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We were infomed about 2 weeks ago that she had lost 10 lbs in 2 months, her appetite was barely there and she was becoming weaker. They suggested hospice.
Her 2 sons ate Christmas dinner with her at a special facility event this Tuesday, she started hospice on Wednesday, and we were called out of church this morning that her heart rate was 30 and her breathing was labored. My son in Chicago happened to come into town yesterday, so he was there, as was my local son, and his son (my grandson). We looped in my other brother-in-law in Tucson with FaceTime.
When we got there her eyes were half open but not really tracking, her breathing was abnormal, and she wasn't really responsive but we felt she could hear us, as at one point a tear rolled from her eye while her sons were crying and talking to her. We feel she was waiting for all 3 sons to be "present" then she very gently and quietly passed. She wasn't on meds for pain. She didn't seem to be in pain, thankfully.
The staff was wonderful: they brought food for us, consoled us, told us stories about her, they came in and out saying their farewells to her since she'd been there for 7 years total, the Chaplain came in several times and waited with us for the Cremation Society to come get her. They sent only 1 small young woman so I helped move her onto the gurney.
She was a very nice MIL, a loving Mom and sweet woman who had never harmed a fly. She technically wasn't diagnosed with anything so not sure what took her. Just so so grateful she had as good an exit as it gets.
Last time I saw her was on Thanksgiving, eating and laughing together so it feels surreal to me that she's gone.
Jesus was her Lord and Savior, so although surprised and sad, we are celebrating her liberation from her worn-out, sick, earthly body and she now in the presence of her loving God.
"In the resurrection scheme of things, this has to happen: everything perishable taken off the shelves and replaced by the imperishable, this mortal replaced by the immortal. Then the saying will come true:
Death swallowed by triumphant Life! Who got the last word, oh, Death? Oh, Death, who’s afraid of you now?"
1 Corinthians 15:54-55 (The Message version)
I am very sorry for your loss. I’m glad she went easily and without pain, and thank you for describing this so beautifully.
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Reply to Fawnby
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Geaton - so sorry to hear this, and condolences to you and the family. She is in God's hands now. So sorry to the family for the loss, it is difficult.
Hope you all get through with strength.
Thanks for all your helpful comments to us on the Forum.
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Reply to strugglinson
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Geaton777, my heartfelt sympathy to you and your family. Sounds like Mom-in-law had passed peacefully, just as she had probably planned.
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Reply to freqflyer
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I’m sorry, Geaton.

Thank you for sharing with us.
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Reply to cxmoody
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Geaton, I am so glad her passing was eased.
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Reply to AlvaDeer
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So sorry for your loss . She was lucky to have her family looking after her and visiting her , and for a peaceful end of life . May the good memories help give you all peace .
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Reply to waytomisery
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Oh my goodness! I'm so sorry for your unexpected loss, but so happy MILs exit was quick, painless and peaceful. That's a relief. My mother's passing was unexpected too, even though she was 95. She was fine one day, then went into her bed and passed a week later, never waking up again.

Sending you hugs, love and prayers for strength as you grieve this loss.
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Reply to lealonnie1
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So very sorry for your family's loss. Thank you for sharing this and glad it was as peaceful a passing as possible filled with love and family present.
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Reply to casole
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Geaton, thank you for this post and thank you for caring enough about us on the forum to share your wisdom and compassion.
I’m happy your MIL’s journey home was peaceful and that her family was with her at the end. I’m sure she was thankful she had you in her life and I’m thankful you are in mine.
May God bless you for what you brought to her in this world and how you helped ease her into the next.
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Reply to Peasuep
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I am so sorry for you and your family. It sounds as if she had a lovely life, and a blessed end with her family by her side.
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Reply to pamzimmrrt
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So glad to hear of this gentle, peaceful end! I hope you and your entire family are comforted by wonderful memories of this special person.
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Reply to SnoopyLove
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I’m sorry to hear your news and wish your family much comfort and peace. Also very grateful MIL had such a good family in her corner looking out for her, and then an uncomplicated, peaceful passing. It’s nice to think of our loved ones healed and whole in Christ. Hugs…
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Reply to Daughterof1930
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