Some Peace, Much Sadness

Today is September 21st. Four years ago, Mama Marian's mother passed away on this day. And, four years later, we are saying goodbye to Mama Marian.

The last two days have brought many changes and the Hospice nurses expect that Mom may go anytime now... perhaps sometime tonight or tomorrow morning. Her breathing has become very raspy and shallow and her skin is beginning to look bluish and dusky. She still looks beautiful, though; and, for the first time in months, she is peaceful, relaxed, and comfortable. I spent last night with her and she was very still, but very hot. She has what they call a "tumor fever" where her brain's temperature regulation becomes affected by the swelling from her tumor and her whole body becomes feverish, except her forehead and face.

We are playing her music and talking to her between our tears and the positioning that the aides do every hour or so to help her breathe comfortably. They have increased her Morphine dose and have added a medication that clears up some of the fluids that collect in her throat, as she is no longer able to swallow.

I can't write much more today... maybe later. I wanted to let everyone know how much has changed and, if you would like to see her, say good-bye, give her a kiss... today would probably be a good day to do that.