Harpist was so peaceful

I've tested this link, and it worked for me.  Hopefully it works for you, across all platforms:
facebook.com/julie.jackson.750

Harpist in the "early 11:00 hour"

Other than "early in the 11 o'clock hour," I don't have a specific time when I will start streaming the harpist. With setup, I imagine it won't be before 11:15. But it will be available on Facebook for later viewing (I will tag Mom, so if you're friends on FB, you should be able to find it).

#ThankGodForRampInGarage especially with the front sidewalk all torn up.

Harpist tomorrow

Tomorrow the hospice harpist will play for Mom. I will livestream on Facebook, which will save it for future viewing.

Last night I called for a hospice nurse to come out to the house. Late. Close to midnight. She just seemed to be fading fast. She had stopped requesting water that morning. She was on the second or third day of not being able to really converse. And her eye was no longer focusing on anything. Nurse Juanita examined her and said, "not tonight. Probably getting close."

Today's regularly scheduled hospice nurse reminded me it's really hard to predict. I know that because my Dad (really quick) and my husband (really drawn out) were two extreme examples. Even with that caution, she thinks anywhere from two days to one week.

Pain seems to be well controlled. The number of people we've had around could be too loud, but she hasn't seemed to be irritated by noise.

Thank you for all your kind thoughts. May warmth and comfort also surround you.

More Sleeping, Less Aware

Hi there, Brooke here. I forced (aka nicely insisted) my mom take the guest bed tonight and let me be on couch duty. I'll try to catch a little sleep soon, although Grandma's snoring makes it difficult...

Come to think of it, Grandma would be mortified that I'm publicly talking about her snoring. She'd probably insist she doesn't snore! But anyone who has slept under the same roof as her in the last (+/-) 15 years will back me up -- she snores loud and often.

It's endearing.

/

When I arrived mid-afternoon today, there was a house full of family. It was really neat. We've seen a lot of family and dear friends come to visit this week, which Grandma has appreciated. She's a woman who brings people together and makes them feel welcome. In these final days, the tradition continues.

Today (Saturday) was tough. When I was last here, on Wednesday, Grandma was still able to converse with people. Today she was mostly asleep, but in her brief waking moments, she didn't seem to recognize any visitors. For instance, she called for my mom (Julie), but didn't recognize Julie when she came to help. I don't think she knew who I was at any point today.

The morning might bring a brief spell of lucidity, but overall it looks like Grandma's awareness of people and circumstances has slipped away. It's hard to see this marked decline from just a couple of days ago. I think we're all feeling heavy hearted tonight.

If you're a praying person, please offer up one for Grandma to be at ease, and another for her family to feel the tender mercies of the Divine. Then hug your loved ones and do something nice for a stranger -- the world could always use a little more kindness. It's what Grandma would do.

Unchanged

Lots of visits today, but a very tired (less responsive) day.  My brother Michael and his family just arrived from way out of town, so I hope she was just saving her energy for a good visit!

David plays for Grandma Bette

If you can see my Facebook page, look for a live video I posted of "Grandson David plays for Grandma Bette."  I don't know how to link it from the blog -- if you do, let me know.  Or post it in the comments. GO TO ABOUT THE SIX MINUTE MARK where the setting and lighting stabilize.

(Tissue alert) (Beautiful)

At home

Thank you to all the visitors, messages, calls. Too much food now! Thanks for not overwhelming us with flowers, too.

She's been sleeping a log but perks up with visitors. Some conversations are really good, some groggy, and some silly. (Incredibly long, cognizant conversation going on right now with Trish Marco and Kelly S.)

Oh, and please don't get into a fight with her drink (who is going to hold onto it). Yesterday, both people lost and the apple cider won. Lots of laundry ensued.

The hospice nurse's initial visit was very nice, two hours. She will return every other day. 

Prognosis? Don't know. She seems stable for now. Brother Michael and family arrive Friday, so they may have a good visit.