Monday, September 19, 2011

It's Time

Over the past few days things have changed drastically with my mom.  Her coughing got really bad on Friday and that made her breathing extremely labored.  We have promised her all along that when she gets to the point where she feels like she is drowning or suffocating we will increase her medicine so she doesn't know its happening.  That time has come.  As of Friday afternoon hospice increased her medicine so she is heavily medicated and rarely coughs.  She spends the majority of her time sleeping.

Over the past few days she has received short visits from friends and family.  I think the visits have allowed people to have closure at a time when mom is still fairly lucid.  She has expressed her fears, some of which we could resolve simply with our reassurances that things will be fine and her children will be loved.  She seems to have a hard time when she thinks about unfinished business.  She expressed sadness that she won't be around to hold Jake and Megan's baby when it arrives, but everyone has assured her that they will be the best fill-in grandparents around.

There aren't words to explain the atmosphere in mom's house.  These walls are filled with sadness, an abundance of love, and the best caregivers a person could hope for.  Two friends have brought us food to get us through the day so nobody has to leave the house (thank you Lervick and Reid families).  We continue to search for strength at this time of need, but we are filled with hope that mom seems very much at peace with the stage she is at.

As for all of you, please know that my family is very appreciative of the kind words and loving prayers that you continue to send our way.

With love-
Amy

29 comments:

  1. Your mom is a great woman and friend who touches everyone with her quick wit and caring way. We love her and will continue to smile every time we think about her.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Sending love and prayers up for your family

    ReplyDelete
  3. Continuing to hold all of you up in our prayers! THANK YOU for continuing to keep FB and Dor's blog updated....I hope you all realize just how many life Doreen, Rick, Amy, Angie & Jake and all the hundreds/thousands of friends/family you guys have all over the globe have touched!

    I've learned to cherish EVERY moment and will continue to do that and DREAM BIG!!

    God bless all of you!
    ~ Kathy, Charlie & Victor Cina - Relay friends in Oregon

    ReplyDelete
  4. Please know that all of you are in our hearts! I'm sure Dor is ready to go and be with your Dad, where they will be able to watch all of you. Much love to all of you

    ReplyDelete
  5. My heart goes to all of you. May doreen find peace and comfort in whatever time she's given now. Prayers for all of you, strength and love.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Sending our prayers for your whole family and friends. Thank you for sharing For with is. We will hold you all close to our hearts and forever in our prayers.

    Leann Komm
    Friend from the Relay For Life in Vancouver WA.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I'm sitting here with so much to say.....and almost no ability to express myself. So I'll say this: Though my eyes are filled with tears, my heart is filled with such a deep passion for living because of your journey.


    Kayalyn Stewart

    ReplyDelete
  8. When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight. ~Kahlil Gibra

    My heart is heavy with sorrow, thinking of the delight your mom has given to SO many! . Feel the love around you. Wishing you comfort and peace. Hug your mom from me.

    Love and Strength,
    Julie Hepper

    ReplyDelete
  9. Each time we visit this blog we see the beautiful photo of your parents. They look perfect, happy, in love. How precious it is to have had that kind of love. And as for family...there is no doubt the love you all have for one another. You are amazing people who have blessed so many of us by opening up your lives and sharing it with us all. Dor is an amazing woman who has taught me so much. I pray for comfort and peace for you today & the days to come.
    With love,
    Tonya Church

    ReplyDelete
  10. The strength and courage of your family is an inspiration to all of us. Cherish every moment you have as it will bring you comfort when you need it most. You are always in my prayers and sending my love to all of you.
    Sincerely,
    Misty

    ReplyDelete
  11. My thoughts and prayers go out to Dor and the entire family. Cherish every moment....
    Rachel Hoffman (Relay For Life Family in Oregon)

    ReplyDelete
  12. Let go Doreen, Let go! You are loved, your children are loved. You are going to a place we call all hope we go. Heaven isn't so far away, and you grandchildren and children will have a wonderful guardian angel. Let Go and Let God. The world is a better place because you where in it!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Wishing you all strength and peace in the days to come. Brings to mind the song "I Know You By Heart" by Eva Cassidy.

    ReplyDelete
  14. We will never forget your Mom's smile, humor, and big heart! I have a wonderful photo of her helping Megan do her hair and make-up for a prom. Doreen volunteered to come to our house that evening, even after working all day, and having her own family to go home to. That sums up your Mom's kindness, thoughtfulness, and love in a photo! We love you all. Linda Zimmer

    ReplyDelete
  15. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you!!!!! Love you guys!!!!!!

    Deana

    ReplyDelete
  16. a lot of words come to mind, but nothing seems appropriate in the end other than thank you for updating the rest of us who even on the peripheral have been touch by your mother -- I remember her smiles and encouragment through my childhood. My heart breaks for your family, I'm glad you have each other through this. Praying peace for you in these broken times.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Having cared for my mom, I know some of what you all are going through. You have all been so wonderful to her and your dad and to one another. Dor's attitude and gratitude are inspirational. Wishing you all peace and comfort.

    ReplyDelete
  18. My heart aches for all of you. Your family has been through so much and Doreen has the most wonderful children. Hang onto each other and I will be praying for each one of you to get through this difficult time.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Your whole family is in my thoughts and prayers.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Our thoughts are with all of you! May the happy memories help ease the pain that lies ahead.

    Know that your family has inspired & guided many with your willingness to share such personal moments in your family's battle against cancer.

    Moses Lake Relay For Life

    ReplyDelete
  21. I came across your log at a time that I needed to find strength after my husband's diagnosis. Doreen has touched and inspired my life with her enthusiasm for life and positive attitude amidst the most difficult obstacles. Thank you for sharing your lives - may you find comfort in the knowledge that your family has touched many throughout the years and in the love you have for each other. God bless you all.

    ReplyDelete
  22. All of my prayers are with your family. I have followed your blog since the beginning and your family has given me so much hope and a the reminder that you should live your life to the fullest every day. God Bless you Doreen and your great kids. Dixie (Heather's mom)

    ReplyDelete
  23. Although I have never met your family - I feel like I know you having read the very personal, loving, intimate details of your family journey. Thank you for the gifts you have shared with me and others by sharing this journey with us. I wish with all my heart that you are comforted during this time by all the love and prayers being sent to you on this day and the days to come. God Bless You All.
    Joyce Gassett

    ReplyDelete
  24. My heart hurts reading this. It brings back memories of when my mom was taken. I thank all of you for sharing your journey with all of us and reminding us how precious life is. Thinking and praying for all of you.
    Love Beccy

    ReplyDelete
  25. This blog has been like a good book...laugh out loud funny, surprising, up lifting, heartbreaking...and now it's almost over. I cried myself to sleep last night remembering the heart ache of losing my own loved one to cancer. So sorry you have to lose both of your dear parents the same way. You will have so many fabulous memories to help ease your pain. I pray for your beloved mother to have a peaceful journey to heaven where she will be reunited with her true love. <3 Stay strong.

    ReplyDelete
  26. Amy, Angie and all - even thought we knew this would come at some point...my heart aches for you. Dave and I are holding you all close in our hearts and keeping you in our prayers.
    Karen & Dave Conley

    ReplyDelete
  27. God bless you all. Peace to you and Doreen.

    Love,
    Lynn and Alex Barashkoff

    ReplyDelete
  28. Doreen you are an Angel. Your hugs warmed my heart. I will hope for comfort and peace for you.

    I love You.

    Lisa...

    ReplyDelete
  29. My heart is so heavy reading this update. As you know I never actually got the chance to meet your mom, which seems so strange as we have shared so much through e-mails, phone calls & a shared diagnosis of lung cancer (even the same type). We made plans that never came to fruition and I so regret that I never got to thank her in person for the joy & laughter she brought to my life. Please tell her that I will "see her at the gym" and we will continue our friendship there.

    I am wishing you all peace and comfort at this difficult time.

    Love, her Canadian best friend, Linda

    ReplyDelete