Thanks for this update about Aunt Doris. It's wonderful that you are spending so much time tending to her care and well-being. She clearly enjoys the time together.
I too think of Doris as strong and strong willed - She had to be to manage all those horses, some of whom were pretty strong-willed themselves! I remember her in the barn, energetic, healthy, always trim despite all that cooking and baking she did, and tan from being outside. Perhaps, as you say, she has decided it's time to move on. I am doing some reading about hospice, in preparation for fundraising I'll be doing for a local hospice, and your description aligns with some of what I've read about the transition people go through as they prepare to die. It's a mysterious process, and I'm glad there are people like those taking care of Doris who understand more about it than I do.
Hearing about your mother makes me think of mine. I talked to her today, and she sounded content, as she usually does. It's not clear how much she really understands about what I say, though it's clear she knows me. It's good your mom knows you too.
Last Thanksgiving '06, I visited with Wendy and John and we picked Doris up and brought her back to their home for a wonderful turkey dinner. Thank you John!
Anyway during dinner, suddenly Doris looked up and said, "Nice to see you Cynthia, Happy Thanksgiving." To which I replied, "Thank you Doris, nice to see you. Happy Thanksgiving!"
It was brief...but a thrilling moment! Brought back many memories of holiday dinners with cousins and family gatherings.
That heart-warming moment plus the memory of Doris in San Francisco for John's wedding, when at the hotel I helped her dress in a lovely peach lace gown she had brought for the occasion (she wasn't used to wearing such formal wear and needed reassurance) is the way I like to remember her. She was absolutely stunning.
Hi Wendy, My thoughts are with you at this very difficult time. I too, have an aging mother, so I know how hard it is to let her go. We just need to hold dear all the great memories...Horses,riding lessons, 4-H club,The Fair, volunteer efforts, all the wonderful published articles your Mom wrote,etc. Through it all -growing up with 3 older brothers too - your Mom was always there for you. It's amazing how parents survived the "crazy high school years", Boys, bonfires etc. I am so happy that you are there for her to make the end of her life so comfortable and dignified and still let her call the shots. Please give your Mom a BIG HUG for me and thank her for sharing the "gift of horses" in my life. Patricia Carle Anderson
4 comments:
Hi Wendy,
Thanks for this update about Aunt Doris. It's wonderful that you are spending so much time tending to her care and well-being. She clearly enjoys the time together.
I too think of Doris as strong and strong willed - She had to be to manage all those horses, some of whom were pretty strong-willed themselves! I remember her in the barn, energetic, healthy, always trim despite all that cooking and baking she did, and tan from being outside. Perhaps, as you say, she has decided it's time to move on. I am doing some reading about hospice, in preparation for fundraising I'll be doing for a local hospice, and your description aligns with some of what I've read about the transition people go through as they prepare to die. It's a mysterious process, and I'm glad there are people like those taking care of Doris who understand more about it than I do.
Hearing about your mother makes me think of mine. I talked to her today, and she sounded content, as she usually does. It's not clear how much she really understands about what I say, though it's clear she knows me. It's good your mom knows you too.
Martha
Nice picture of Doris.
Just wanted to share my last visit with Doris.
Last Thanksgiving '06, I visited with Wendy and John and we picked Doris up and brought her back to their home for a wonderful turkey dinner. Thank you John!
Anyway during dinner, suddenly Doris looked up and said, "Nice to see you Cynthia, Happy Thanksgiving." To which I replied, "Thank you Doris, nice to see you. Happy Thanksgiving!"
It was brief...but a thrilling moment! Brought back many memories of holiday dinners with cousins and family gatherings.
That heart-warming moment plus the memory of Doris in San Francisco for John's wedding, when at the hotel I helped her dress in a lovely peach lace gown she had brought for the occasion (she wasn't used to wearing such formal wear and needed reassurance) is the way I like to remember her.
She was absolutely stunning.
Thanks Wendy.
Peace to everyone.
Cynthia
Hi Wendy,
My thoughts are with you at this very difficult time. I too, have an aging mother, so I know how hard it is to let her go. We just need to hold dear all the great memories...Horses,riding lessons, 4-H club,The Fair, volunteer efforts, all the wonderful published articles your Mom wrote,etc. Through it all -growing up with 3 older brothers too - your Mom was always there for you. It's amazing how parents survived the "crazy high school years", Boys, bonfires etc. I am so happy that you are there for her to make the end of her life so comfortable and dignified and still let her call the shots. Please give your Mom a BIG HUG for me and thank her for sharing the "gift of horses" in my life.
Patricia Carle Anderson
Wendy, Kieth, & John,
Your Mom looks beautiful in the picture. She sure is a strong, stupendous person. You have been so fortunate to have her, and her you.
I will keep you in my heart!
David Saxton
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