Mom’s Count Down
Mother is dying now. It is hard to imagine that it is my mother’s skeletal body that lies so still in the rented hospital bed at my brother’s house. She no longer eats or drinks unable to eat or drink, at times struggling for air. Her eyes that are closed for 22 of the 24 hours in a day now no longer have that bright blue sparkle she has been known for. Her words are the softest whisper and take a great effort on her part. It is hard to imagine this world without Mom’s influence and impact but it can’t last much longer. It amazes us all (my 2 brothers and my sister) that she is still here with us, but she has a spirit that doesn’t give up easily. She has loved us unconditionally, as mother’s do and that has given us courage to face life’s challenges. She has suffered through indignities to her mind and body the last four years, but has somehow maintained her personal dignity and integrity. Even in her present state she is teaching us … teaching us that to the end you can be courageous, loving, grateful, and selfless. Even now she doesn’t complain.
Oh Mama, I love you. Come and visit me when you can. I’ll watch for you near the mountain streams, think of you when the breeze blows through the lilacs, listen for you when the birds are singing. When I taste a perfect piece of fudge you know you’ll come to mind … and a visit to Taco Time will never be the same. I’ll save you a chair on the front porch where we loved to chat as we watched the I know you will come and visit when you can. God be with you, until we meet again …
