Celebration of A Good Life

Last week was difficult and yet quite moving for our family. We were called home to KY on Monday following the news that my husband's mother was failing fast. She had had Alzheimer's for over 12 years that we knew for sure. Her life had been up and down and eventually she was placed in a nursing home for her own protection and safety. Yet during it all she maintained her sweet humor and love of life. Although she continually asked to go home (either it was her parent's home or her own home, we never knew for sure) and asked to see her mom and dad who have been gone many years, most of the time she was content and loved to play jazzy piano for the residents, who came to depend on her for entertainment.

She was a breast cancer survivor and had a chronic form of leukemia so her health was in constant jeopardy. But it was a fall and thus a broken hip this past spring that began her swift decline. Because of such poor cognition, she could not do rehab and that contributed to her decline. The surgery to pin her hip also caused some changes.

When we reached KY, she was definitely in her last hours and indeed, passed away peacefully on Tuesday night. It was a transforming experience to watch as she breathed slower and slower and then she breathed no more. This was in part due to the good end-of-life pain and breathing management she received.

By Friday we had a funeral and burial with all her family in attendance. Family members spoke and some of her piano playing was played as well. It was a good home-going for a woman who always wanted to be home.

Now back in Memphis, we are tired and it is getting hot and humid again--a good time to take it easy. That is, until Aug. 22 when we travel to KY again for the engagement party for our daughter and her fiance. Celebration for sure!

But today, that's the way it is......