A Long Goodbye

It's been a busy few months of birthday parties and family gatherings. I'll post pictures in the next few days of Brynn's 2nd birthday and our family Easter gathering this past week. It is so wonderful to have small children around for the energy and the joy of life.

It was great to see the family for Easter dinner at Sue and Jeff's house. However, there was a sadness that lingered over the celebration. My Aunt Marilyn had a relapse in her battle against congestive heart failure 2 weeks ago. She went to hospital for immediate treatment of fluid retention. However, this time she has not bounced back. She was moved under hospice care to a nursing facility near her home a week ago. This week, she took a turn for the worse. I hate to type this, but it is now just a matter of time. I want her to be at peace and leave in a dignified manner, which is very much her personality. She has battled and been so strong for so long. Now, it is time for the rest of us to be strong for her.

This is Mom's only surviving sister. Aunt Marilyn was the 2nd oldest of 5 in my mom's family. My Aunt Norma Gene passed away in 2003 and Aunt Annie passed away in 1996. Obviously, both were hard on everyone. Mom has been the stabling factor through it all, making daily visits to the hospital or nursing home or where ever she is needed. I'm afraid this time, Mom won't be as strong. I told her that she doesn't need to be. There are others that will be strong for her.

Now, it is just the waiting for "the call". I will be going to the nursing home directly after work, with the hope that I can say goodbye.