I've been very busy with my Mama; she ended up in the hospital on April 18th when her sugar bottomed out at 38; had I not gone home to check on her, she wouldn't be here now. She was in the hospital till April 28th, we needed her to be able to get back on her walker at the house, so she's been in rehab since she was released from the hospital. She had a set back yesterday when her oxygen level dropped into the 80's; they sent her to the hospital, she had a CAT scan and they checked everything they could check, but could not find any reason why, other than a conglomeration of medical problems causing the oxygen level to drop.

Anyway, she's back at rehab, but we need prayers in making a decision of whether to leave her at rehab until they get her back on her walker(if that's even possible now; in my heart, I just don't see her getting back to where she was before she ended up in the hosital) or bringing her home now. As you know, if we bring her home now, we will need much help as far as home health/someone to sit with her while we're gone to work/a way to be able to get her from the bed to wherever she needs to go. Bill and I will not be able to physically get her up ALL the time. My brother is not able to do much anything physical, so...that leaves me and Bill. Both of our children are 2 hours away now.

We've turned her over to the Lord and tried to stop doing everything by ourselves. I have received much peace in doing so. I need your prayers, asking the Lord to make all the decisions that need to be made so that we can be at peace again in the step of her life. You see, I think I took the decision back for GOD to take control of this.

Thank you all for all your prayers and your sweet words of comfort. I'll keep everybody posted, letting you know that your prayers are being answered. I love you all and miss you.

hey Debbiie sorry to hear about your mama being backin the hospital .hopes she gets better soon.we are all thinking of you and family .you take care carrie ann

Debbie
Sorry to hear about your mama's relapse and problems. It is very hard when you have to make those decisions. Prayers for you and your family that all will turn out well. God bless you all.

Oh Debbie, that is such a hard circumstance to be in. I wished I were close enough to you to help out in that situation. Been there, done that, and it is not an easy task AT ALL!!!!!!!!! Hang in there Honey, and you know we are all here lending our shoulder whenever you need one!!!! GOD will get you all through this. Just hang tough!!!!!!!!!

Thanks Carrie, Lois, and Cathy! I really, really appreciate all the prayers. I felt a little down today as Mama just wasn't herself and as some of you know, it's really hard to watch your parents go down in health. I know my Mama gave up the day my Daddy passed away, but she was still able to laugh and joke around and have fun, but now it's just that she's lays there and stares. She can talk and all, but I am not sure she's always "there". I'll continue to keep you posted. Thanks so much.

Cathy, I wish you were closer too - we could sit back and listen to
Vince's sad songs and cry our little eyes out.

Vince - cherish Ms. Jerene as she looks like she has all her faculties and is able to continue to get around and be herself.

Debbie, I am so sorry to hear about your mother. It is difficult to see your parents suffer and to have your roles reversed, where you become their caregivers and have to make life decisions for them. My heart goes out to you. I hope you have good support from your family. It can be even more difficult when you are going through this alone. Prayers to you and your mother.

Debbie , so sorry to hear about your Mom . It is a hard thing for us to let go and let God . You do what you can when you can . My prayers are with you and your family . Take care .

Thanks Sharon and Anna! I appreciate your words of wisdom. Mama did seem to be better today, so the prayers are working.

Sharon, I have my husband - a Godsend - and the rest of my family. Even though you do have family to help, the caregivers still seem to make all the decisions as you know better than anybody else, what changes they're going through, how they react to certain things. God is in control and what more could I ask for.

I'm so glad I have my buddies to pray for us and lend moral support through the net. You are all super. Thanks.

Debbie,
Just wanted to add my thoughts and prayers as I went through this exactly 11 years ago with my Mom but it brought it all back. Somehow our guided decisions are the right ones and know that you will make the right ones for your Mom. One thing I did find out is we have to take care of ourselves so we are at our strongest.
Take care and will be thinking of you.

Lona

Thanks Lona! I appreciate the confidence in your words. You are so right - if we don't take care of ourselves, how can we take care of somebody else. Thank God, I have the husband I do, wish my children were closer as they have been so helpful with Mema in the past, but they have their own lives to live now - they help when they can.

Update!

Not very good news - Mama's anemia and congestive heart failure has gotten worse and we need to make some major decisions - it's so hard. We're going to try and send her to the hospital this last time for a blood transfusion and to get the fluid out of her lungs. After that, I'm pretty sure that everything will go back to the same. We'll either bring her home or take her back to the rehab and health center ; just not sure which one we can do at the moment. I would love to bring her home, provided we can take care of her properly, with help of course.

Please! Please! Please! continue to send up prayers for all of us. Thank you.

Debbie,I'm keeping you in my prayer's.

Cathy, thank you so much for your prayers.

Well, we talked with the Dr. and with all the information he's given us - not what we wanted to here - without any further drawing of the fluid (which will come back again and again) and the blood transfusion (which will continue to drop over and over), my brother and I decided to just make her comfortable for whatever time she has left. The Dr. has given her about 6 months, but as you know, nobody really knows that except God. They will give her morphine, when needed, she shouldn't be in any pain and will just go to sleep (how much more Mercy could you ask for), but after that she'll be in the presence of Jesus - what a better place to be. It's really hard to let her go, but I have to think of her quality of life here and the fact that she's wanted to be with Daddy since the day he died - almost 6 years ago. What good would it do (only for selfish reasons) to continue to send her back and forth to the hospital for effusions and transfusions - it will only add a couple of weeks to her life, but cause her many days of being uncomfortable and probably confused. She does have a good bit of her wit about her - at times.

Please continue to pray for peace and mercy. I'll try and keep you informed.

Thanks again for all you love, prayers, and thoughtfulness. You are my "buddies" and I thank God you're here.

We ARE here, Debbie. GOD bless, and I will be praying for that peace and mercy we know will come.

Debbie,
I just want you to know that I am thinking of you and your family. I will be remembering you in my prayers, and am thankful that you have family to help you through this. I't's nice to know that your Mama will be comfortable, and I'm sure she feels you near her even if she can't tell you that at times.

hey Debbie , just wanna to say I"am thinking of you .hope everything goes well for you your mom keep us posted.from carrie ann

Debbie
I will be keeping you and your family in my prayers. It is hard to let a parent go but she will be at peace. Glad they will be able to keep her pain free and she will certainly know you are there and love her even if she can't tell you so. God bless you and your family.

Debbie .
You have my love and prayers for you and your Mom, i have been there and i understand I had that with my Mom and my Husband,
love you Debbie, and God Bless.
love ya Shirl take care of you.

Aw! Thanks so much you guys. You are all so super and I love each and every one of you.

My family and I had some really good quality time with Mama this weekend, but she's not having a good day today. I feel like I'm on an emotion roller coaster, but I know that's the way it's going to be for whatever time she has left. It's very sweet to know my buddies are lifting us up each and every day. Thanks for being here for me AND my Mama.

Well, Mama is going down pretty fast. They have taken her off of all of her meds, including Lasix which helps the fluid leave the body faster. Her oxygen level went down to 77 the other day, so they've got a mask on her now instead of just the nose thing. She's alert sometimes and I'm pretty much spending every night there - Bill has been staying with me too, but he needs to go back to work tomorrow, so my SIL is probably going to stay tonight. Our kids went back again today and will probably be back this weekend. I'm off tomorrow, so I'll be able to spend some time with her then too. Some more of Mama's family visited today from Augusta and Mama wasn't able to talk , but could make a sound that she heard them.

This Rehab and Health Center is the best I've ever seen or heard of. All of the Nurses, CNA's, Kitchen Staff, Cleaning Staff, etc. have all been so compassionate and have really gone out of their way to make us comfortable and to make Mama feel peaceful. The Lord sure put her in an awesome place.

Please continue to pray for her - for mercy and peace - it's really, really, difficult to watch her, but I wouldn't trade any of those precious moments for anything.

Love you all!

Debbie,Sending Prayers and Love your way.

Thank you Cathy - I feel them for sure.

I know how hard it was, but I think that you and your brother made the best decision for your mother. It sounds like her care facility is wonderful and you and your family are giving her so much love. Like others have said, everything else is in God's hands and in His time. Continuing prayers for all of you.

Thanks so much Wy!

Everbody has been so sweet and loving with your prayers and words of encouragement and kindness. Mama went to be with Jesus this morning and I really appreciate all my buddies being there for me. She didn't struggle or have any pain, so what more could you ask for. Thanks again for all your love.

I have to tell you all this - I was cleaning Mama's furniture a little while ago and she still has Vince's picture he signed and the picture of me and Vince in Charleston. She was very proud of those and always talked about Vince calling her on the phone that night. That just made her night.

Thanks Vince for making my Mama happy.

(((Debbie))). At least your mom has no more pain and suffering and you know she's in a lot better place now.

Debbie. Sweet Debbie. This is so hard. Be strong, and it sounds like you are. GOD bless you and your family. My thoughts are with you very strong right now. Just be strong. 'Mamma' is at peace now.

Debbie My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family now. Your Mamma is at peace and knew she was loved. Take care and be strong in this difficult time. Love Nina

Debbie,
So sorry to hear about your mama. She is now at peace. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Laura

Debbie,
I'm very sorry to hear about your Mama. I know you will find peace in knowing she is with the Lord now, and she was blessed with a very devoted daughter.

Debbie,
I am so sorry to hear of your mother's passing. But I am glad that she went peacefully and without pain. I pray for you and your family to be sustained by love and God's grace. I know you have some cherished and happy memories to cling to and share.
Blessings,
Sharon

There is so much caring amongst this Board! Makes me once again, to be proud to be a part of this group.

Rest tonight Debbie - you will need rest in the days ahead.

Debbie I'm not sure if you remember me or not. I was in the Fan Club many years ago But I want to off up my condolences to you at this difficult time- Momma is rejoicing with Jesus now! i know your hurt, but you can be happy with her final resting place- I pray peace and comfort for you in the coming months!

Robin

Debbie, I'm so sorry to hear of your Mama's passing. I hope you are able to find comfort and peace in the fact that she is in a better place. And that you will one day see her again.

You'll be in my thoughts and prayers....

Debbie, I haven't been on the boards in awhile so I'm just now reading this. So sorry to hear about your Mama. I can't imagine how difficult that must be, but I am glad that she has found peace and is no longer suffering. You and your brother are kind children. Peace be with you and your family....

Mary

Deb,
My thoughts and prayers are with you as you go through this difficult time.
It was good to know that your Mom did not suffer and went peacefully.
Thoughts are with you as you go through the next days and beyond.

With my sympathy,
Lona

Debbie,
Please know how very sorry I am for you and your family! I do care, Debbie, You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

It's been forever since I've been back to the message board and I'm sad to see I should have been here. You could have used my prayers all this while. I'm so sorry!

I will try to be here for other members as you and so many of my Vince friends were there for me while my mother suffered and died of breast cancer.
It truely does help to see that so many care!
God Bless You!

Lois/Oma

I just want to thank all my buddies once again for all your kind words, prayers, and love during Mama's illness and death. She loved Vince too and I would share with her all about my friends here on the board. She just thought that was so cool. I'm trying to get back to some kind of normalcy now - going back to work tomorrow instead of sitting around and dwelling on it - Bill and I will take a portion of our vacation the following week to Myrtle Beach for some fun and sun.

I love each and every one of you so much. You are all so special to me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Debbie,Emotional upsets can just wipe you out .You and Bill have a good relaxing vacation.

Debbie,

We are thinking of you and keeping you and your family in our prayers.

Love,
Mandy and Sandy

Thanks Mandy and Sandy!

hey debbie I"am soooo-sorry for the lost of your mother pass away .let's us know how your doing.your in myy thoughts 7 thinking of you's you take care carrie ann

Debbie, I'm so sorry about the loss of your mom. I hope you and your family are doing ok.

Thank you Carrie and Pam. I'm trying to get back to some normalcy; Bill and I are taking off to Myrtle Beach next week for 5 nights; originally we were all going, including Mama, but we cancelled the trip when Mama got sick. I decided that I needed it now, so we're going to relax. The kids took time off when Mema got sick so they won't be able to stay with us now, but we'll take trips up to their houses soon.

Debbie, I'm still remembering you and your family in my prayers. I'm sorry I was off-line for so long and didn't know sooner. My father in law is 98 and one/half and we are so concerned about him but he seems to be doing pretty well. He's in Calif. and my husband's brother and family check on him daily at the nursing home and so far he is in pretty good spirits and no dementia and that is a blessing. Hope you and your hubby can enjoy the vacation time to heal.

Wow Freida, that's awesome! He sounds like he's still got all his faculties.

Thank you for still remembering me. I'm having a little difficult time believing Mama is gone. It hit me the other night for the first time since she passed, and I'm sure that it will hit me a lot more later. I am happy knowing that she's in the presence of Jesus and is with Daddy, Johnny, and Mammy. I do miss her though.

Debbie, My belated sympathies to you and your family on your Mother's passing. (Haven't had internet for awhile and just catching up on the boards). May good memories help to comfort you and knowing your loved ones are together in heaven.
Hugs,
TC

Thank you Tricia! It's seems harder and harder to get on board these days. I know how that is. I do have great memories and I definitely know that Mama is in the presense of Jesus. Thanks for your sweet words.

Debbie,

I am so very sorry about your mother. I haven't been on the board for a while. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.


Deb

Debbie,
I am really sorry for your loss of your mother. I lost my Mom last Sept. and I still have moments when I just want to call her on the phone to chat or ask her about a recipe or a remedy for an ailment. I too, can't believe she is really gone (even 9 months after her passing).

When I read all the entries you posted about how your Mom was doing, it was so much like what happened to my Mom, that it gave me goose bumps. My mother also had congestive heart failure and something else going on that the doctors just couldn't figure out. They did a Cats scan, and several other tests. Finally did a colonoscopy and found (or made...we don't know for sure), a hole in her colon. She had that done on a Monday, ended up having to stay in the hospital (ICU)...they thought they had cut the hole out and repaired the colon and she would be alright, Tues and Wed they couldn't get her blood pressure to stabalize and she wasn't breathing on her own (the vent was doing the breathing for her). By Friday, they were calling the family in saying she was not going to make it. Saturday we had to make the difficult decision to remove her from life support. I will never forget that day. My mother held on until Sunday, I don't know how or why. She was unable to speak to any of us the whole time she was in the hospital, so I was able to lavish her with my kisses and hugs and "I love you", but I never got to hear those sweet words from her lips ever again. I sang hyms to her and carressed her cheeks.

After the vent and all life support was removed, there was no need to keep her in the ICU. The head nurse, who we later found out was part of the administration, pulled strings for us and got her moved to the 2nd floor. It was a HUGE "VIP" hospital room where all of our large family could gather around Mama and tell her good-bye. They kept the morphine coming whenever we thought it was time or when she seemed in pain.

When the time was right, Mama's breathing just got more and more shallow and further apart, then Jesus reached down and took her home. It was so very peaceful and I know she is with Him now and no longer in pain, but I still miss her so very very much.

I know you will do the same. I will be praying for you that God will give you peace and comfort.

Mothers can be our best friends...I know mine was!

Take care,
Judy