Lifelong pen-pal to visit Mom

Mom called early this afternoon.

"I just wanted to tell you that Brenda is coming to see me from Hawaii," Mom strained. Her voice is choppy now. I can tell she's having to use laser focus to get through her thoughts and fight for air as she does it. What a warrior this woman is.

Brenda is Mom's life-long pen-pal from Hawaii. They've never met. Mom always talked about getting to Hawaii but never did.

"That's it," she continued. "She'll be here next Friday to see me. I have to go. Sheila is here to see me." Mom hangs up. I can hear her start to talk to Sheila in the background before she closes her cell. Sheila is mom's hospice nurse. She's patient and caring and has a 'good energy' Mom says.

Mom's been so fortunate to have so many caring people in her life as she has progressed through this journey. I think back to the many meals provided by her small church group; the countless people I've met sitting by Mom's bedside; the endless stories of people whom I've never met like transport drivers, radiation techs, head chefs, night nurses and aides. I reflect on the lives touched by Mom's affectionate spirit and never-ending desire to 'hear each person's story.'

Every word counts for Mom these days. Her words are precise and come quickly. She's resting more often. Jen tried to get Mom to sleep fully laying down on her back or side -- something she hasn't done for over a year. Not sure if she did so last night or not.

Thanks again to everyone for the flowers. Each time we visit she shares who brought what, when and what they said.