she knew we would all be fine. I think that knowledge is what allowed her to finally let go, and stop fighting.
As far as Hospice, they are a gift from the Gods. Their kindness and strength helped us to recognize and understand all the stages of death, and it was because of them that Momma was able to die peacefully in her own home, surrounded by her family, and not in the cold discomfort of a sterile hospital room.
Know that you have friends, Sandi, that offer you our love and support and if you need to talk, I am here, as are we all.

]]> By: Marilyn Gardiner http://www.sandishelton.com/blog/2007/06/18/off-to-florida-but-first-a-reading/comment-page-1/#comment-5601 Marilyn Gardiner Sat, 23 Jun 2007 02:54:53 +0000 http://www.sandishelton.com/blog/2007/06/18/off-to-florida-but-first-a-reading/#comment-5601 Sandi: I am so sorry for both you and your mother. My heart goes out to you. Losing a parent is hard enough without having to watch them suffer. If you are a believer, prayer will get you through this terrible time--believe me, I know for I've been there. May God bless you. Sandi: I am so sorry for both you and your mother. My heart goes out to you. Losing a parent is hard enough without having to watch them suffer. If you are a believer, prayer will get you through this terrible time–believe me, I know for I’ve been there. May God bless you.

]]> By: mary http://www.sandishelton.com/blog/2007/06/18/off-to-florida-but-first-a-reading/comment-page-1/#comment-5480 mary Wed, 20 Jun 2007 14:39:58 +0000 http://www.sandishelton.com/blog/2007/06/18/off-to-florida-but-first-a-reading/#comment-5480 Intense Times/Songs was the finest thing I've ever read on this subject. Thinking of you, kid. Intense Times/Songs was the finest thing I’ve ever read on this subject.

Thinking of you, kid.

]]> By: Nancy http://www.sandishelton.com/blog/2007/06/18/off-to-florida-but-first-a-reading/comment-page-1/#comment-5438 Nancy Tue, 19 Jun 2007 04:14:44 +0000 http://www.sandishelton.com/blog/2007/06/18/off-to-florida-but-first-a-reading/#comment-5438 Wow--you were great at the reading, really terrific. All packed? Safe journey to see your mom--just do what's in front of you. Much love. Wow–you were great at the reading, really terrific.

All packed? Safe journey to see your mom–just do what’s in front of you. Much love.

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