Thank you for the support at this difficult time. My mom was older and had Parkinson's and was gradually declining in health. I guess I wasn't as prepared for her death as I thought. It went so quickly. She was unresponsive on Tuesday and admitted for dehydration and an infection. Her blood pressure was also very low. She did not respond to treatment and we placed her in hospice where they were wonderful in there care giving. She never spoke again after being found unresponsive.

The funeral included the particpation of her grandchildren and great grandchildren. I wrote and delivered the eulogy. I didn't tell anyone but my husband that I planned to give it because I didn't know if I would be too sad to stand up and talk. I truly felt it was an honor to do so. My husband stood by my side in case I needed him to finish it or in case I lost my balance. I am very pleased I was able to give it myself.

Emma was so good in church (like always) my brothers thought she had been taken outside or something. She was asleep at my feet and stayed with my son Dan during the eulogy.
At the funeral luncheon she was well behaved also. I was so proud of her. Emma was just perfect through all this...what a great dog.

What amazes me at funerals is the people who attend. There were childhood friends, old neighbors, friends of mine now, and so in attendance. We do not have many relatives in town so the presence of friends meant even more to us. My mom had two dear girl friends who were still able to attend.

My mom died very peacefully which was a comfort to all of us. In going through her things we found a poem that her own mother had written to her. It was about the fact that she would likely die first (my grandmother) and how when my mom died she would be there to see her smile again, clasp her hand, and feel her kiss. It was very moving and ended the eulogy.

I did nap yesterday and went to bed early. Today I slept late. My brother is in town so I will see most my siblings again today and tonight. I have chores to catch up on but they will likely wait till tomorrow. My husband will be working on the bathroom again today.
It sure is a big project.

Emma is fine and not minding a quiet morning. I think she enjoys the extra sleep also.
thanks again for your support.

mary and emma

Today is the funeral and burial of my mother. Emma will be at my side. Please remember my family in your prayers. We have received pretty flowers to brighten our home. Cards. flowers, email and family support really is appreciated.

Hope your day goes well. Mary

Thank goodness for email, and cell phones. There is a lot of communication going on to plan the funeral, my brother's arrival, and so on. Emma and I went to bed at 7:30 last night. I needed the rest badly.

I still have some things to tend to, but get to relax and play with Rosa for about two hours or so today. That will be fun.

Yesterday it got up to 84 I am told - a record. Today it will be cooler but that is fine. Spring is on the way so that is good. A bit of green plants are peeking up in the garden. You can just see the tops of the plants. I always think they are peeking to see if it is warm enough or not. They are in a southern exposure garden.

Emma cuddled so close to me last night. She must have known I needed her support. Though my mom was older and declining in health anyway - this is hard time. I am hoping it gets easier and I am sure it will.

I am fine though and so is Emma. Mary

Today we needed to rest. I slept late and took a nap. I have so little energy. I think I ran on adrenaline since Tuesday and now it is gone. It is warm out so I played with Emma. She can sense my mood and is attentive at my side. She snuggled extra close during her nap. We worked a bit on funeral plans. It is nice we have some time to figure things out. I knew my mom's health was fragile due to Parkinson's disease and other factors but I can't believe how quickly all this happened. She will be missed by family and friends.

You can't imagine how much I treasure the emails and phone calls that I have been getting from friends and Greg's sisters. It really helps a lot. This has been a difficult day for me. I am glad for Emma's company. Rest should help me cope better.

My brother will be coming from Oregon and that will be nice. Between us we are handling various details. Greg and I are working on the eulogy. I know I can't give it because I would be too emotional. It is an honor though to help plan the funeral celebration of her life.

I promise I will perk up and maybe the bloggings will be more cheerful soon. Emma is doing just fine. It is muddy in my yard though - ugh. The bathroom? More work than planned I still travel to my son's or my friend's to shower. Yes we have a toliet and sink and really are coping with that fine. My husband is doing all the work himself, plus helping with my mom's funeral, supporting me, and working...so we have to be patient and we are.

I was thinking how my mom was blessed to live such a long life. She told me recently she never imagined she should live so long. I asked her what was the favorite part of her life and she said with a smile "All of It!!". What a great attitude. She had loving children, super girl friends, and was active in her church community for 52 years. She handled her Parkinson's gracefully - never once did I hear her complain. She was just so grateful that it wasn't painful.

Emma and I have some errands to do tomorrow. The cleaning lady will be coming and I am scurring to pick things up, and catch up on laundry. I never think I do much around here. But when you aren't home Tues-Friday, spend Sat working on funeral things etc --well the work piles up. I guess even though I only do a little here and there it adds up.

Wishing you a good Week. Mary and Emma

This was a day of making phone calls, receiving calls, and sorting old photos. It was very nice weather wise so I also took some time with Emma outdoors. It is a sad day as I remember old times, yet joyful as I remember good times. More than anything it is a day I appreciate my family of origin, my family with Greg and the kids, and dear friends. It is a day to appreciate life and everlasting life. Emma is at my side through it all.