Mom was recently sent to a hospital because of an abdomen infection. Doctors explained her diagnosis and treatment options. Complicating the decision is mom wasn't able to participate.
I know friends who have made decisions about a parents care. Are you choosing what your parent would want, or are you choosing what you prefer? It's never easy. Family members may disagree, leading to chaos.
Fortunately, Jan (who has power of attorney), Barb and I were unanimous about the treatment choice. As are the grandkids.
We held a birthday party for mom at the hospital, two weeks before her 100th birthday. We brought one of mom's favorites.... a small lemon meringue pie.
Mom is now back home at a care facility. We don't know what comes next. We don't know how long she will live. Life and death is complicated.
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Will mention one moment that happened at the hospital. Mom's granddaughter, Carly, flew up from Oregon to visit her grandma. It was important to Carly that she do so.
You see, Carly didn't always make the best decisions while growing up, leading to some extremely difficult times. Throughout, mom was in Carly's corner. No matter where that corner was found. Never judgmental. Offering unwavering support and encouragement. For years, endless. Mom wrote so many letters, Carly felt mom was a personal newspaper columnist who talked only to her. Of course, Carly is grateful for all who supported her.
But to Carly, cookie grandma is that irreplaceable person in her life.
So it was a bittersweet moment to see Carly approach mom in the hospital bed. Carly had a huge smile on her face, while buckets of tears flowed from her eyes. Mom smiled at Carly, and proceeded to to talk at length about how much she loved Carly, and how important it is to be unconditionally supportive of family.
I will not mention further what Mom and Cookie Grandma said to Carly, Barb, Jan and I on that day, preferring it remain in our memories. Will instead allow you to share in that moment with a photo.
