Amazement - that is the only way to describe the turn-around I have seen in Steve this week. Apparently, he only needed 2 days of insanity and a day of rest, because on Thursday he completely stood up and took charge of his family and the whole situation. He has been discussing everything with the hospice people, comforting his father and brother, and planning out the future steps. He even spent Thursday and Friday at the hospice center in his mom's room. She was visibly more relaxed with his soothing hand strokes and reassuring words. I don't know where he got the strength to tell her how much he loved her and that everyone would be fine, so she was free to go. She is having a difficult time letting go, so he had to repeat it many times.
Steve has been talking and preparing everyone for the inevitable even me. He has told us all that we need to make sure she feels fine about passing on. I spoke to her a few times myself to let her know that her husband & son (Jeff) were taking great care of the house (a huge worry of hers). I also told her that I would take care of her guys, which I could tell she appreciated. It is amazing how far Steve's dad and brother have come in the last few days. Steve has been a real miracle worker with everyone including her extended family and the nurses.
Time is drawing short for my MIL. We can hear the rumbling in her chest and her breathing is sporadic. She rarely speaks and then it is only one word (yesterday). They had to put in a catheter. Today, her sister arrives from California and I believe that she is holding on for her. Then again, we think she & his brother will be the last to be ready to let her go. Prolonging her life might not be so bad, if she wasn't in horrendous pain. They can't seem to get it under control. Now, it is a matter of her not being ready to go and trying to prepare those around her to say the necessary, "It's Ok." I feel like it is the fate of everyone, so why not let it be ok? A release from pain really is the best thing.
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