I've been out-of-pocket since last Friday.
My Aunt Flo passed away early Sunday morning at age 97. She would have been 98 in September. I've been handling her affairs for over ten years, basically since she became legally blind.
As the minister said at the graveside service she was a unique person. She was in the Army Air Force and worked as an air traffic controller. She was a world traveler who went to Australia in her seventies. She was an excellent cook and bridge player. She was naturally curious and when she couldn't see to read anymore she listened to books. She loved to socialize and reveled in her friends and family. She was what Southerners call a strong-willed woman which basically means she knew what she wanted and did whatever it took to get it. Sometimes that caused her to step on toes both in and out of the family. In short she lived life to its fullest until she could no longer physically or mentally do so. And that made her extremely unhappy. She was no longer living the life she wanted to live.
My father and I jointly made the decision on Friday night to stop all the various medical treatments for her. The medical folks advised us to do so but without using those words. I would say they steered us that direction in a very professional manner. And so we did Saturday evening.
I can tell you that it is one thing to make the decision. It is quite another to see it in action. I walked in her room Saturday evening and everything except her oxygen was gone. It shocked me and made me understand the reality of it all. And I was troubled because I wasn't sure we had done the correct thing.
She died a little over twelve hours later. When my father called to tell me I could hear the relief in his voice. I also was relieved. Her quick passing seemed to validate our decision.
Now she's out of the life that she didn't want to live in anymore. And I'm glad for her.
RIP, Aunt Flo. We will miss you.
May 27, 2009 in
Life |
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Your Comments
Sorry to hear of your loss, Lew.
My grandfather was of that generation, and he passed away in December.
I've always been in awe of their generation, what they did, and how they thought it unremarkable.
I'm just sorry that my kids weren't able to know him better.
Posted by: Craig at May 27, 2009 10:37:17 PM
My sincerest condolences, Lewis.
It's always good to see, however, when someone squeezes everything they can out of life. Your grandmother serves as an inspiration to us all.
Posted by: Pete (Alois) at May 28, 2009 10:34:53 AM
The passing of our parents and their siblings is not something that is easy. It is a reminder of our own mortality.
Posted by: Ridge Walker at May 29, 2009 9:04:36 AM
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