She awoke, ecstatic to see us after we rushed to the hospital from our
Christmas cruise.
The e-mails were candid, ‘Mom in hospital. Home can’t deal with
outbursts and rudeness!’ This was inevitable after three strokes and a heart
attack.
Facilities for dementia? Where? Mortal
health and emotional complications, copious drugs, delusional dreams, faltering
hope.
At age forty-one she had been widowed with six children and no job. She
was resolute.
Her family dismantled. Suicide
for one, alcohol for another, and a breakdown for her, yet she persevered.
Now, at 90, she heard her husband calling. Her last request was for
dignity. All was removed. She smiled, then let go. FINIS.
