[cdcox]

My mom is going to pass in the next few days. She has lived in a nursing home the last 6 years with Alzheimer's. She would not have survived this long, if it weren't for my dad. He took care of her at home until he couldn't any more. It took a stroke for him to realize it was time for her to go to a memory care unit. But once she moved to the nursing home, he still would still spend at least 5 hours a day there. Every day. He fed her every breakfast and every lunch. He had infinite patience in feeding her, talking through every bite or every sip. He'd play music for her too. He charted her temperature, her fluid intake, etc.

About a month ago, he got locked out of the nursing home. From a public health perspective, and for the health of the other residents it makes sense 100%. It wasn't good for her though. Skipping over the details, she has gone down hill since. He has been able to visit her the last three days. I'm thankful for that.

Maybe it is her time and would have happened in about this time frame regardless of circumstances, but in my mind her death will always be linked to the circumstances of this time. Under normal circumstances, of course I would have traveled back to KC for this. But my own family needs me here. At some point, we will hold a memorial service for her and I will be there for that.

A few words about my mom's life. She is one of 13 siblings who grew up on a farm in eastern Kansas. She's been married 59 years to my father. She leaves four sons, six grandchildren, and a dozen great grand children. I have nothing but fond memories of my childhood. My love of food and cooking come from her.

As to the thread question, I'm "okay". She hasn't recognized me for at least 10 years, so it many ways, I lost her a long time ago. Nevertheless, the finality of her passing hits hard. This post in part of my mourning in these strange days. Thanks for reading and I greatly appreciate your warm thoughts and prayers for me and my family.