I learned an important lesson today.

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Today would've been my best friend and childhood friend's 68th birthday. He lasted in hospice a whole 3 days, almost. His younger brother & I were pretty close, too. he's the one who called me. We talked a good hour. He was trying to hold back the tears but it was his brother for God's sake. By the time we hung up we were laughing like old times. I couldn't get down to FLA in time in my condition to watch him die. He never woke up the whole time they were, so I missed nothing. I've seen enough last human breaths to last me a lifetime. I miss Dad...
 
I spent seven days in PA acting as a live-in nursemaid, along with other family members at my 94 yo mom's bedside. She was in hospice care at her home and she passed away on May 10, 2024. I held her hand as she gasped for air her last moments.

I took it upon myself to perform the flashlight-iris test, then closed both her eyes. I was also the one delegated by the other "nursemaids" to administer the "comfort care" drugs that included lorazapam, haloperidol, and morphine.

Terrible way to go. Assisted suicide is looking better from my newfound perspective.

It took her 12 days in hospice care to pass, to slowly wither away until her body gave out. She let us know early on, that she was not ready, and boy, she fought to the last gasp.

Among other topics, I told her that dad was waiting for her in heaven. Her response? "Why do you think I'm still here?"
As posted in 2016, mom told me dad's last words to her. She had yet again burned a roast for dinner. He said "I would have thought you'd lean how to cook by now."

I do not want hospice care. I want to be shot dead by a jealous husband.
 
Hardly a day goes by I don't regret asking my dad something. He's been gone since 2009.
 
Fifty three years ago today, I met Mrs. swsig at a Valentine's Day party. Six months later, we were married. Tomorrow, she will begin hospice care. She has both Alzheimer's and severe mobility issues. I took care of her myself for the last three years, but now her care is beyond my capabilities, and I recently had to move her to an assisted living facility. She will spend most of her time in bed or sitting, as she is a danger to herself when she is on her feet. Her hospice care manager has been marvelous, ordering all the things she needs to make her room as safe as possible, and insuring she will have seven days a week of bed care. I was fortunate to find a good care facility only one mile from our home, so I'll be able to spend a maximum amount of time with her. She's now at a stage that she barely recognizes me, so I have to introduce myself every day, but she always accepts my word for it. We spend our time on the couch in her room watching TV, eating ice cream, and holding hands. She has no life-threatening diseases other than Alzheimer's, so I don't know how much longer she has to live, but I'm definitely taking G-Mac's advice and maximizing the quality of our remaining time together.
 
Fifty three years ago today, I met Mrs. swsig at a Valentine's Day party. Six months later, we were married. Tomorrow, she will begin hospice care. She has both Alzheimer's and severe mobility issues. I took care of her myself for the last three years, but now her care is beyond my capabilities, and I recently had to move her to an assisted living facility. She will spend most of her time in bed or sitting, as she is a danger to herself when she is on her feet. Her hospice care manager has been marvelous, ordering all the things she needs to make her room as safe as possible, and insuring she will have seven days a week of bed care. I was fortunate to find a good care facility only one mile from our home, so I'll be able to spend a maximum amount of time with her. She's now at a stage that she barely recognizes me, so I have to introduce myself every day, but she always accepts my word for it. We spend our time on the couch in her room watching TV, eating ice cream, and holding hands. She has no life-threatening diseases other than Alzheimer's, so I don't know how much longer she has to live, but I'm definitely taking G-Mac's advice and maximizing the quality of our remaining time together.

The ones that drop dead from a heart attack are the lucky ones.
If I ever have to go to a long-term care facility I will begin and end every day (as long as I can) with a prayer for a massive heart attack.
 
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Ruthie has worked in a long-term care facility for over 18 years. She holds the highest esteem for hospice nurses as they answer a call that few are willing to and they posses levels of compassion and dedication that many in the medical field sadly do not.

Ruthie's mom and dad in turn each passed from Alzheimer's. Hospice was a blessing and a great source of comfort to them and our family.

Like others I would like to shake my coil in the twinkling of an eye but barring that I pray that I have people like hospice to make my passing as gentle and painless as possible.
 
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