The Goodbye is Coming
I am often reminding myself how lucky I have been to still have my parents as I approach my 70th year. Lord I don't feel 70. It's getting harder to focus on how lucky I am as I watch Dad's disease kill him oh so slowly. It's no fun either to watch my Mother fade away in grief. Hospice was called yesterday, this will be my first experience with "End of Life" care which I actually suck at.I actually did not live with my parents for much of my childhood so I'm not affected as harshly as my baby sister & brother. The two babies grew all the way up with Mom and Dad, so the loss is killing them much harder. I'm more ready to let go because I would not want to be alive in his condition. I could call a Mercy Death if it were up to me but most of my family members wouldn't understand. They want to keep the body alive no matter what. I have no problem honoring their wishes and not saying how I feel.
I have a DNR on myself so I shouldn't ever get to the place of where Dad is and hopefully I can avoid my children seeing me in AS sad a condition as I see my Daddy in. All recognition is gone from his eyes.
Two sides to the same coin, one is the bright side and the other dark. Mostly the coin lands on the bright side but sometimes it doesn't.
I don't need condolences as I am not grieving but feel free to share your experience if you had one with Hospice?
Comments (4)
I feel for your situation. I went through it also. I set aside most of what I was doing some years ago, to watch my parents over their last few years. I was one who was close to my parents.
My mother had worked with the schools, my dad was a WWII army vet with lots of medals. He got the whole military salute at his funeral. My parents passed away 4 months apart. In between that time, one of my best friends suddenly had a heart attack and died. It was all a very difficult time for me.
My parents both had went to hospice as well. My whole world was a sudden change when they passed. Nothing seemed the same anymore. Every morning, every new day, the atmosphere, everything was just different, empty.
It took me a while to get to where I am now, still grieving within, but also with no choice to accept the reality and keep moving on.
It's a tough situation, and again, I sympathize with your situation.
Hospices well the ones I know are just great, caring and understanding for those that need and want that.
My parents were both living in retirement villages at the end, and died in their respective Frail Care wards, semi-familiar surroundings with their families friends and retirement village neighbours allowed unrestricted visiting time. Neither therefore needed to choose Hospice. It is a wonderful option to have, when necessary.