In December, 2 weeks away from the Christmas holiday, I received a call from my mother's nurse. She was outside the house and she as well as her aide were not able to reach her. Mom passed away overnight. She was found lying on her bed under her afghan. I arrived about an hour later and managed to say goodbye before she was brought to the funeral home.
As a caregiver, I am very grateful that she died with great dignity and peace. Her sons have much to be proud of. Because of our assistance and diligence she was able to stay in her home for the last 7 years. My dad passed away in 2003, so she was virtually alone. But every weekend one of us would be by to see her. I would stock up the meals for her every other weeks while my brother took care of repairs.
The funeral was what she wanted-a nephew priest who travelled back home to say the Mass. The songs we chose were her favorites. All of it was simple and so "mom".
Rest in Peace Mom.
I have begun to think of the impact this event has for me and the desire to be female. It is one more detail I can cross off. I guess I don't have to worry about what mom (or dad for that matter) would have thought about transitioning. I think in the end, they would have accepted it, but that road to acceptance would have been full of potholes, dips, and bumps for them as well as me.
Mom's death also teaches me that life is not forever and each day is fragile. In the end, we strive to be a better person and we want to be happy. By January 1, 2012, I want to be moving faster and I want to be honest with everyone I love. That will not be easy.
So time to store away the keepsakes of 2010 and ring in the promise a new year brings! Peace to all!
