Posted by melissa (4.4.121.155) on April 05, 2001 at 11:51:23:
last week I took the whole week off of work, so I could go take care of my mom. It's not easy taking care of a terminally ill person, yet alone your own mother. I would get to my mom's house at 8am, and wouldn't get home until 7:30pm. I make her comfortable constantly, adjusting her pillows (she can't sleep laying down), getting hot towels for her back and ribs (cancer has filled up her lungs, she's breathing on 20% capacity in one lung), making her food, untangling that damn O2 tube (40ft long!), massaging her back, soaking her swollen feet in hot water, keeping the dogs quiet, giving her pain pills every 2 hours or less, crying like a sieve, calming one of my mom's dogs with chronic brohnchitis (sp?), answering the phone, writing letters to all my parents creditors, letting them know of the situation, putting each and every account number on them.
I tell ya! I'm exhausted, and I took off next week to do the same thing! BUT... I love my mom, and she took care of me when I was sick, down and out, depressed, and broke with no where to go. She won't be here much longer, and we are praying that she goes quickly, for the pain is too much for her to bear, and the drugs keep her so loopy it's hard to enjoy life. She is ready to leave this earth, and my family is ready to let her go also. Pray that she goes in her sleep, and quickly.
Just wanted to let everyone know what has been up with me, I've been tired and busy, but I haven't forgotten you all. Take care of each other, you never know when one of us won't be here anymore.
Love and PF to you all,
Melissa