you keep looking out for me and I'll keep looking out for you

I have been re-reading parts of this book lately.  Of all the books out there about end-of-life care, it's the one I most often recommend to both health care professionals and the general public.  I just bought copies of it for each of my sisters and brother.   It goes over all sorts of practical things.  Stuff like what you might expect to feel like when you are dying; based on your disease.   Most people have never been around someone who has died and don't know what it will be like.  Often they are afraid to ask.  I usually ask patients and families if this is something they would like to know about.  They almost always say yes and are relieved when we talk about it.  

If you or someone you know is facing a serious illness this book may be a helpful guide.  My suggestion is to pick it up, flip through the pages, and stop at places that seem pertinent to you instead of reading it from beginning to end.   

Angie and I had a good visit today.  We listened to Placido Domingo singing "Spanish Eyes" and things were right with the world. 

When I left Angie she said "you keep looking out for me and I'll keep looking out for you ok?"  I told her that sounded like a pretty good arrangement to me.  

Comments

[jacki long]

Wonderful, Carol! ♥♥♥

[Amy at love made my home]

Hugs to you. xx

[Carol Gossett]

Oh my gosh, what a wonderful thing she said- I bet it tugged at your heart, didn't it?
Just makes me think of my own mom and how I miss her. Doing what you and your sibs are doing now is such a beautiful way to honor your sweet mother.

[pam]

Carol- your posts on this topic have been so compassionate and helpful. Thanks for addressing such a difficult but very present need.

[Joan Clarke]

Sweet Angie! Wishing her a peaceful passage through this stage of her life. You're a compassionate and thoughtful person, Carol. I'm sure your mother knows that.

[Linda Watson]

Was all serious until I scrolled to the picture of Angie. Big smile and a bit of a chuckle. What a light she is. And, thanks for the book reco. A dear friend has just been diagnosed with esophageal cancer. I've been with persons dying, but this friend's wife hasn't. Tough times right now.

[Susie LaFond]

Carol, you share the best moments. I love seeing Angie's adorable grin and reminds me of all the times my Mom and I would get the giggles over the dumbest things. Smiling is good and it's important to document those moments, especially when there is an abundance of serious ones always just around the corner. Also speaking of happiness and much merriment,your sketch of the squirrel in your facetime journaling session with Miss Mary Ann made me chuckle since I'm fairly certain I saw one that looked just like yours scurrying up our birch tree, in fact I'm sure of it. ;)

[Cynthia]

What a beautiful picture of Miss Angie, she looks so happy and relaxed. Thinking of you all at this difficult time; it appears you are all handling it with the right mix of good humour, love, compassion and practicalness.

[Maureen]

I have been taking my time reading this book, letting my dinner digest as I digest the clear, caring words here. Good stuff Carol.

[Megan]

I love that photo! You are giving Angie such a gift. Thinking of you!

[barbara]

Beautiful photo of Angie, her lovely face always makes me smile. Isn't music a great balm to the soul? My Father passed peacefully last week, and we had the most joyful celebration of his life on Friday. The Hospice staff is holding a memorial tomorrow at the Assisted Living center. They were and still are a great comfort to us.

[Loretta Garcia]

Hola Carol y primos,
This is your cousin Loretta Garcia in Pennsylvania. Dottie and Uncle Jack have been my contacts and have been in touch, but your blog has been a solace for me as I let my prayers waft your way. I got to be with them in San Antonio with other Noah Cox-Rosaura Barrera descendents. What a blessing to have her meet all the primos. Thanks for the spirit and love you share with us all.