Last Words
Mymom would have been 97 years old today. Hard to believe. But she passed away inFebruary of 2017, a few months shy of her 90th birthday.
Thedoctor had admitted her to the hospital that afternoon because she was declining so much. Ihelped the nurse tuck her in bed before returning to work at the clinic justdown the hall. I’m pretty sure the last words I said to her were somethinglike, “I love you, and I’ll be back when I finish with work.”
I’mpretty sure she answered with something like, “I love you, too. Thank you foreverything you do for me.” As if she hadn’t done more for me as my mother.
Twohours later, her doctor – the one I worked for – came out of his office to tellme the hospital had just called him to say my mom had passed away.
Quitethe surprise, but I knew she was ready.
Afew weeks ago, I watched an old episode of a TV sitcom where the character’sdad had died, and he couldn’t remember what his dad’s last words were to him.His dad’s death was even less expected than my mom’s, so why would he saysomething loving and meaningful?
Mydad had Alzheimer’s, and it was getting more and more challenging to keep himat home. Mom finally admitted him to the nursing home on a Friday morning, andI went to see him that afternoon. He was happily pacing the hall, along withseveral other residents who didn’t know what they were doing.
WhenI walked up to him, his face lit up. “You’re someone I should know.”
Ianswered, “Yes, Dad, it’s me, Chris.”
Hesmiled, nodded, and then kept walking down the hall.
Heended up in the hospital with pneumonia on that Sunday and passed away onThursday.
Ifeel blessed that both my parents had gentle words to say to me just beforethey left their earthly bodies. If any of your loved ones had less thankindness to share with you before their passing, please don’t sweat it. It’slife. But you might want to remember to say something loving to those you careabout whenever you see them.
(The picture is of my mom and my sister Pat at my first wedding in 1985. I always liked this picture - they both look so happy. I can't remember what Pat's last words were.)
