Jul 24
A year ago today, Pankaj arrived sometime after 3 am. He flew from Buffalo through Charlotte, NC to Greensboro, NC. He then rented a car and drove two hours in the dark, on back country roads to get here. I think he stayed up with Mary while I got some sleep.
Mary woke up to recognize Pankaj with a smile. Mary’s mom called during the day and Mary just listened to her voice without responding. That was the last time she talked to her mom.
Mary L. thinks it was today that Mary opened her eyes when I gave her a syringe of morphine under her tongue to say; I love you. Thank you. Those were the last words Mary spoke.
Pankaj, Mary, and I sat around Mary and talked most of the day. Hospice came and bathed Mary. She responded very little other than the discomfort of being moved. I made sure we gave her meds before and after. She was resting peacefully throughout the day. I read her favorite book to her, Oh, the Places You’ll Go!
Pankaj and I talked about our lives and times with Mary. Pankaj slept for a while and then Mary L. and I put our heads down about 9 pm. I awoke to Pankaj saying, it’s time. I rushed into the bedroom and Mary was taking a few breaths. I cradled her in my arms and just held her. She took her last breath and Pankaj pronounced her passing at 11:15 pm, July 24, 2017.
Mary was no longer in pain and suffering.
I sat quietly, holding Mary in my arms. I was speechless. After a moment, Pankaj started saying; Our Father, who art in Heaven. Mary L. and I chimed in as we all held hands and touched Mary.
We stayed for a few minutes and then began the laborious process of positioning Mary and talking to her.