She has earned her angel wings…

15 Saturday Dec 2012

Posted by Ann Napoletan in HomeReach, Hospice, Kobacker House, Mom, Saying Goodbye

Shortly after noon today, Heaven gained a new Angel…

Jess and I were at Mom’s side, holding her hand when she set out on the final leg of her journey. The moment was peaceful and quite honestly, aside from childbirth, it was the most amazing thing I’ve ever witnessed. If I didn’t have faith in a Higher Power before, I certainly can’t doubt for a moment now.

As Jess has said, we now have “the old gram” back. Such a beautiful guardian angel.

We are following her wishes and planning a Celebration of Life for noon on Saturday, January 5th. It will be the celebration she always said she wanted… I can’t think of a better way to honor her, and I’m certain she’ll be smiling down on all of us from above.

In lieu of flowers, we request donations to The Alzheimer’s Association of Central Ohio or HomeReach Hospice/Kobacker House.

Thank you all for the love and support you’ve shown in the past days, weeks, and months. You have truly carried and continue to carry us through the most difficult time of our lives.

Please feel free to share this information with anyone you think might want to help us honor and celebrate Marilyn. Details will follow soon…

(((Sigh)))

14 Friday Dec 2012

Posted by Ann Napoletan in End of Life Signs, HomeReach, Hospice, Kobacker House, Mom, Weight Loss

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It was a pretty quiet day. I went home to shower around 6pm while Jess stayed here. At shift change the tech came in for vitals. Her BP and pulse have dropped significantly and she’s running a slight fever. The nurse hasn’t been in to talk yet…

Earlier today, when I said “I love you,” she blinked. I asked, “Are you blinking to tell me you love me?” and she blinked again. I felt something in her eyes. I believe that yes, she was letting me know that everything is going to be okay and she loves me. I’ll hold that experience close to my heart – I think it may be a long night…

Earlier today, after they repositioned her, I was rubbing her tummy and felt a huge protrusion. It felt like her knee, but was located much too high. I pulled down the covers and realized it was her hip bone. There’s nothing left to her…

One minute at a time… with many prayers for strength…

What a ride…

14 Friday Dec 2012

Posted by Ann Napoletan in End of Life Signs, HomeReach, Hospice, Kobacker House, Mom

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Mom slept so peacefully all night. Her breathing is perfect – any time I woke up, she sounded the same. Nice breaths, spaced at normal intervals.

The PSA is giving her a bath right now and is talking to her quietly every step of the way… making sure she knows exactly what is happening next and is not scared. Whether she’s awake or asleep, they talk to her constantly…nurses explain everything they are doing and comfort her gently as they go… the staff here is just incredible. What a gift they have.

Doc was in earlier and said she has a strong pulse in the tiniest artery at the lowest point in her foot. He said the process could take longer since her organs are so strong and healthy.

This morning, when I told her I loved her, she opened her eyes so very, very slightly, and a tiny tear came out. Could have been a fluke, will never know. A few minutes later, she blinked her eyes – just once, but I’d like to think that was a sign. It was incredible that even during that apnea, when I talked to her, her breathing would immediately quicken. The nurse said that was her way of telling me she is here and everything is okay.

One minute at a time…