Update: Maman
I haven't really updated about my mother recently, and it is time.
From the top, after Thanksgiving my mother stopped going to work. Physically, she couldn't do it anymore. She called Hospice back in.
She can no longer walk on her own. She is eating very little, and signs of organs failing are beginning to show. We no longer feel like we're crying wolf.
My brothers and I are here with her, and my sister will be joining us shortly. My brother will be getting married, here in her home, in a month. Her goal - at least a few days ago - was to make it to the wedding. It's been a rough few days, though my father said last night was better.
My cousin and his family came out yesterday. His daughter (8 years old) walked up to my mother, put her head on her shoulder and asked my mother how she was. My mother replied, "I am very sick." Isis simply replied, "I miss you" and my mother could feel the girl's tear running down her own cheek. My mother was so touched, feeling that here, finally, was someone who understood.
Thank you for letting me share this with you. Despite the impending grief, there is a peace to this I simply cannot explain.
Comments
mara. my heart.
Posted by: leila | December 26, 2007 12:43 AM
Mara you are brave and lovely. So is your mother.
Posted by: Amelia McGee | December 27, 2007 4:20 AM
Mara, there really is nothing I can say. I am grateful that I was able to see your mother while we were there. Oceans of love to you and your mother ... and the rest of the family.
Posted by: Crys | December 27, 2007 7:11 PM
Mara joon,
My heart and prayers go out to you and your maman.
Be strong.
Sahar
Posted by: Sahar | December 27, 2007 8:58 PM
Mara, you and your family are very much in the centre of my thoughts and prayers.
Posted by: amelia ishikawa | December 28, 2007 12:43 AM
Mara,
We are praying for everyone in your family. We love you and your family. If you need anything please call. Please give your mom a kiss and hug. I can't come see her at this time I'm fighting a cold.
Love,
Nadine
Posted by: Nadine | December 28, 2007 5:01 AM
To Stephanie and family:
I came to know Stephanie through her postings on Leroy Sievers' blog. I have admired her ever since the first entry.
I hope, amidst the sadness of her decline, that some of you have visited Leroy's blog since Mara was kind enough to bring us the latest news. There was such an outpouring of affection and respect.
I searched you out on Google to learn how she is.
I send her and all of you my love and support. I wish her a gentle journey.
Harriet Liss
Posted by: Harriet Liss | December 30, 2007 12:21 AM
I admire you your dignity and grace in this-yours and your maman's. You are all in my family's thoughts and prayers. I am grateful to have been among the legion of people blessed to know her.
Posted by: Erin Randel | December 30, 2007 10:45 PM
I deeply admire you your dignity and grace in this-yours and your maman's. You are all in my family's thoughts and prayers. I am grateful to have been among the legion of people blessed to know her.
Posted by: Erin Randel | December 30, 2007 10:46 PM
Mara joon,
All my love to you and Maman and the rest of your family. My love and prayers are with you!
Posted by: faranak | January 1, 2008 8:33 AM