I was on my way to the hospice for my morning visit with him when I got the phone call.
The hospice didn't see the usual signs in advance in order to summon me. Just as well. Mr. AOW and I decided years ago that I shouldn't sit bedside for the end.
One moment, he was cracking a joke. The next moment, he was gone.
While Mr. AOW was at the hospice for that brief time, he had more visitors and phone calls than he'd had in eleven and one-half here at home under post-stroke care. What an irony!
I am grateful for the excellent care my husband received at the hospice. This is what end-of-life care should be! I'm also grateful that Mr. AOW was lucid right up to the very end.
Any blog friends wishing to know the arrangements should contact me via email, as shown in the right sidebar.
Oh, AOW...Please know you're being prayed for, you are loved, you are appreciated and I am HERE, you have my number...any time you'd like to talk. As you well know, I sadly have 'been there'.......
ReplyDeleteYou were wonderful with Mr. AOW for so many years, and especially during his long illness........God bless you, dear friend.
AOW I echo Z's comments. I love you and I'm praying for you. If you need anything I'm here for you.
ReplyDeleteAOW I echo Z's comments. I love you and I'm praying for you. If you need anything I'm here for you.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry, AOW. Prayers for your dear husband and for you too. May he rest in peace.
ReplyDeletePrayers for peace and comfort for you AOW.
ReplyDeleteNice to hear Mr AOW was joking to the last.
Horatio: Now cracks a noble heart.
ReplyDeleteGood night, sweet prince,
And flights of angels
sing thee to thy rest.
-Shakespeare, "Hamlet"
Peace to you AOW...
ReplyDeleteAll our prayers and love for you and your husband. May god grant him a well earned rest
ReplyDeleteDear AOW, We've not met. Here from Z's blog. This brought tears to my eyes. I just can't imagine how hard this must be. Please know you have my sympathy. May the LORD Jesus shower you with comfort and peace.
ReplyDeleteWrapping you in prayer my dear.
Blessings,
Pamela xx
redbirdacres.wordpress.com
Your challenges have been epic, AOW. Throughout these years, you have been steady as a rock and I admire you so much for your strength. There is nothing I can say to ease your pain, but please know that you are in our prayers. May God bless you and comfort you in these dark hours. He is the light and now is the time to draw close to Him, as I know you will.
ReplyDeleteWell stated. I echo your comments. The Good Lord blessed Mr. AOW when he married Mrs. AOW.
DeleteMustang
DeleteOne thing that I wouldn’t have believed in the 70s. It just seemed the men who
served had way. more balanced lives filled with joy and love than the protesters. AOW and her family are an awesome loving family. When you see a Vietnam protester you get Adams family types who never grew up. They define their lives and see Vietnam in every detail of life.
"One moment cracking a joke, the next moment gone." After all you have both been through. As I was rushing to get set up for bible study this morning, I was stopped to pray for you at 7:55. This was that special pause you don't ignore. And my prayers continue for comfort and restoration. Praise God, this is not the end! He lives.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to hear this news. Hospice care is a blessing in an otherwise sad time.
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts and prayers ..... RIP.
ReplyDeleteMay our Father help see you through the days to come as you miss your husband of so many years. Scherie and I will continue to hold you in our prayers as we have been holding the two of you.
ReplyDeleteMay he rest in peace. Know that I'm praying for you both.
ReplyDeleteSorry for your loss, aow. It does warm my heart to hear about Mr AoW's visitors and hospice care. It makes all the difference. RIP.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you, AOW.
ReplyDeleteMy Sincerest Condolences, to You and your Family.
ReplyDeleteMay Mr. AOW Rest In Peace.
No matter how expected the ending always comes with the same terrible sadness and grief. My thoughts and prayers remain with you.
ReplyDeletePeace of our Lord be with both of you.
ReplyDeleteDuck season
DeleteSorry for your loss
ReplyDeleteYou have my most sincere condolences, ma'am. There are no words one can give to another when grief is fresh and deep, but please know there are always those who care and will be there to support and succor you in times of need. Having lost my father this last December has reminded me of that, and I hope the coming days eventually bring you peace.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear this! May the God of all comfort comfort you in this time of loss.
ReplyDeleteI just got back from the funeral. What wonderful people and a great service. I met Warren for the first time. Part of the trip was depressing. The new NYC terminal is breathtaking but no business save a Starbucks. It would be nice to have a newstand.
ReplyDeleteBaltimore looked even worse than NYC. The food court in DC was deserted and only Einsteins bagels which are Dunkin Donuts quality grade 85 were available. We ate at. Jasons Deli and I will give that a split grade sandwich 93. Should be served with a wide fry. Ambiance 98. If you are expecting Katz this isnt it. Just excellent food, ambiance and service will do for 99/ of us.
Hi, Beak...so good of you to go. And so glad it was a great service. Jealous of your meeting Warren!! Hope you're doing well.......God bless, Z
DeleteThank you, everyone.
ReplyDeleteI had my best-ever Composition student (Hillsdale grad) write the obituary from a list of random items I emailed to him. I just couldn't bear to write my husband's obituary!
The services on Wednesday were beautiful and just as I envisioned them: vocal recording of "Amazing Grace" to begin the funeral service (the only hymn that Mr. AOW had listed for his funeral service), three of my family members sharing personal memories of Mr. AOW at the funeral service, the minister's message, recording of "Aria on Abide with Me" (arranged by a former homeschool student, now a professional pipe organist), military honors at graveside (attended by a multitude as there were no COVID limits on numbers at the cemetery).
And it was a beautiful day! 70+ degrees! A California-weather day for Mr. AOW, who hailed from Southern California.
Today, Warren helped me return what was, in effect, Mr. AOW's hospital room here to a living room. I had all the living room furniture upstairs in storage in the huge guestroom.
Goodbye, thank God, to the hospital bed in this living room for the past 11.5 years!
Also today, family came over and helped me clear out Mr. AOW's clothing. So much of it! Mr. AOW had styles and weights for every season and for every in-between season: chest of drawers, hamper repurposed for clothing storage, small closet, coat closet, and big stacks of sweats and sweatshirts. These items are going to young family member living way west, out in the county.
I have yet to venture into Mr. AOW's man cave. **sigh**
And loads of legal paperwork to do, of course.
This is hard time. Mr. AOW and I began dating 49 years ago last month. Life is strange right now.
May you find comfort in memories.
DeleteMy sweet friend, I'm so truly sorry.
ReplyDeleteI am ashamed of myself for not checking on you sooner AOW. I am stunned to learn that your beloved husband has passed. Perhaps stunned isn't the correct term to use since he was in ill health for years, but rather a feeling of guilt for not keeping up with you more closely.
ReplyDeleteMay God place His hand upon your shoulder and guide you through this lonely time. May you be comforted in the knowledge that he is no longer suffering the insidious effects of diabetes. I pray your life is easier now and that find ways to make yourself happy and whole again.
All the best to you dear one. Be well.
I'm also sorry for not checking in sooner, but please accept my deepest condolences to you and the rest of your family.
ReplyDeleteMay God grant you Peace and may Mr. AOW Rest In Peace.