Home again ...

I am back after spending the weekend recuperating from two very intense, very sad weeks with my aged, ailing mother in Israel.

She almost died, and then it was discovered she had pneumonia amongst other things. She had requested no more hospitalizations, but we felt terribly responsible when a third doctor yelled at us for keeping her at home when she had pneumonia (which other doctors had not diagnosed thus far).

So, thankfully, the hospitalization pulled her back from pneumonia and she is now at home.

All my siblings being there at the same time was amazing. We pulled together and helped each other with great love.

Still much to be processed for me emotionally.

At present I am so sad to not be at my mother's bedside, and trying to be home again - and back at work.

Thanks so much to all of you for thinking of me, emailing or calling.

Comments

[Jean]

I hope the doctor didn't succeed in making you feel guilty for respecting her wishes. The fact that her wishes are against the grain of today's medicine doesn't mean they are foolish wishes. Sounds like maybe flexibility was the right way to go, this time - but perhaps not if it happens over and over again.

Of course, these are just thoughts and feelings off the top of my head, and I don't know the full situation for you all.

Great that you were able to be there, and that all your siblings were too. Supporting each other can't make it anything but painful and heartrending, of course. Lots and lots of love. Take good care of yourself.

[Marion Barnett]

Lovely to hear your Mom is home again. With my Dad we were always so anxious to get him home and out of the hospital on his many re-admits. While they are often miracle places, hospitals complicate and sicken, especially fragile aged people. Hope you can go back for a visit to see her sooner, rather than later!

[Christa]

Your Mother is in my thoughts and prayers. Sending positive, healing energy to her in Israel. It must be difficult being so far away from her geographically, but she knows you are with her in your heart. ♥

~ Christa from Los Angeles

[Joy]

I'm glad to hear your mom made it through the pneumonia..that can be so hard on an elderly person. At least she is home now, and I know she feels better about that. I hope she continues to recover and feels better with each day. Take care Tamar... ~Joy

[tamarika]

Dear Jean,
How right you are! And in fact a few of us did feel uncomfortable about it. But I think we all learned a lot about so many aspects about our mother and death and dying.

Dear Marion,
Yes. I have been thinking already of when would be a good time for me to return to visit my mother this year. It's a good feeling, mixed in with the sadness of her situation, of course.

Dear Christa and Joy - thank you so much for stopping by with your supportive wishes for me and my family. Very much appreciated.

[Sky]

just a note to say i am thinking about you and your mom and family. i hope she will regain her strength. being 3,000 miles away from my mother for the six years before her death, i understand your desire to be there, especially when she is vulnerable and ill. it was so hard for me to be so far away when mother was in such a fragile state. i know this is a huge challenge, and my heart reaches out to you.

[tamarika]

Thanks so much, Sky. Your comment is much appreciated especially at this time.

[joared]

Hope all is continuing to go well for your Mother. The distance can be a deterrent to frequent visits.

Does your Mother have access to Skype? I enjoy using it with my family here free in the States, but believe there are international connections, though may be charges.