[QueenAngie]

Please include my elderly parents in your prayers.

Today was a very, difficult day for my Mom....and for me.

She had another
severe migraine along with speech problems, vision problems.

They are TIAs (mini-strokes) that she has from time to time.
She is on blood thinners allready. This was a really bad one.

DS#2 visited about 11:00 AM to help deliver the new
recliner/ejector chair (lift) for my Dad.
When I called, he answered and told me that Grandma
wasn't breathing well.

She has heart & lung problems too. A list as long as your arm.
Not counting birthing 9 live babies.

I left work early afternoon to be with her.
She couldn't speak and had the severe headache.

She could only get a lot of mumbling incoherent words out along with one clear word, "Wedding."

I figured out she was angry at Dad for 'losing' 4 photos of the recent wedding of her oldest grandson. I promised to get her duplicates.

(Note to self, ready to die, and focused on wedding photos that are lost!)

She is to the point she is just ready to die and when she was able to clearly talk, she told me so.

I honestly thought this might be her last day on earth today.

***In case you are wondering, I'm an RN.***

Between giving her pain medication,
a back rub,
some caffeine,
comfort measures,
a cold cloth,
chicken noodle soup - every grandma's cure...
it was a rough afternoon.

She is to the point she did not want to go to the hospital
or see the doctor
or go to the ED.

She rests better at her apt. and she just wanted to get
comfortable.

Comfort - I can give.

No heroic measures.

Just comfort.

Hard to think that your Mom is so close to death....
and the right thing is to let her go with her wishes.

If her pain had been severe enough, yes, I'd have called the ambulance because I am not going to see her in agony with inadequate pain medications.

By 6:45 the Wheel of Fortune was on - it's her favorite show
and she'd perked up. Must have been Vana White??

Her speech had since returned to normal,
everything working,
she could talk & drink well without swallowing problems,
she could walk to the bathroom w/ her wheeled walker,
less of a headache.
And she was guessing the answers to Wheel of Fortune.

Talked to 3 of my sisters per telephone about this episode.
My sisters are all in agreement - when it's time, it's time.
I hope they can remember it when it IS time.

We could all use a good night's sleep tonight.

[mommy2067]

Angie...you are an amazing and wonderful woman and daughter...That must've been a difficult and tiring day for you...I can only imagine how hard it must be to see your mom like that and know that she is ready...but you are not!!! I am going to suggest to you a little bit of wisdom that a friend has shared with me and many others....have a hot mug of tea, put your feet up and get some rest....wrap your arms around yourself....that's an extra special hug from me to you!!! Here are some more....((((((((((((((HUGS))))))))))))))))))!!! Your parents will definitely be added to my prayers and so will you and the rest of your family..

**wish I had some fancy pics or even smilies I could add to share with you but well...I don't....

[QueenAngie]

You are so sweet, Heather!
I needed the hug.

You made me cry.
It's ok because I need a good cry tonight.



I'm going to bed and hopefully get some rest.

(((Hug you back)))

[poliscmjr]

Angie, you truly are an inspiration. I don't know what I would have done in your situation. I will be thinking of you today. Please let us know how your mom was through the night.

We are all here for you....(((((hugs)))))

[mommy2067]

How is everyone today, Angie??? Hope you all got some much needed rest...Thinking about you...((((((HUGS)))))).....

[MommyDee]

Hoping that everyone got a good night's sleep after, Angie...

This is one of the hardest times in our lives -- knowing that one of your parents is getting ready to go. My dad was very young and wasn't quite ready, but he knew it was coming and made peace with it. She knows you love her and that you're there for her, and that's the most important thing you could give her right now.

You're an amazingly special person Angie... God bless sweetie, lots of love and prayers coming your way.

[LeanyBean]

{{{{{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}}}}}}

So tell me, Angie, when do you have any time for you? You do so much. You work, you keep watch over your parents, you run a busy household plus handling all the love and worry that comes with the whole package. A true inspiration.

Here's praying and hoping for the best!

[quagmire8]

Sorry to hear about what your family is going thorough...the ladies are right, and i know you know the hardships of caregiver strain and the need for respite care from time to time, please take time to rest and think about you. i hope you got some sleep last night. (((((hugs)))))

[purelegance]

Angie, you're a saint for all you do for your parents. I don't think i could ever do it. (in fact, i KNOW i could never take care of my mother half as well as you do yours). Funny how the smallest things can make somebody perk up. Maybe you could find some other episodes of Wheel of Fortune for her to watch? Seems to be the magic trick. GL honey, you're in my prayers.

[MiaCamille]

oh i'm sorry Angie i'm sending good thoughts your way and i hope everything turns out for the best....((((hugs))))))