#98 An Update on Margaret

My mother-in-law, Margaret has been in a nursing facility in Pennsylvania for a few years now. Her dementia would not allow her to be any place where there was no one to look after her. We visited her back in December. There is a posting of that visit at this site. There are some photos there as well.

Yesterday, I called Maryann to let her know that I was leaving the job and would be home in about a half hour. It was then she told me that she would be flying back to PA today, Monday. She had to catch an early flight, which I am tracking as I write this.

Maryann's niece (Gail) called her yesterday to say that Margaret (Grandma) was not doing too well. Her food intake was considerably reduced and she was bed ridden which is unusual for her. Gail indicated that when talking to the nursing staff they all had sad faces while discussing Margaret's condition.

Maryann did call the facility and talked to Jeff, one of the care providers. He couldn't say whether Maryann should come to PA or not. He did tell Maryann about the seriousness of Margaret's condition, so Maryann did the only thing she could and that was to find the best flight there. (Her flight just landed at Charlotte, NC.)

Maryann and I both agreed that it was time for Maryann to give Margaret permission to join her late husband Clarence. Margaret will be 97 on her next birthday, in May. She used to brag about that when asked her age. She would always say how old she would be on the next birthday. Margaret was unable to do that when we visited in December. It is a particularly sad thing to watch someone you love very much lose their ability to remember.

We were fortunate to have had Margaret live with us for a little more than a year. She is a delight and we hated to have to take her back to PA, but that is what she wanted. When we told her would be taking her back, she was ready to pack her belongings for an immediate departure. The facility where she is staying is a very good one. They had to move her from assisted living to the nursing facility when it became apparent she needed more supervision and assistance.

We know it is only a matter of time until her life's mission is complete and she will transition to the next one. We can only hope that it will be a peaceful transition. I am not giving up hope that she might recover, but that is more wishful thinking than a realistic view.

One thing I can do is rejoice in the fact that my life was blessed for her having been a part of it. She will be with me forever. She is just another reason why I made the right decision to marry her daughter, Maryann.

When the time is right, Margaret, go in peace. I do love you very much, and I thank you for being here.

#98