If you’ve been reading this blog for awhile, you may have seen various posts talking about my mom. Much like everyone, 2020 has been a difficult journey for our family. In early January, I had to place my mom in memory care. During her months there, we saw her memories quickly fading, but she kept up her spunky personality. In July, my mom fell and broke her hip. She never really recovered from this – as much as everyone tried to get her back to her usual self, she started a rapid decline both mentally and physically. Three weeks ago, I placed my mom on hospice. I received a call on Friday that she was “transitioning” and was making arrangements to see her this weekend, but she and God had other plans – my mom passed away in the early morning hours on Saturday. I think this was probably a “good” thing as the last time I was physically able to see her (because of the Coronavirus, her facility prohibited visitors – I had lots of video chats, though), she was very lively, energetic, and full of laughs. This is a nice way to remember her.
While this is an extraordinarily sad time, I’m comforted by the fact that she’s not only in a better place with her parents and my dad, but knowing this past year is not how she would have wanted to continue to live. My mom always bragged at how she could remember everything and dementia robbed her of all of that.
In light of all of this, I’m taking some time away from postings so I can get her affairs in order, celebrate her life, and process it all. In the mean time, give your loved ones an extra hug (or just let them know you love them if you have to be virtual), have a safe and happy holiday, and I’ll see you all in December.