Category: Miscellaneous

Rest In Peace Alina

My mother’s journey on Earth is over. She died on Tuesday February 7, 2017.  When I left North Avenue Villa early Tuesday morning I felt that the time was soon. I felt that Tuesday would be the day. Alina lived without her Arthur for 21 weeks.

On Thursday my Mom was laid to rest at Home of Peace, a Jewish Cemetery in Sacramento. Rabbi Reuven Taff met with me and my brother on Wednesday. In addition to sharing family stories I appreciated the time taken to listen to me. It allowed me some peace at a stressful time. The rainy day seemed fitting.

In the Chapel my brothers and I told stories about my Mom. Each had a different realationship to her. But what made me proud was my son Joshua’s rememberances. And then my granddaughter Alyssa spoke. Right from the heart. My goodness I will always be glad that I included her in my visits to Mom. Time well spent!

My friends turned out to support me. I again asked Anne to help with the Meal of Condolences. Liz offered to host the meal at her house. Such a trememdous relief for me.  Zelda, Eva, Susan, Diane, Liz and Anne are such special friends. Thank you!

I feel sad that our time together is over. I tried my best to take care of her. My parents are together, and they gave me a great foundation. I know that her heart was with my Dad. They met after the war and saved each other!  Another Holocaust Survivor has past. I am grateful for having my Mom.

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 Care for Alzheimer’s 

Trust is something you earn over time. But when I am in unfamiliar territory and new idea float around I do not know who to trust. This is the 4th time I am visiting my mother in the ER. I am becoming familiar with the work up routine. But what comes after disturbs me.  Where to turn? Who to believe? Just met the care takers a couple of times. Change in Mom so dramatic.  All I know is that the ER is not the place for her. Been here since 9:00 am and she looks peaceful at the moment. 

Board and Care talks the good talk but I can’t seem to feel trust. Mom is not settling in by a long shot. All I hear is more meds needed and she is not drinking 8 glasses of water. They have her in wheelchair sitting all day. Only time I hear her do anything (scream) is when something is being done to care for her. So hard to listen to her suffering. 

Social workers just explained hospice to me. Sounds like this might help with trust issue. Or would that be more hands in the pot. 

Two days have past and arrangements have been made. Back at board and care hospice is set up. For the past two days Mom has been on continuous care. Different nurses come and sit by her side.  This is called comfort care. Medications for her agitation and pain. With no food or liquid intake she will be joining Dad soon.  

Today she seemed to rest comfortably, and I understand that she will remain here under hospice care.  It is a peaceful setting. Room is set up with a hospital bed, and hospice provides needed supplies.  I am taking the evening shift and the room is quiet, there are care takers around, and a little white shih tzu named Angel pops in every once in a while. Rosie made me a plate of food, so my needs are even being met. I am feeling better about caring for Mom here at North Ave. Villa.

I imagine that Mom is dreaming of being together with her Arthur soon.