Hey All,
I'm up in Seattle with my family as my Dad is finally , gently, taking leave of this world.
He is in the best hospice ever-- family members that used this facility for thier folks come back to volunteer, it's such a great place full of great staff and sweet atmosphere.
I am astounded by the kindness and expertise of the staff, and thier good humor. They love thier jobs and every person they serve there is treated like they are thier own.
The focus is on letting the patient run thier own course, and to make them as comfortable as possible while they do. What a blessing that places like this exist for folks who are taking a longer path to death, and thier grieving families!

It was tough seeing Dad again, several weeks now after his stroke. His facial experssions (or lack there of) were foriegn at first , and the lack of speech, the foggy eyes, wierd movements and funny sounds. His face changed so much, and continues to daily as he slips away. The Dad I knew is a sweet memory, and here was my new version of Dad-- completely vulnerable and dependant, much like a big infant. After some embarrassed tears in front of the nurse there, I got used to the change, the obvious short future, and I accepted this new version, and got with the program. It ain't about how to "save" him anymore, it's about loving him absolutly to death!
One of the best things about this is Mom can relax and feel taken care of too, as she loses the only man she has loved for almost 60 years.
Growing up around thier true love and devotion to eachother inadvertantly gave me an unrealistic expectation that this is how "it is" for everybody, when someone promises in sickness and in health and till death do you part--- I now get that they are just a couple of the lucky ones. And they truly are, even in this challenging part. Mom's devotion is so moving and inspiring!
Though my heart hurts and i am overtaken with sudden waves of weeping, I am so glad I can be here for them, right when they need me. I'm a very lucky girl to be born into this family!