My mother is dying.
This is no joke or fake fishing for posts or something. Just had to share some thoughts.
She is now 93 years old. She was born in Hungary with an organic heart defect, the midwife told my grandmother that she would die within an hour after her birth. She survived. When the Russians came to Hungary she fled with her sister (not knowing where the rest of the familiy was) to Germany, with help from a complete stranger who just did the right thing despite danger for her own life and that of her own children, thank you, Mrs. Hansman! In Germany she met my father who was released from Russian detention. My oldest sister was born in January 1949, my parents living in the remains of a bombed house, one side of the building had no wall at all, there was no water supply or any possibility of heating. My mother knew that she and the baby would die, so she tricked the nurses and doctors at the hospital (she had "fever" and did not tell anyone that her heart condition was a birth defect), so she could stay there and get food for her and the baby.
When she and our father managed to raise me and my two older sisters their biggest concern was to get us the very best education. They also raised us to be thinking critical, and to be compassionate not only to our neighbours but also to every stranger who might need help.
I'm proud and thankful to be her daughter.
She has refused to eat for some days now and refused to drink anything today. She did not recognize anyone at the family gathering at Christmas. Her second great-grandchild will be born in February but she will no longer be there to welcome the baby. May her passing be easy.
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a full and meaningful life
But what a remarkable story, she sounds like a remarkable woman. I lost my mother five years ago to an accident. Though I don't imagine it would have made things any easier to be prepared. Wishing you comfort in the days ahead, you have a lot to be proud of...
Please print it out and pass it down for the grand and great-grandchildren. She sounds remarkable. And she sounds ready. Peace and comfort to you, OldEurope.
My mom knew when it was her time also, she stopped eating first... then refused water.
My heart goes out to you.
You were lucky to have her around so long. My mom is 90 and I fear the time you just went through. Your story gives me hope for strength and peace.
When my first grandmother died, it was in her sleep, and so many of her contemporaries who came said that's what they wished for, as well. She's now at peace, but I know it's tough for those who will miss her, especially now.
And my other grandmother also put together a bound copy of her life stories, she traveled a lot in retirement. That is so important since memories fade with time, and your mother's remarkable story deserved to be passed down... Her children and grandchildren might want to add their memories, as well. But mostly take care of yourself right now. Thank you for checking in.
