Hospice

My mom ended up in a coma in the hospital after her blood sugar spiked in the nursing home. I called JoAnn, my precious, dear hospice nurse friend. At the time, she was mobilized for the Army and not easy to reach by phone, but God knew I needed her wisdom. When she picked up to hear my update, she told me she could still hear even though she was comatose. She suggested getting people on the phone and putting them on the speaker so they could say their thanksgivings to her, share funny memories, and say their farewells. As instructed by JoAnn, I put on her favorite songs, prayed with her, and sang hymns. When the nurse came in to talk about hospice, Dad asked if we could take her home and found out we could. I immediately called JoAnn, who made phone calls and got the wheels moving for this process. Within two hours, my mommy was home, in her bed, where she’d wanted to be since she was admitted into the nursing home. By morning, I felt regretful, like Mom would be mad at me for putting this medicine in her mouth. I called JoAnn again. This was the third time, once each day, that God had her available when I called. She assured me that dying that I was the one easing that pain for her. JoAnn comforted me as she shared what could happen next and that sometimes our loved ones will take their last breath when we are not there. I am forever grateful for this knowledge because when I returned to the room where Mom was, with Dad lying next to her, holding her hand, she had already taken her last breath. I am thankful beyond words for JoAnn. My mom’s passing to eternal life with Jesus was more precious because of my friend and her guidance. Thank you.