A year ago tomorrow we got the call that my MIL was in the hospital on a respirator. (She was a DNR but somehow the nursing home staff neglected to tell the EMTs.) We frantically packed and made the 16 hour drive from GA to PA on the 27th. DH's sisters were arguing about removing the respirator (even though she knew there was a DNR) but they had all agreed to leave it in place until we got there. We arrived very late at night... unloaded the kids and settled in.
The next morning DH and I went to the hospital with our DS, who was 9 1/2 mos old at the time. My dear MIL had not met him yet. She raised a hand off the bed to stroke his little baby feet and hands and tears rolled down her cheek (mine too). I'm so glad we got the opportunity to say good-bye and for her to meet her grandson.
There was quite a bit of bickering... then DH and 1 of his sister's finally convinced the other sister to take her off the machines. She hung on a few more days after that and then passed away on Sunday, January 6th, on her wedding anniversary. She was almost 82 years old.
She was an awesome woman and a wonderful MIL. She was so kind to me and welcomed me into her home and her life from the day we met. My engagement ring was DH's grandmother's ring and I still have the sweet note that MIL wrote when she mailed him that ring. She loved her grandchildren and knew her "job" as grandma was to love and cuddle them and let us "handle" discipline and such. I am lucky to have known her. And sad that my younger 2 kids won't remember her.
I just feel so down about it. I had to let these feelings out. Thanks for letting me cry a bit and get it out.
Beth
The next morning DH and I went to the hospital with our DS, who was 9 1/2 mos old at the time. My dear MIL had not met him yet. She raised a hand off the bed to stroke his little baby feet and hands and tears rolled down her cheek (mine too). I'm so glad we got the opportunity to say good-bye and for her to meet her grandson.
There was quite a bit of bickering... then DH and 1 of his sister's finally convinced the other sister to take her off the machines. She hung on a few more days after that and then passed away on Sunday, January 6th, on her wedding anniversary. She was almost 82 years old.
She was an awesome woman and a wonderful MIL. She was so kind to me and welcomed me into her home and her life from the day we met. My engagement ring was DH's grandmother's ring and I still have the sweet note that MIL wrote when she mailed him that ring. She loved her grandchildren and knew her "job" as grandma was to love and cuddle them and let us "handle" discipline and such. I am lucky to have known her. And sad that my younger 2 kids won't remember her.
I just feel so down about it. I had to let these feelings out. Thanks for letting me cry a bit and get it out.
Beth
