Sunday, October 25, 2020
Mom will be missed! Spending extra time with her over the past year had its rewards, drawing us closer together, seeing her mischievous side, the little jokes, hearing stories about her youth and family, taking her for rides (especially on the Kuboda) and final trout fishing adventures.
The stretches of time with Mom increased over the past few months to where someone being with her 24 hours a day was necessary. Certainly there were joys in that also and she so appreciated having family around, having company and being able to stay at home to the end.
But, being a caregiver to Mom was the hardest thing I have ever done. So emotionally draining, physically exhausting between the lack of sleep, erratic diet and limited exercize. What made it bearable and possible was how my sisters and I all shared in the duties and supported each other (and personal encouragement from my wife.)
Mom passed during one of our Friday evening get togethers. Over the past couple months my closest family (sisters, husbands and always two or 3 grandkids) would bring food over and we were sharing and visiting at Mom’s house. During warm weather that was on the back porch and early on Mom was joining us. Mom was not able to join us during the last couple gatherings, though she certainly did hear us talking, eating, and laughing, often until late in the evening. She decided to leave us when everyone was there and say our last goodbuys.
I give thanks for having the best Mom, awesome sisters (and brothers-in-law) and a very understanding wife. Family is so important at all times of our lives, from birth, through growing up and right up to the end.
Steve
