Yesterday, I received a telephone message from the nursung home. They said my Dear Helen was near the end.When I went there, she was lying in bed as usual with the head of the bed slightly raised. She was taking short breaths. Oxygen tubes were attached. My daughter was sitting there holding her hand, and several nursing aids were just standing there. They greeted me when I arrived, but there was very little conversation.
After about ten minutes, one of the nurses said "She's taking her last breath right now". I asked her how she knew and she said she had seen it before. They summoned the cheif RN who canme and listened to her heart with a stethoscope. Then looked at her watch and said "She has passed... at two-thirty"
We all hugged each other, and there were some tears. Even though I was long prepared for this, it was somehow different. I completey lost my voice. I couldn't say a word. Other staff members were comming in to concole my daughter and me, and after a while the cheif RN asked if I wanted her to call the mortuary. Again, I couldn't talk.... But they did call the mortuary and they said they would pick her up within an hour. My daughter and I left.
My other daughter came from about fifty miles, and that evening, the three of us spent most of our time answering the phone and making calls, and actually had a rather pleasant evening. The strangest thing was my voice. If I tried to talk about Dear Helen, I had no voice, or very weak.......It's OK today.........
So...That's my story.......It realy wasn't so bad.
Georgieboy, I am so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, for strength for the days ahead. Now, take care of yourself.
Georgieboy....my heart goes out to you and I know exactly how you are feeling. It is difficult and at the same time knowing that your dw has found peace. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your daughters will be your strength...hold them close.
I am so glad you were able to be with Helen as she sighed farewell to this realm and to the disease that held her and all of you hostage. She is free and well and whole now...and you and your family were wonderful caregivers..I know she thanks you and she will ever be with you in your mind and heart. I wish you peace.
GeorgeBoy, I'm very sorry to learn of your loss. Losing your voice can happen when you have had a great shock. A friend of mine's house was flooded 2-3 years ago in Brisbane, Australia, and he couldn't speak for 3 days. I hope that you will lean on your family for comfort the next little while. You will need it, and you deserve it.
GeorgieBoy, my heart is heavy for you and your family but my soul rejoices for Helen and her freedom. You have done a great job of loving and taking care of Helen. May God grant you and your daughters peace and comfort now and in the coming days. Thank you for all your inspiration and for sharing this most private time with us.
georgieboy, what a wonderful husband you have been. I was very touched when I read how you could not speak. God bless you and I am so sorry you lost your dear Helen.
I am so sorry for your loss but happy for the peaceful exit your loving wife had. Cherish the memories of being with her on her passing. Hugs for you and your family.