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SleeplessinSoCal

(9,135 posts)
Fri Feb 16, 2024, 12:11 AM Feb 16

My mom died today.

We drove down to be with her for her last 90 minutes. All we could do was stroke her hair.

She made it to 100 and one month exactly. We had a family party on Saturday despite her being jaundiced and in some pain, she really wanted us to celebrate with her.. Her health deteriorated quickly the past few months. They discovered a tumor in her Liver 2 weeks ago. She had gallbladder issues in September. Falls led to a fractured foot. And finally this week a 2nd mini stroke.

My youngest brother has been her caregiver. I feel for him. He tries to find humor in everything. This past week was hard on him and my sister, who has been staying with them. All five of her kids (I'm the oldest) were there. I finally understand what is meant by person passes peacefully with their family around them. Morphine drops made that possible. We were there for her last breath.

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My mom died today. (Original Post) SleeplessinSoCal Feb 16 OP
Thank you for the story. My condolences to you and your family Tetrachloride Feb 16 #1
She made many friends where she lived the last 25 years SleeplessinSoCal Feb 16 #43
Sounds like you and your family gave her a gentle passage. calimary Feb 16 #2
There was a hospice nurse who came to clean her. SleeplessinSoCal Feb 16 #14
I'm so sorry to hear of her passing. forgotmylogin Feb 16 #21
Hospice care was a Godsend. SleeplessinSoCal Feb 16 #44
... Drum Feb 16 #3
Yes, thank you for envisioning cilla4progress Feb 16 #4
I am so sorry, but it sounds like you all did the right thing. Rhiannon12866 Feb 16 #5
Each person is different CANADIANBEAVER69 Feb 16 #6
Many hugs to you Sleepless. My mother passed in similar fashion almost 10 years ago. I alwaysinasnit Feb 16 #7
Thank you. SleeplessinSoCal Feb 16 #18
Holding you znd your family in love and light. niyad Feb 16 #8
So very very sorry, Sleepless. diva77 Feb 16 #9
sorry for your loss, helping her pass with little pain is hard but honorable Shellback Squid Feb 16 #10
You were lucky to have her that long. OAITW r.2.0 Feb 16 #11
There is something I learned called fish out of water breathing SleeplessinSoCal Feb 16 #22
Seen it more than a few times. OAITW r.2.0 Feb 16 #26
((Sleepless)) blm Feb 16 #12
My condolences to you and your family. 🌺 Deuxcents Feb 16 #13
Sincere condolences Picaro Feb 16 #15
Strangely, yes. I guess. SleeplessinSoCal Feb 16 #47
I'm so sorry. Nt spooky3 Feb 16 #16
Blessings and peace PlutosHeart Feb 16 #17
I'm so sorry for your loss. Beacool Feb 16 #19
Thank you. SleeplessinSoCal Feb 16 #46
Holding you in my heart. It's a tough loss. TygrBright Feb 16 #20
Sorry for your loss too. SleeplessinSoCal Feb 16 #24
Our Moms probably would have been friends. I hope someone does that for me some day. n/t TygrBright Feb 16 #58
My grandmother almost made it to 104 BigmanPigman Feb 16 #23
Wow! SleeplessinSoCal Feb 16 #28
I'm so sorry for your loss. yardwork Feb 16 #25
Condolences and a sharing of memories OldSWODog Feb 16 #27
I'm very pleased my sharing helped you. SleeplessinSoCal Feb 16 #29
loss OldSWODog Feb 16 #32
My condolences to you.... DemocraticPatriot Feb 16 #30
just wrote a long reply which I lost. SleeplessinSoCal Feb 16 #89
I'm so sorry. Ocelot II Feb 16 #31
I am so sorry for the loss of your mom. Dem2theMax Feb 16 #33
Im so sorry for your loss vercetti2021 Feb 16 #34
I'm so sorry for your loss. cate94 Feb 16 #35
I'm very sorry for your loss dlk Feb 16 #36
Bless your mom. Bless you, your youngest brother (trooper and giver), your sister, and all family. keopeli Feb 16 #37
My heart and my thoughts to you and yours. herding cats Feb 16 #38
I am so very sorry for the loss of your Mother.💔 lucca18 Feb 16 #39
My heart is with you TruthAlwaysWins Feb 16 #41
My condolences to you and your family. riverbendviewgal Feb 16 #40
Condolences to you and you family. 2naSalit Feb 16 #42
I'm so sorry stage left Feb 16 #45
You all dif everything right...sounds like she was a good mom!!! Karadeniz Feb 16 #48
So sorry for your loss. Lonestarblue Feb 16 #49
Condolences Sleepless gademocrat7 Feb 16 #50
I'm so sorry you lost your lovely mother. AllyCat Feb 16 #51
I'm so sorry. ❤️ underpants Feb 16 #52
Sorry for your loss. MOMFUDSKI Feb 16 #53
May you and your family mercuryblues Feb 16 #54
I'm so sorry for your loss. ms liberty Feb 16 #55
My sincere condolences on your loss. ProudMNDemocrat Feb 16 #56
Deepest sympathy to you and your family. sinkingfeeling Feb 16 #57
Sorry for you and your families loss. Condolences to you all. marked50 Feb 16 #59
Hugs XanaDUer2 Feb 16 #60
My condolences. babylonsister Feb 16 #61
That is exactly what I did. SleeplessinSoCal Feb 16 #62
I'm very sorry for your loss. So glad you were there with beloved family. onecaliberal Feb 16 #63
Sending my sympathy. pandr32 Feb 16 #64
I'm sorry for your loss. Bluethroughu Feb 16 #65
So sorry for your loss Saoirse9 Feb 16 #66
I am so very sorry for your loss Wicked Blue Feb 16 #67
God bless you Demnh2fl Feb 16 #68
Sending you and your family hugs. MLAA Feb 16 #69
Yup. SleeplessinSoCal Feb 16 #71
I am so sorry GAJMac Feb 16 #70
You all have been so wonderful to me and my family. SleeplessinSoCal Feb 16 #72
Beautiful photos. Sorry for your losing her. ancianita Feb 16 #73
Aww, she was just gorgeous!! Quakerfriend Feb 16 #76
Absolutely! SleeplessinSoCal Feb 16 #83
beautiful. So sorry for your loss. Truly a beautiful person in "the age." You should document her "travels". Evolve Dammit Feb 16 #79
I am so sorry. crickets Feb 16 #74
I'm so sorry for your loss. mountain grammy Feb 16 #75
So sorry. A parent's passing stirs up emotions never before felt. Stay well and cherish what you had. twodogsbarking Feb 16 #77
Condolences. It's tough. paleotn Feb 16 #78
I'm so sorry for your loss. badhair77 Feb 16 #80
I'm so sorry for your loss. mia Feb 16 #81
I am so sorry for your loss. Grumpy Old Guy Feb 16 #82
So very sorry for your loss. AltairIV Feb 16 #84
So sorry for your loss. sheshe2 Feb 16 #85
May peace be upon you and your entire family...... KY_EnviroGuy Feb 16 #86
It is such a privilege to be with a loved one when they pass away. 1WorldHope Feb 16 #87
Rest in peace shenmue Feb 16 #88
Peace to you and your family lonely bird Feb 17 #90
So sorry. SleeplessinSoCal Feb 17 #92
I'm so sorry for your loss. area51 Feb 17 #91
The glamor shots... SleeplessinSoCal Feb 17 #93

SleeplessinSoCal

(9,135 posts)
43. She made many friends where she lived the last 25 years
Fri Feb 16, 2024, 02:51 AM
Feb 16

We'd hoped to have a party 1/20. But she was sick, and there was a torrential rain. We made up with a family gathering last weekend. Her last request was to have a pot luck for all her friends. I'd suggested a wake. So it'll be a combo.

calimary

(81,440 posts)
2. Sounds like you and your family gave her a gentle passage.
Fri Feb 16, 2024, 12:16 AM
Feb 16

Loving, supportive, and merciful. Peace to you all.

SleeplessinSoCal

(9,135 posts)
14. There was a hospice nurse who came to clean her.
Fri Feb 16, 2024, 12:37 AM
Feb 16

She'd just finished getting her clean and comfy. Literally her last breath was right when she was finishing getting her just right.

❤️

forgotmylogin

(7,530 posts)
21. I'm so sorry to hear of her passing.
Fri Feb 16, 2024, 12:45 AM
Feb 16

I lost my mom in September of 2022. Home Hospice was an incredible resource both physically and psychologically. I'm sending all my positive vibes for you and your family during your grieving process that it will be healthy and full of love and remembrance.

SleeplessinSoCal

(9,135 posts)
44. Hospice care was a Godsend.
Fri Feb 16, 2024, 02:56 AM
Feb 16

She was thoroughly prepared for this day 20 years ago. And my youngest brother will continue to live in her home.

Rhiannon12866

(205,855 posts)
5. I am so sorry, but it sounds like you all did the right thing.
Fri Feb 16, 2024, 12:18 AM
Feb 16

I lost my mother, too (after an accident) and I stayed with her in the ICU as well. My brother was having panic attacks, so he kept coming and going, but I stuck it out and wouldn't have had it another way, hard as it was. My deepest sympathies to you, no matter the age or circumstances, this is one of the toughest losses.

CANADIANBEAVER69

(352 posts)
6. Each person is different
Fri Feb 16, 2024, 12:19 AM
Feb 16

but I would like to die like that, with family all around. I would feel lucky to go peacefully. So sorry for your loss but I hope you have some great memories to look back on as time carries on.

alwaysinasnit

(5,071 posts)
7. Many hugs to you Sleepless. My mother passed in similar fashion almost 10 years ago. I
Fri Feb 16, 2024, 12:20 AM
Feb 16

console myself with the thought that she passed in her home, surrounded by her children and grandchildren. The morphine was a godsend. Don't forget to take care of yourself through all that comes next. May you find tranquility in the near future.

diva77

(7,652 posts)
9. So very very sorry, Sleepless.
Fri Feb 16, 2024, 12:20 AM
Feb 16

Amidst the deep sadness, it is definitely a gift that the family was able to gather round as she passed peacefully.

SleeplessinSoCal

(9,135 posts)
22. There is something I learned called fish out of water breathing
Fri Feb 16, 2024, 12:50 AM
Feb 16

"A final, or “agonal,” respiratory pattern is called “fish out of water” breathing. This is an ineffectual gasping of the mouth with little or no actual intake of air. This agonal “gasping” occurs very near physical death."

❤️

SleeplessinSoCal

(9,135 posts)
47. Strangely, yes. I guess.
Fri Feb 16, 2024, 03:30 AM
Feb 16

It's hard to know. There were some tricky days leading up to the end. But I swear. This is a very positive use of Morphine.

Strangely when the people from the mortuary drove up, it was at the same time as her next Morphine delivery.

❤️

PlutosHeart

(1,286 posts)
17. Blessings and peace
Fri Feb 16, 2024, 12:38 AM
Feb 16

to your family.
The closure sounded so kind and you are all very fortunate.
Bless. Am so sorry for your loss.

Beacool

(30,250 posts)
19. I'm so sorry for your loss.
Fri Feb 16, 2024, 12:40 AM
Feb 16

What a blessing to have had your mother for 100 years. My condolences to you and your family. May your mom rest in peace.

TygrBright

(20,763 posts)
20. Holding you in my heart. It's a tough loss.
Fri Feb 16, 2024, 12:43 AM
Feb 16

My Mom passed in early December.

No advice, just... you're not alone.

sadly,
Bright

SleeplessinSoCal

(9,135 posts)
24. Sorry for your loss too.
Fri Feb 16, 2024, 12:54 AM
Feb 16

Other than stroking her hair I contributed playing classical music in the room.
First Mahler and then found Chopin which she used to play for us.

❤️

BigmanPigman

(51,624 posts)
23. My grandmother almost made it to 104
Fri Feb 16, 2024, 12:53 AM
Feb 16

and she died a month before that date. She had very big 90th, 95th and 100th birthdays since she always wanted to live to be 100. I think her shear hatred for the GOP kept her alive for years.

My dad died suddenly in his sleep 5 years ago at the age of 85 and he was in great health. I am still in shock and grieving. I am glad he died peacefully in his sleep which is what we all want.

I hope you recover from your enormous loss better than I have. I have 100% empathy. I also hope she is able to visit you in your dreams. My dad did right after he died. It wasn't creepy at all and was comforting instead.

SleeplessinSoCal

(9,135 posts)
28. Wow!
Fri Feb 16, 2024, 01:00 AM
Feb 16

Last summer she was talking about 110 being her new goal.

It took me 20 years to truly grieve my father's death in 1969. He was only 52.

My mom had been co-opted by FNC until she got on Buspar. A blessing to us all.

OldSWODog

(37 posts)
27. Condolences and a sharing of memories
Fri Feb 16, 2024, 12:59 AM
Feb 16

SleeplessSC, you have my deepest condolences...your post is deeply moving to me. I was with my own mother for several years and when she made her final exit here in Oregon. I'm still unable to put much into words and can well imagine your loss. Best wishes to you, my unmet friend, and to the rest of your family. OSD

SleeplessinSoCal

(9,135 posts)
29. I'm very pleased my sharing helped you.
Fri Feb 16, 2024, 01:02 AM
Feb 16

That is what this place is all about.

I thought twice about sharing, but felt it beneficial.

❤️

DemocraticPatriot

(4,386 posts)
30. My condolences to you....
Fri Feb 16, 2024, 01:05 AM
Feb 16

My mother suffered from leukemia and alzheimers for ten years, and died at 79 years old.

Due to my economic circumstances, I was fortunate to end up living with her and my father,
in my childhood home, for the last six months of her life.

So I was with her when she died, holding her hand.... I have always been glad about that.

I was the only person in the room with her then, father was on telephone business when I yelled for him to come....





Dem2theMax

(9,653 posts)
33. I am so sorry for the loss of your mom.
Fri Feb 16, 2024, 01:25 AM
Feb 16

And I am glad you were able to be there with her at the end. I was present at the death of my mom and of my dad. Held their hands as they took their last breaths.

I know how much that has meant to me over the years. I have a feeling that for all of you to be there with your mom will bring you a lot of peace, as it did for me.

For your Mom

herding cats

(19,566 posts)
38. My heart and my thoughts to you and yours.
Fri Feb 16, 2024, 01:51 AM
Feb 16

This is such a painful and difficult path to go down. It sounds like your family is a strong unit which helps so much in times like these.

I will have you and yours in my thoughts. My sincere condolences.

lucca18

(1,243 posts)
39. I am so very sorry for the loss of your Mother.💔
Fri Feb 16, 2024, 01:56 AM
Feb 16

You were all able to be there for your mother, with love and support.❤️
Please take care.

TruthAlwaysWins

(32 posts)
41. My heart is with you
Fri Feb 16, 2024, 02:33 AM
Feb 16

I am very, very sorry for your loss, Lucca18. My heart hurts for you. Thank you for sharing your experience with us. I feel your pain, but I also sense the blessing that you and your family must have felt, having been there with her, and for her, through her final journey. May she rest in peace, and may you always carry her in your heart. Her love for you lives on.

“And just at the moment when someone at my side says, “There, she is gone!”
there are other eyes watching her coming,
and there are other voices ready to take up the glad shout, “Here she comes!”
And that is dying.” Rev. Luther F. Beecher

riverbendviewgal

(4,253 posts)
40. My condolences to you and your family.
Fri Feb 16, 2024, 02:32 AM
Feb 16

It is hard when your loved ones pass on. The good memories will help you in your grief. Sending hugs.

ProudMNDemocrat

(16,786 posts)
56. My sincere condolences on your loss.
Fri Feb 16, 2024, 09:17 AM
Feb 16

May you find comfort knowing that your mother's love ❤️ continues to live on.

babylonsister

(171,079 posts)
61. My condolences.
Fri Feb 16, 2024, 03:04 PM
Feb 16

To me, moms seem especially tough to lose. Hug your remaining loved ones tight, and hopefully you can draw strength from each other.

SleeplessinSoCal

(9,135 posts)
62. That is exactly what I did.
Fri Feb 16, 2024, 03:37 PM
Feb 16

Our mom wasn't a hugger. I learned that in psychotherapy in 1979. But the rest of us are. And we hugged each other yesterday. That part was truly beautiful. She would be so happy to see that.

pandr32

(11,605 posts)
64. Sending my sympathy.
Fri Feb 16, 2024, 05:48 PM
Feb 16

It is hard to say goodbye to someone so close and dear.
We are a safe community here at DU, and anytime you need to hear a word of encouragement you can count on us.
Hugs to you and a heart, too, because yours must be broken.

Demnh2fl

(28 posts)
68. God bless you
Fri Feb 16, 2024, 07:18 PM
Feb 16

Your mom had a long life. I glad you got to be with her in her last minutes. Most of us are not so blessed to be with our parents in their finally moments. ❤️😢

MLAA

(17,318 posts)
69. Sending you and your family hugs.
Fri Feb 16, 2024, 07:29 PM
Feb 16

My dad passed 2 years ago at 92 of liver cancer. He said he’d had a wonderful live and wanted to focus on quality of life not quantity so no treatments. He was actually upbeat and cheerful till the end. Sounds like your mom was in a similar frame of mind wanting to plan a pot luck. Still, losing a parent can be a real punch in the gut until you remember that it is the best for them, a gentle passing. 💗. Your mom was so fortunate to have all her children with her and I bet she let you know that.

SleeplessinSoCal

(9,135 posts)
71. Yup.
Fri Feb 16, 2024, 07:35 PM
Feb 16

She was more and more aware of others and her own limitations. It's been difficult to mourn because in the end it was what we all prayed for. No more pain.

GAJMac

(166 posts)
70. I am so sorry
Fri Feb 16, 2024, 07:32 PM
Feb 16

I am so sorry to hear this. It's very hard to lose someone you love, but I'm glad you were able to be there for her final moments. Please take time to heal as best you can, and don't expect too much from yourself.

SleeplessinSoCal

(9,135 posts)
72. You all have been so wonderful to me and my family.
Fri Feb 16, 2024, 07:41 PM
Feb 16

I'm going to share some photos of our mom. She was a beauty. She'd been a model. She dated actors and hung out with the golden era of Hollywood's movie stars.

This was mom on her 90th birthday...



This was her just this past Saturday at her 100th bday party...



I'll dig out some glamor shots later.

ancianita

(36,132 posts)
73. Beautiful photos. Sorry for your losing her.
Fri Feb 16, 2024, 07:58 PM
Feb 16

Since I lost my mother (right after 9/11) I've learned that you'll always carry the best of her with you. And there's some peace in that. Hold those you love close, share memories of her and make so many more.

Quakerfriend

(5,451 posts)
76. Aww, she was just gorgeous!!
Fri Feb 16, 2024, 08:31 PM
Feb 16

So sorry for your loss but, sounds as though
you all gave her a very peaceful transition.

All six of us were able to be there with our mom when she passed over. I know that you’ll always be thankful that you could all be together then.

SleeplessinSoCal

(9,135 posts)
83. Absolutely!
Fri Feb 16, 2024, 10:03 PM
Feb 16

Being together there was so important. Baby brother sent out the bat signal and we came. And as you say we'll always be thankful for that.

Evolve Dammit

(16,760 posts)
79. beautiful. So sorry for your loss. Truly a beautiful person in "the age." You should document her "travels".
Fri Feb 16, 2024, 08:58 PM
Feb 16

badhair77

(4,220 posts)
80. I'm so sorry for your loss.
Fri Feb 16, 2024, 09:01 PM
Feb 16

But what a gift that you could be there and have family with you. I wish you peace.

KY_EnviroGuy

(14,494 posts)
86. May peace be upon you and your entire family......
Fri Feb 16, 2024, 11:26 PM
Feb 16

as you recall a wonderful life with gratitude, joy and some tears.

Walk and talk with her every day in your mind, as I often do with my Mom who I lost in the '90s. I'm 76 now and she's still reminding me of my responsibilities!.....

Thank you for sharing.......

1WorldHope

(693 posts)
87. It is such a privilege to be with a loved one when they pass away.
Fri Feb 16, 2024, 11:42 PM
Feb 16

Your mom was beautiful both young and old. She kind of looked like the actress on the Titanic movie. It makes death less scary when you are with someone on hospice. If the right supports are in place. I'm happy for you and your family. ❤️

lonely bird

(1,687 posts)
90. Peace to you and your family
Sat Feb 17, 2024, 12:14 AM
Feb 17

It was good for you to be there. We said good-bye to my mother-in-law and told her we loved her. She passed 10 minutes after we left the hospital. She was 93.

I lost my mother when she was 58 on Christmas Eve 1983. My brothers and I were there but my sister was on her way from Kentucky.

Christmas has sucked every year since.

Again, peace to you and your family.

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