#402 Keith called yesterday.

Twice. Uh, oh.

Call one was to confirm that he had been in touch with a hospice provider concerning mom. The procedure was for them to confer with the doctor to confirm mom's condition and then to talk with Keith about the service to be provided. He gave them the go ahead. All of this took place prior to his making his daily visit to see mom. Everything seemed in order and I was pleased to learn of his progress. After all, the palliative order had indicated that mom had leukemia with the stage being (end). In plainer English that translates to terminal. A sad diagnosis, but not unexpected.

Call two came after his visit to see mom. The difference between how she looked and acted on Sunday had deteriorated some 60% (his words) by Monday. He likened her appearance to the body of King Tut. She had wasted away considerably over night. Her voice was very weak. Her breathing was shallow and through her mouth.

He was able to discuss the situation with one of the nurses from the facility. This particular nurse had been a hospice nurse and is well aware of the signs. While she could not legally inform him of her condition, she did not dissuade him about the next steps he might consider. He understood and made arrangements with a funeral home. Mom will probably finish this life's mission relatively soon. He learned that the hospice process might take longer than mom would survive, so he canceled it. Mom's doctor will be notified of the change in her condition and make the appropriate changes in medications to keep her comfortable.

The nurse also suggested moving mom to a single room. She is currently sharing her room with another woman. That woman's daughter said that it would be better if mom stayed right where she was. The woman's mother apparently gets some comfort from her being there. My brother was most appreciative of the daughter's approach.

So, there you have it. The next stage in mom's mission accomplishment. We will now await the call. I just hope the bamboo plant we had sent will arrive in time. I just got word that it has been shipped from LA.

Thank you all for your kind words, prayers, good thoughts and loving energy.

#402