Mom entered hospice today.

She woke up and announced that she wants to go.  Things are starting to deteriorate a little bit more quickly now – she is asking for pain medication more frequently, she is more uncomfortable, she is sleeping much more, and tonight I am noticing that her breathing is starting to become more labored.  She is having swelling in her arms and legs, and she is virtually unable to move her body without significant help.

Family members have been apprised of the situation and are making plans to get here when they can.  Both of her sisters have other family members in the hospital right now, so I am scrambling to figure out how to set up something to allow them to see each other from their various vantage points.  Our respective technologies are incompatible with each other, so we are going to have to be creative.

Dad and I are just marking time.  His 88th birthday is on Friday – it will be his last one with Mom.

I am doing what I can to make sure that Mom is comfortable.  Being here with her 24/7 has allowed me to stay on top of most things in a timely manner, but we are entering new territory with the pain angle.  Hopefully we will continue to manage things as quickly as possible.  The staff at the care center have been an immense help.

The end is on the horizon.  I’m not ready for this, but Mom is more than ready, and that is what allows me to hold it together for now.  Her journey is almost at an end.

I am blessed to be able to help her see it through.