welp, my sister is in hospice.

[mopinko]

she has ms and has spent the last decade in a nursing home.
she is unable to swallow, and is now suffering from malnutrition. her cognitive function has pretty much totally failed.
she came down w a serious infection, dont know what sort. she was moved to the hospital, and her family decided it was time. she either needed a permanent ng tube, w no hope that it was really going to improve things, or it was time for hospice.

going out to see her today. she is an hour and a half w/o traffic away. i confess i have not made that trek often enough. it is really hard for me. we are peas in a pod. it is like looking into a mirror for me. so very difficult.

nobody wants the "life" she has had for the last decade. i know we are all relieved that she will soon suffer no more.
this is the first of the siblings to go. of the 7 of us, most are in good health and active. i am the 6th, so i know this will not be the last one to go before me.

she was someone who had great promise, smart and a wonderful artist. between the chains of motherhood, and this stupid disease, she has been robbed of much.
i dont believe in any kind of afterlife, so i do not have that comfort. but i do know that sometimes life is so awful that the alternative is preferable. this is one of those times.

[NRaleighLiberal]

1. So sorry to hear of this, Mo

[riverbendviewgal]

2. My thoughts are with you.

[Fla Dem]

3. So sorry a meaningful life was cut short. Peace be with you and your family.

As you said, sometime the better path is to end the suffering whatever waits for us on the other side.

[mopinko]

5. yes, the hardest part is what could have/should have been her life.

so much talent lost to the way motherhood treats so many of us.

[il_lilac]

4. Hugs to you

[kairos12]

6. No truer thoughts or feelings. My best to you.

[niyad]

7. ((((((((mopinko))))))) I know words don't really help at times like this, but know that your DU

family is here for you, if there is anything we can do.

[mountain grammy]

8. I'm so sorry.

Hugs to you and your sister. Hoping for a peaceful end.

[irisblue]

9. (((mopinko)))

I am so sorry. I wish for an easy passing for her.

[Scarsdale]

10. Hopefully the end will be

peaceful and easy. Please do not beat yourself up for not visiting often enough. We do what we can, taking care of our own families, too. I was the youngest of 7, and the only one left. We had our disagreements, but never let an outsider get into out business!! We did not have much, but we had each other. I hope your sister is in a peaceful, quiet environment when you see her. Tell her it is alright to leave. Hugs to you, stay strong.

[Granny M]

11. So sorry, Mopinko.

Wishing your sister peace, and comfort for you and the family.

[lexington filly]

12. There's a distinction between life and merely existence

to me. I'm sorry your sister has suffered so and in turn, you and your family.

[bearssoapbox]

13. Joining in with the group hug

Words seem so inadequate at times like these but having the group energy and empathy, in my experiences anyway, really seems to help.

I do hope though, that her passing is quiet and peaceful.

For you, and your family.

Take care.

[Skittles]

14. such a dreadful disease

I am so sorry, Mopinko

[MuseRider]

15. Oh dear.

Mopinko, sending hugs and support. I know you are such a good person, this must hurt so. Please lean on us if you need.

I am so sorry. Losing a sibling is hard, especially one who is a mirror.

[mopinko]

16. thanks for all the love.

it means so much. it really does.

went out to see her today. she is as cognizant as she has been, recognized me, and my dog biff, who she only met once. she couldnt quite manage to pet him, tho.
able to answer yes/no questions, but barely able to move.
i think it will still be a while, unless she gets sick again.
but her son asked her if she was ready to go be with our mom, and she said yes.

so frustrating to know that if she got sick today, instead of 20 years ago, the outcome would likely be so different.

[sellitman]

17. Hang in there

I know how hard it is. We are watching my Dad who is not doing well in his last days.

It can get you down but your sister will be not be suffering soon. That's what we can take from it. It will do.

[easttexaslefty]

18. I'm sorry Mo. Big hugs

[Tanuki]

19. I am so sorry for the sadness and for all that she has been through with this terrible disease.

Peace and blessings to you and to your entire family. I hope the time she has left will be comfortable and may she feel the presence of love all around her.