My Mother Is Passing Away Now May 19, 2013

 My Mother Is Passing Away Now

 

May 19, 2013

 

I held her hand as she struggled to breathe.  She does not know it's me.

Photo Credit:  www.querulousone.com

 

     As I worked slowly to clear the mess in my recently robbed house Saturday evening, I received a phone call that my 99-year-old mother was in the emergency room with pneumonia.  I was told to come to the hospital as soon as possible.  I left her side a few hours later as she continued to hold on to life.  As I write this, I do not know if she is still alive.  The critical care nurse said she would call me if there was any change.  It is now 3:04 a.m. on Sunday morning.

 

     Next week, on May 26, my mother will be 100 years old.  She was in the first group of women in the Women's Army Corps, when it was founded.  She spent two years in London during World War II, and endured the blitz raids there. 

 

     She had the sharpest mind and sharpest tongue of anyone I ever knew.  She could be charming and witty as well as stinging and sarcastic.

 

     She has lived longer than Queen Elizabeth, and she actually met King George III, Queen Elizabeth's father, during WWII.  She has shown me the actual photo of the meeting many times.

 

     I am praying that she will somehow recover, if God is willing, so that we can celebrate her 100th birthday with her next week.  She will not enjoy her birthday, as she is deep in her dementia and Alzheimer's these days.  Last year both of her long and shapely legs had to be amputated at the knees due to a rare infection.  She lived through the operation we thought would kill her for sure.

 

     So, tonight, friends, my heart is heavy with memories and sadness for her lost energy and vigor.

 

     God bless you, Mommy.  I hope I get to see you tomorrow morning, one more time, before you leave your daughter, your two grandsons,  and your five great-grandchildren forever.