Sunday

We went to see Mom yesterday afternoon, and she has definitely taken a turn towards the Homeward stretch. It was so nice to see Kathy and also Marta Zapp with Mom. Such dear friends. We felt rather helpless yesterday to do anything for Mom except keep going to the nurse on her behalf. Although we were able to help her sip a little bit of liquids, Mom also needed morphine for the pain that is wracking her body. At some points during the evening, Mom kept clutching at her chest and also patting at her abdomen to show us where the discomfort was. She cried out in discomfort. More morphine was given later, this time with a different kind of applicator that got it farther back in her throat. Mom finally was resting peacefully around 7 PM and I felt it was okay to leave.

Kathy often goes later in the evening to check on Mom, even after 9 PM, and she tries to comfort as well.

Mom has many people who love her in the nursing home also. Last night the cleaning and laundry man, David, was so kind to bring Mom a nice hot towel straight from the dryer when I went searching for something warm to put on Mom's tummy to kind of provide some temporary relief for her. He said, "She is my friend." He said he goes and sits with her occasionally. I noticed he kept looking in to her room as he passed by, and has a look of love on his face.

Tita, the charge nurse, also decided to give Mom something for her anxiety. Sometimes Mom is calm and peaceful, but then all of a sudden she grasps her chest and pulls at her gown and cries out in desperation. She grabs for my hand and will not let go. I squeeze her hand three times, "I love you", and she squeezes back three times. Tita suggested that she should call hospice and they would be coming more frequently. Tita said she thinks Mom "is getting really close".

During the time periods when Mom was calmer, we were able to read some Psalms to her, and we also sang hymns and whenever we sang, it seemed to calm Mom more, and she nodded her head to the music. Music is such a gift and the hymns that Mom loves are a true balm and comfort to her at this time.

Please, if anyone goes to visit her, if she is up to it, feel free to grab her hymnal and sing to her, even if you feel you are not a good singer, sing a hymn if you wish!

Also, the nursing home told us that they are now open late at night for loving friends and family, so if you feel the Lord laying it on your heart to stop in and sit and pray and encourage, please do so (within reason), until further notice.

with love and gratitude,
Jane