Mom died on this day in 1983. I was in Divinity School that fall and wasn't with her when she passed away. In July, she had learned that that her brain tumor was back and inoperable. I had gone for a visit in August and then again in October. Sometime in the fall she had been moved from home care to Deaconess Hospital in Oklahoma City. (Pre-hospice days.) Dad had let me know her death was coming soon, so even though her death was a shock, it wasn't too much a shock.
I think that Grandma had wanted me to come home and care for Mom. I don't know what Mom wanted, but I was young and "on a mission" and really didn't want to put my education on hold to go home. In consequence, her dying journey was not one I shared. I wish I had been closer, to learn from her how you do this part of life.
The last time I visited her was in October. She was in the hospital and still conscious, but unable to speak more than a word at a time -- and those words just came out of no-where when you weren't expecting them. I remember Grandma there -- dressing her, putting makeup on her, fixing her hair. Grandma was wondering out loud what color a sweater was ... and mom chimed up, "Fuchsia." It surprised both of us.
I was getting ready to go to the airport to go back to Tennessee and wanted to say something. We were alone and I think I told her how much I loved her and thanked her. I don't really remember. But I do remember that I was getting ready to leave and said, "I love you, Mom." And she said to me, "I love you, darlin'." The sweetest words I ever heard.
She still travels with me. I always wondered about how "old people" could talk and think so much about those who were dead and gone. And now, I find myself thinking and talking about Mom and Dad, Grandpa and Grandma. I feel their presence. I forget they are gone and think about calling them. It's not dementia. It's love. It's the presence of the Communion of Saints. They are not gone. They are here. Thanks be to God.
Comentarios