The Day my Mom Died

Eight years ago, I spent two weeks with my mom who was in a semi-comatose state at home. I put my three decades of healthcare experience to use.  I bathed and turned her and emptied her catheter bag as I did for the old folks at the nursing home.  I suctioned her mouth and massaged her body as I did when I worked as a registered nurse.  And I gave her topical ozone treatments on her pressure sores so that they would not develop into decubitus ulcers as I did in my role as a naturopath.

I had just flown home after being with my mom for two weeks when the phone rang.  It was my brother who called me and said, “Mom’s breathing funny and she isn’t responding to anything anymore”.

I told him that she was in a deteriorating vegetative state and would likely die within a few hours. Before I hung up, I asked him to put the phone to my mom’s ear.

“Mom, you’ve been the most wonderful mother I could have ever wished for. Heaven is waiting for you. All of us will see you in heaven some day and we’ll have a big party.”

My brother came back on the phone and said, "What did you say to mom?  She had tears streaming down her cheeks.  I thought you said she was brain dead".

So if you think your loved one can't hear you, think again.