Another Goodbye


My sister-in-law died last night. She was in hospice. When we saw her on Christmas she was on antibiotics and steroids, so we had a really nice visit. We were able to talk with her for almost two hours before she "hit the wall,"  couldn't breathe easily any more, and asked us to leave.

The nurses were going to give her the same meds she got the night before which worked so well that she slept right through being turned twice (to avoid getting a bedsore). She had lost so much weight and was so thin that her skin was like tissue paper covering her bones. It was hard seeing her so emaciated, but it was good having those two hours with her.

Now she suffers no more. And though I didn't see her very often, I miss her all the more knowing I will never see her again. I didn't know going in that this Winter was going to be such a season of loss; but, there it is.

Good Night, TTYL, Be Well,


Comments

  1. Doug BJanuary 16, 2013 at 1:10:00 AM PST

    My thoughts are with you as you deal with your loss.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Elephant's ChildJanuary 16, 2013 at 1:43:00 AM PST

    I am sorry for you loss. Knowing that she will no longer suffer is wonderful - but doesn't reduce your loss. Thinking of you at this sad time.

    ReplyDelete
  3. AmiJanuary 16, 2013 at 5:50:00 AM PST

    I'm sorry for your loss. It's bittersweet that you 'get to see the person one last time', I know. I'm always grateful that I did, but so sad that it WAS the last time.
    ((big hugs)))

    ReplyDelete
  4. KarenJanuary 16, 2013 at 7:19:00 AM PST

    I'm sorry for your loss.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Ms. CrankyPantsJanuary 16, 2013 at 7:49:00 AM PST

    Oh dear. I'm a newcomer to your site, but I am awfully sorry to read this. Glad you had the two hours...

    ReplyDelete
  6. MuffieJanuary 16, 2013 at 8:46:00 AM PST

    So sad. My condolences.
    Peace,
    Muff

    ReplyDelete
  7. kmilyunJanuary 16, 2013 at 9:23:00 AM PST

    I am sorry Webster. Not much else can be said really.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Diane J StandifordJanuary 16, 2013 at 10:49:00 AM PST

    My sympathies to you and your husband. Can not be easy time for you, but you got to be with them before they were gone. My last time with my mom is so far off...I can't say I was ever at a bedside right before or as anyone died. It must be profoundly humbling and unforgettable.

    ReplyDelete
  9. SherriJanuary 16, 2013 at 1:21:00 PM PST

    God speed

    ReplyDelete
  10. WebsterJanuary 16, 2013 at 7:51:00 PM PST

    Thank you all for your kind words. They are appreciated.

    ReplyDelete
  11. UnknownJanuary 27, 2013 at 2:00:00 PM PST

    Webster,

    Words are just that - words... I know what you are feeling at this moment in time, but at least you got those last two precious hours with her... I recently lost my 17 year old son 6 days before his 18th birthday - unexpectedly and self-inflicted... I can't ask why, but just keep putting it in God's hands... I pray that you and your husband can find solace in your faith that you will see your loved ones again one day... My deepest condolences...

    Keeping you and yours in my prayers,
    Jen

    ReplyDelete

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