Mom is still hanging in there, she hasn't had any food or water for a week now. She can only moan, when we saw her moving her leg slightly and jerking, we knew she was in pain. The doctor ordered her an IV for purposes of ease of pain meds dosing, her body is so fragile they did not want to have to give her shots. Her arms and hands are not so swelled, but her face and neck are.

We are keeping her mouth moist with swabs, and lips moistened. I think she did know that I was there, she tries so hard to speak, only moans come out. She opened her eyes wide awake, I just held her face tenderly and told how much I loved her and what a wonderful Mother she had been. She seems afraid, and has an alarmed look in her eyes a lot, her expression is like someone who has been starled by a loud noise.

There are eight of us children, all but one was there every day. My youngest Sister just can't seem to go and hasn't for weeks. I told her it would be okay, and that she is a good person, Mom would understand, that she will do the right thing for her. Some of my siblings think Mom is hanging on for a visit from my Sister, and I think my Sister thinks if she goes Mom will let go and it will be her fault.

I am sure that I won't see my Mom again alive, I pray for her to have a peaceful transition. It is so hard to see them struggle, the ravages of this awful disease are so cruel and relentless. I too, wait the phone ringing, the message I don't want to hear, but at this point in her suffering it would be a welcome relief for us all.

DeeDee