by Hope
My mom went to be with the Lord last night. Nine and a half years since her initial diagnosis with Lewy Body Dementia, eight and a half years since that diagnosis was modified to Parkinsons with Dementia, and just short of four years on hospice care.
She has been bed ridden and not responsive for the majority of the last four years.
Hospice told us last Friday that the end was near. She began refusing to eat periodically a couple of weeks ago. Her last full meal was Thursday morning. (A week ago today.)
She went peacefully, surrounded by all of us kids and my dad after a 5 day vigil. She had not opened her eyes since Friday at midnight.
I am so grateful that I have been here this past year. I am so grateful that we were all able to be present for these final days. There was lots of laughter, lots of stories, lots of teasing. It was such a hard but beautiful time together.
I will remain here for the foreseeable future. My dad broached this subject with me when I returned from my trip moving my son here.
Once things settle here, I will be back with promised updates. Today, we are working on funeral arrangements and notifications. Hug your loved ones a little tighter today.
While we all KNOW my mom is whole again and kicking up gold dust…this loss is HUGE for all of us.
Hope is a resourceful, solutions-driven online business manager with over two decades of experience helping clients streamline operations, manage projects, and grow their businesses through digital marketing and technology.
But life has a way of rewriting your plans.
A year ago, Hope made the decision to move in with her aging parents full time – a season she wouldn’t trade, even as it came with its own financial and emotional weight. Earlier this year, she lost her mother, and is now walking the tender, disorienting path of grief while learning what “forward” looks like from here.
Hope came to the Blogging Away Debt community in 2015 as a single mom raising five foster and adoptive children. She’s written through job changes, financial setbacks, and the bittersweet transition to an empty nest. Her kids are finding their footing in the world now – and so is she.
Rooted in faith and fueled by the same perseverance she’s brought to every hard season, Hope is ready to face her finances with fresh eyes and an honest pen. She believes that clarity, courage, and community can change the trajectory of anyone’s story including her own.
She lives in Austin, TX with her dad, loves adventures with her dog Addie, and is figuring out, one step at a time, what this next chapter is meant to be.
Hope,
My sympathies! I know this must be super tough for you!
Hope, I’m sorry to hear this. Take care.
So sorry for your loss. I am glad you and your family were able to gather together and say goodbye to your mom before she passed.
Praying for you all.
I’m so sorry for your loss, Hope!
I am so sorry for your loss. I know how hard the last years have been for you all. Thank you for sharing with us followers of your journey.
Hope, I’m so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts.
Very sorry for your loss. My condolences to you and the family.
My deepest condolences, Hope. What a tremendous loss. I’m glad you and your siblings are close. That will be a huge part of her legacy. What more could a mother want?
I am glad you are there with your Dad. Be gentle with yourself and take time to heal.
wishing you comfort, peace and strength in the days ahead.
I’m so sorry for your loss Hope.
I’m very sorry for your loss, Hope, and will be keeping you and your family in my thoughts. I’m glad you were able to spend so much time with your mom over the past year. May her memory will be a blessing.
Sorry for your loss
My condolences. Losing a parent, no matter what the circumstances, leaves a huge gap. May her memory be a blessing.
I’m so sorry for your loss Hope – so glad she was surrounded by all your love!
Thinking of you and your family Hope, I’m so glad you were able to be with her this past year and right up to the end.
I’m sorry for your loss.
I am sorry for your loss.