6/18/12

I am writing this for Eileen as she is no longer able to communicate. She is in hospice now - has been for the last three weeks. She has not been able to post again and the last one was difficult for her - obviously the loss of privacy and dignity is uppermost in her mind right now. However, she is no longer able to use the lift so is confined completely to her bed. She is sleeping much of the time and eats very little. This is a terrible process and her insurance company dragged it's feet in providing the necessary equipment until she was beyond any benefit it could have provided. However, her care givers here are unfailingly kind and try their best to keep her as comfortable as possible.

The hospice Eileen is in is lovely and she has big sunny room with views of the gardens and birds feeding their chicks in a birdhouse outside her window. She has had many visitors coming to give her hugs and to tell her how much she has meant in their lives. She says to send her love and gratitude to all of you who have given so much of your support over these past years - it has done so much to make her last journey bearable. If you leave comments I will try to bring them to her.

 And thank you so much from me too for being there for her.


Eileen's Mum

8 comments:

Titus 2 Thandi said...

Wishing her peace on this journey. And wishing YOU, those who love her, strength, peace and comfort. Nothing can prepare you for seeing the decline, I'm sure. She has taught me a lot and I will be a better person because of it.

Catherine said...

I also wish you both peace on the last leg of this journey. I have followed her blog for quite some time and have admired her strength of character for what she has gone through, but have never posted a comment. (I wish I had) I wish you and your family both love for the strength you will need for the coming weeks. xx

Leslie said...

May God hold you all in the palm of His hand as He guides you through this journey. Eileen has shared her courage with us and we have felt her love. We are better for having known her even if only through a blog. (((gentle hugs))) and love to everyone.

Nancy K. said...

Hi 'Mum'. I met you at the WI Sheep & Wool Festival a few years ago when you and your handsome hubby signed your book for me. I've been a big fan of Eileen's since first seeing the beautiful yarn that she spun. I so wanted to meet her. In fact, I had hoped she'd be able to come down to my place (a couple of years ago) and spend some time sitting with me and my Shetland sheep! We talked about it often but never got around to it.

You must be so very proud of your beautiful daughter! Such a strong, generous, caring and compassionate woman! My heart breaks for YOU. As a Mom, I can't imagine any worse pain than watching your child suffer as Eileen has over the last few years. She must have some incredible heavenly reward waiting for her!

I pray that Eileen and those of you closest to her feel the love of all who's lives she has touched. I believe it can honestly be said that she will leave this world a little better place than it would have been without her...

XO

Nancy Krohn
Houston, MN.

Nancy K. said...

A mutual friend contacted me because she couldn't leave a comment on this blog. She asked me to post the following for her:

" I never met her in person, but I followed her blog and was touched by
her humor, her strength, and her love for life. She and your family are
in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time"

Jean - SE MN

Jill Stanze said...

Sending strength, peace and love to all of your family. Eileen's joyful spirit and smile along with 'Mum's' presence during treatment made a difference in my life. Thank you for that. Comfort and hugs in the coming days....

Delighted Hands said...

Praying for all of you.....Eileen has touched our lives in such a powerful way. Hugs to all...

Anonymous said...

I have no words right now except I love you, Eileen. It pains me to read the difficult time that you are experiencing, and I selfishly have been avoiding it. You mean more to me than you can know, and I want to be there to hold your hand. I am there in spirit, but it's not enough. I love you, dear friend. You are an inspiration and a breath of fresh air. I promise to keep in touch. Love, peace and warm hugs, donna peach