Dear Jean,
I’m reaching out to let you and our Egypt family know that mom is approaching the end of her earthly life. After her 93rd birthday on Dec. 3rd, she came down with a bad cold that began to act like pneumonia. Although her cough is better, we can see that she is failing a little more each day.
As you know, mom has been living with Janet and her husband Dennis for over 5 years. Janet has been providing amazing care as mom’s dementia advanced. Both Nancy and I came to Oregon to help with her care as she required bed care for the first time. We are blessed to be together and to have Janet’s children and their families here for an early Christmas celebration and Nancy’s family and my wife, Coleen for actual Christmas.
Mom had a burst of energy for a 24 hour period while Janet’s family was here. We enjoyed a very alert, aware, laughing and winking mom in better shape than we’ve seen her in ten years. She recognized us all and remembered friends. It was an incredible experience. The next day she was exhausted and back to sleeping most of the time. Nancy, who has been a hospice nurse, has brought us so much relief in teaching us how to care for mom and getting hospice care started.
We so appreciate all the Egypt folks who have shared love and life with mom, dad and our family. We look forward to Lee joining us on Saturday. Thank you for your prayers as we care for mom.
Here is a picture Janet took that great day.
Love, Ann
