More Visitors and Long Talk 1-7-20

Today was a busy, fun-filled day.  My cousins, Dana, Chris and Robin, who consider my mom their second mother, came down from Michigan to bid their Aunt Ginnie goodbye. They came armed with delicious chicken soup and little sandwiches. All I had to do was turn on the coffee pot. How I love these ladies who are so special to me and to my mom. And Dave, well, he is the brother I never had! I am so blessed to have family who loves mom so much. Lyn was here too, to spend time with these sweet family members! I think we overwhelmed the Hospice nurse and social worker with the silly, crazy, laugh-filled time! Mom was plumb wore out when they left. She even let me tuck her into bed for about 30 minutes to catch a few winks. She sat at the table with us to eat her lunch, and though she didn't say much, I think she enjoyed hearing the fun conversation. Normally, she would have been right in the midst but this time, she sort of watched from afar - in her own distant place. Gosh it was good to have their love and support today though.

Before they could even leave, Uncle Dean (92) and "Auntie" Yvonne stopped in for a short visit. Mom was pretty tired by this time but she enjoyed seeing them too. So many people love her. I am so appreciative of them stopping by. My heart needed this company today.

Mom's regular Hospice nurse stopped by this time and said she didn't think Mom was ready for two-a-day visits yet, for which I am thankful. But her memory continues to struggle. I continue to feel like I am dealing with my sweet Mother In Law, who struggled with dementia for years. We have similar conversations.

Mom went to bed, sporting her new "pull up" tonight. She didn't question it or cause any kind of rift for wearing it. She just accepted that this was a good thing for her. Gosh, I can't tell you how thankful I am for that. I was so afraid it would be a struggle but the Good Lord made it an easy transition. This will make my life so much easier. As long as she can sit on the potty, we will still try that, but I no longer need to worry about accidents or having to change her bedding in the night. Small things make such joy for me right now!

The sweet Hospice volunteer that delivered them to me was so kind and sympathetic. I was able to share a Cross Penny with her and thank her for being Jesus to me, mom and so many countless Hospice patients and families. Mike told me he was watching out the window, and smiled, knowing exactly what I was offering to her.  God just continues to bless me in my attempt to share the love of Christ with people.  (My entire family got these for Christmas to bless 500 people with!) I am doing my best to share them as often as I can.  https://www.airstrikeinc.com

Mom went to bed at her usual 6PM time but she woke up around 7:30 and we sat on the end of her bed and had the closest thing to a "heart-to-heart" conversation as we will likely get. She said, "Laurie, I want to die but I just don't know how!" I assured that she didn't have to figure that part out, that God would do that for her. We just simply need to wait for His call. We talked about Dad being there to greet her with Jesus. We talked about what the Bible says about what Heaven will be like and hope that we have. Precious memories for sure.

I am so very blessed by each and every day and the special blessings that the Lord brings to me through my husband's support, my cousins, friends, etc. Even my Norwex team sent me a beautiful bouquet of flowers in support of the passing of Mike's mom and the struggle we are going through with Mama right now. I feel so loved and supported. God is so near and continues to speak to me through His Word and through the people who love me so much.

Thanks all of you for continuing to pray. As always, pray that Mama figures out "how to die" in her words. We pray for it to be quick and without struggle. I just want God to take her in the night while she sleeps. But Your will be done, Lord and not mine.

Good night loved ones! I will post again tomorrow.

Laurie