ROUGH DAY

“Shirley”, seventy years old, suffered from chronic lung and heart problems. Shirley was divorced for many years and raised her two children alone. She lived in a duplex that she owned with her son, “Mitch”. Mitch lives in the other half of the duplex with his wife, “Annie” and their three month old son. Shirley also had a daughter, “Jessie”, who, with her fiancée, lived nearby. A few weeks ago, Jessie set her wedding date for this Spring, hoping that mom would be able to attend.

Seeing their mother’s recent decline, Jessie and her fiancee spent time this week moving in with Shirley. It was a win-win situation for all. As recent as two weeks ago, Shirley was doing well enough to be left alone for hours at a time. She was able to walk around using her walker quite independently. With Jessie and her fiancee living with Shirley, there was a guarantee that Shirley would have the help available as her needs increased.

Shirley’s decline started about two weeks ago. In these past few days, she is so weak that she is unable to get out of bed. Shirley stopped eating and was only taking sips of water. She started to get confused, although knew exactly what was happening. Her children took leave from their jobs to be with Shirley full time.

Shirley died early this afternoon with her family at the bedside. Later, I spoke with Jessie to offer my condolences. I know they will be okay and will get through the hard times ahead. The strong love they all share for each other, and for their mother, will definitely ease their way.


ROUGH DAY
　

She dealt with health issues for years.
Chronic problems that never slowed her down.
Her independent spirit kept her on track,
helping her to live her life the only way she knew.

She was always in charge of things,
more so after her health betrayed her.
She fought fervently until the end;
not surprising anyone at all.

She stopped eating two days ago.
She was asleep more than she was awake.
The family knew her time was near.
They bravely gave her permission to let go.

She died peacefully this afternoon
with her loving family by the bedside.
Along with deep sadness for a while,
there is also some relief that her suffering is over.

The family will come through this stronger
because of the steadfast love they all share.
“This has been a rough day,
but we are hugging it out.”