First, again, I want to thank para for this community I call my online family. SF is the only online forum I call family.

Now, if y'all will indulge me, this toughest lady is/was my mother (Ma). She raised 9 of us children, while Dad worked (fighting the French, then the commies), to all grow up to be successful and productive members of society. She even took care of some of the grandchildren, while their parents worked. She was physically active and mentally sharp until 2014, when Alzheimer took her mind, and a broken hip took her mobility. But, we are blessed with a large family that we were able to take care of her at home. Although stricken with Alzheimer, early on she was still able to recognize us and knew who she was most of the time. But this year, she took a drastic turn for the worse. All this time, however, she always maintained a very good appetite. Then, Ma had an unexpected massive hemorrhagic stroke on August 25. Prognosis was poor, and Dad decided that he didn't want Ma to suffer any longer and that she goes as quickly as possible. So we decided on home hospice and took her home.

If you remember this thread I started on 8/29, Who have the longest lasting marriage that you know of? Who have the record?, that was the day we took her home. Sitting around watching Dad holding and kissing Ma, it struck me what an incredible couple this was. 82 years. I love them so much. That's why I started that thread, in their honor.

And, as I sat around watching Ma, expecting her to go fairly quickly, I came up with this silly thread on 9/4, How many posts per day per person would you consider normal? How about excessive?. But, incredibly, although by this time, she has had no food for 10 days, and no water for 6 days (she got IV fluid while in hospital), she was still maintaining a normal blood pressure and pulse, with a normal urine output.

That's when I started this thread the next day, 9/5, How long do you think you can survive without food AND water at your current age and state of health? Thank you all who replied.
As of yesterday, she still had an adequate BP (but slightly lower), and the pulse, still strong, has gone up a little, as expected. And, her kidneys continued to function. But, I could tell that the end was very near, as her breathing had become more labored. And, she passed away today at 12:55 PM, no longer suffering.
What an incredibly tough lady.

I write this to honor Ma and to celebrate her life, not to mourn her passing. Thank you, my SF friends, for reading this "novel".

Borrowing and paraphrasing a line from El Cid, Heavenly Father, please open your arms to receive the soul of one who lived and died the kindest mother I know.


*9/12/18*: Thank you all, those who posted here and those who emailed me, for your outpouring of love, support, thoughts and prayers. It is sincerely appreciated.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: 12131,

Condolences to your family, she obviously was a hero, may she Rest In Peace.

Sorry for your loss Q. Prayers sent

Bless you and your family and of course, Ma, for such strong and able ties that bound you all, for so long and are still yet to yield in their duties to one another.

Rest easy ma 12131

A fine tribute to a great lady. Condolences to you and your family.

So sorry for your loss. From how you turned out, she was a truly amazing person. May she Rest In Peace.

Philo of Alexandria once said “Be kind. For everyone you meet is fighting a great battle.”

I am very touched and moved by your post and I sincerely hope that in the coming days you find peace. Your mother sounds as though she was an amazing, incredible person.

My condolences Q. Hospice is an absolute blessing.

My condolences to you and your family.

So sorry for your loss. That was a very nice tribute to your Mom. May she rest in peace.

My condolences and prayers for you and your family. I will say a prayer for your mother for you all.

My condolences to you and your family.

A wonderful tribute, very moving.

Sir, you and your family have my sympathy and condolences. If she made a special meal for you, learn it and pass it on.

A great tribute. Reminded me of my moms passing. May your mother RIP knowing her family is thriving.

Your deeds are measured by what you pass on - by that mark, your mother was an incredible person.

Our prayers and condolences to you during this time, and thank you for sharing this.

Sincere condolences to you and your family 12131.

A very moving "novel" indeed...

God bless you and your family. My prayers are with you all.

I've never been very good with words in response to such situations. But your tribute was very touching as was your obvious love for her. My sincerest condolences to you and your family Q.

Sorry she is gone. Good job allowing her to pass with dignity, and with family around her.

Wishing you strength.

Bruce

Beautiful.

Thank you for sharing.