February 16, 2010

Aunt Dot passed away on this day. 12:15pm. Renae, I, Theresa, Patty and two of the ladies from Hospice were in there. We had been keeping watch since Saturday. She took a bad turn, although all the signs were there. Between us girls were we with her at almost all times. I am not clear on the weekend but starting on Monday monring we were there non stop. She was never alone. (that is important to me) She was never awake or alert or responsive in any way but we were there. Tuesday AM Renae and I were there and we agreed that it was so close to her time that Renae left and went to get Theresa. (Patty had already said her good byes but she did come down right at the end) Anyway, we held her hands and prayed and helped her go into her next phase. It was sad and heart breaking and gut wrenching but manageable because the sisters were all together!

Aunt Dorthy was creamated and we will take her ashes to Eltopia and bury them with Uncles this summer.
we say goodbye to the last of a special line of family!

Went in to see Aunt on Friday July 17th. She was in a great mood. We walked around the home. I could not get her to go outside. When I headed for the door she put her hands out and said no. So we stayed inside. It was music day. A couple comes in with a guitar and sings old gospel songs. She seemed to really enjoy that. Only problem is that we sort of got squeezed into the front of the room and at one point she decided she was ready to go and there was no way out for us. But she read the music. I was very impressed!
All of us girls were going to be out of town so that prompted me to get some arrangements made for Aunt Dot. I did not want her to pass and have to be held waiting for me to get home. So Accent Funeral home in Meridian is going to be handling her arrangements. Very simple. Cremation-and I will take her ashes. Death notice in the Statesman. We will then put an obituary in the Pasco paper and take her and Uncles ashes back to Pasco and take them to Ultopia Cemetary.
It was a very hard thing to do but it was a responsibility I had to get taken care of . And now it is done and there will be no concerns when the time comes.

I have not seen Aunt Dot for a bit but I have talked with Sunbridge. She is doing about the same. Legacy has lost the young gal that was coming in but they are searching for another. It is nice to have another visitor to get in and stimulate her with conversation. I am embarrassed to admit that I have not been in due to a skunk issue here at my home.
Sunbridge has added a cream for her itchy back. That seems funny to me. I cant wait to see how much that prescription costs her!!
Renae and Theresa were in there last week and had a good visit.

Been a while. Ran in today to see Aunt Dot. Lots of the residents were in the TV room with the lights dimmed watching a movie. Dances with Wolves. Lots of action. Subtitles. Aunt Dot seemed to really be involved in it. Very attentive. I did not go in and disturb her. Watched with them for a while and left. Just one of the days when I am ok just seeing her and knowing she is alright. Sat with her last Thursday for breakfast. She sure is a good eater... She is looking older. Legacy tells me she is deterioriating. She looks good to me but I guess it is inevitable.

April 10

Got a call from Debbie with Sunbridge. Actually a voice mail. Changing Aunt Dots meds again.. I will call this morning to see what..
Wonder if they will increase her anxiety meds gain since she fell? Keep you posted..

April 8

Got a call from Sunbridge. Aunt Dot fell out of bed at 5 am. Landed mostly on her mat but her forehead on the floor. I went in on my way to work. She was in breakfast. She looked so pretty and happy. Her hair was in a french braid and she was all dressed. She smiled and "talked" to me. I did not stay for a visit. Just needed to see her and make sure she was ok. She has a small red mark above her right eye. Probably gone by now.
She just looks like a ray of Sunshine! Spring. New beginnings..

Feet

Got calls from Legacy and Sunbridge. Aunt Dorthys wound is much better and they have quit "wound measures". They are leaving her foot unwrapped and open. I have not seen it yet but that is pretty exciting news. I have actually not seen her foot exposed since October. I had been told that she would always have it covered so that she could not knock it into anything as she could possible loose the toe. This is big news! She is such an amazing lady. It is pretty impossible to keep her down.
They are also decreasing her pain meds as she is sleeping so much. 4 doses a day down to 3. Keeping her anti-anxiety on board. She goes a little stir crazy with out that one!
All is looking good for this last week. Maybe Easter is a new beginning for her!