I thought I would include at least one entry for this week's theme, so I chose to remember my Mother, Elsie. She passed from this world on July 9, 1999 at the young age of 65 from severe congestive heart failure. I was with her just a few hours before she passed away. The afternoon before she passed away they performed a thoracentesis, a procedure where they insert a needle into the chest cavity to remove excess fluid. Although they removed a large amount of fluid, it barely relieved her symptoms, and she continued to struggle to take each breath of air. I had spoken to her face to face a day or so before the procedure and I had the opportunity to ask her what her wishes were should the physicians be unable to help relieve her symptoms. She clearly told me she did not want to continue to struggle to breath, and absolutely did not want to be assisted with a respirator. She reminded me how Mammie, her Mother had died a terrible death, not being able to breath. So after the procedure I spoke with the physician and he informed me that her symptoms had not improved, and most likely would only worsen. I told him that Mom did not want to linger, and did not want to be placed on a respirator, rather she wanted a comfortable end if there was nothing else they could do. That night I said goodnight to her for the last time. Approxiamtely 4 hours after saying goodnight I received the call from the physician telling me that Mom has passed away comfortably in her sleep. Although it was tough knowing she was gone, I knew in my heart she received her last wish. So this night I remember you Mom, and we all miss you dearly.
Very touching. I lost my dad two years ago at age 67 to congestive heart failure. You really never quit missing them, do you? But happy memories keep them alive in your heart.
Such a loving tribute for your mom! Now I see where your sensitivity and compassion come from. I can tell she was very proud of you. You honor her by the life you lead.
wow...my eyes have welled up. so sorry to hear about your mother. but grateful that she had a compassionate son like you to honor her requests. and this is a lovely tribute shot! i love that poem!
Hving worked in a hospital for most of my life, 35 + years, it is so very good of you to have accomodated her wishes. I so often see families use every medical treatment known to science to no avail and not what the parent would have wanted. You are a great son and this is wonderful that you did not unnecessarily prolong her suffering. My mother, too left this earth 1 1/2 years ago. I miss her but know she is in a better place.
Your tribute to your mom shows great love, respect and tenderness. Thank you for sharing such a personal memory of what must have been a very heart wrenching time, and I'm glad her wishes for a peaceful passing were honored to the end. It must've have been hard to let go, but you did the right thing, I'm sure you eased her mind.
You remembered your beautiful Mom..a very touching story you shared with us. Be happy you had the change to say good bye as you told her good night. I immegrated and left parents and brother behind. the next year my mom died..it was hard being so far away at that time.
It is terrible to have to relive the final hours which are clearly etched in your memory. You must take comfort in knowing you unselfishly gave your mother a priceless gift. And how fortunate that her doctors listened.
Such a loving tribute to your mom and how nice that you were able to grant her final wish though it must have been hard for you to let her go. Beautifully done Rick.
What a beautiful tribute to you Mother Rick.
Such a striking lady.
To be able to follow the heath directive of a loved one is the very best you can do for them.
Mothers are very special people.
Beautiful, Rick. I find that people who speak so highly of their loved ones that have passed, have a lot of great memories to cling to. In the end, for those left behind, it's the memories that count.
Such a striking lady.
To be able to follow the heath directive of a loved one is the very best you can do for them.
Mothers are very special people.