My mom "Grandma Lorraine" passed away last night...

Last night on Dec. 26th, at 9:17 p.m. my sweet mother passed away from this life, and joined my dad in her new heavenly home. Gayle, Annette, and my mom's friend Sue were all there to comfort her in her final journey.

Earlier in the day Gayle had called as she was concerned that my mom was still in pain. Hospice was coming to make some adjustments to her medications. I had just arranged to fly out as I felt so helpless at home doing "nothing" but calling every few hours. She had been so strong and was rallying to the end; I thought there may still be time for one more visit. The Hospice nurse came after I spoke with Gayle and he adjusted the dosaging of the medications. The new dosages had her very comfortable as the evening went on, although she was still trying to communicate with those around her with vocalizations, raising her eyebrows, etc...

Around 8 p.m. Annette and Sue came over and Sue was such a reassuring presence as she has knowledge of the dying process and helped put everyone at ease with what was happening. At 9 p.m. my mom begun to cough, or attempt to clear her throat, and minutes later she took her final breath. Annette called me shortly after. An hour later the Hospice nurse came back to confirm her passing and discarded all medications, etc...When the funeral home arrived, Annette talked me through everything that was happening, and it sounded very peaceful.

Before the funeral home workers left, they placed a single long stemmed rose on my mom's bed, and we all said our final goodbyes. Annette gave my mom a final kiss for me, and I shared my last, "I love you's" via the phone that Annette placed at her ear. As you can imagine, it was a very sad moment for all of us left behind, but there is also peace for my mother that she suffers no more, that she is once again reunited with my dad and can now be at perfect peace. She was surrounded by love and warmth, and I am so grateful to Annette and Gayle for remaining by her side to the end of her journey.

Remembering my mom the way we were...

My mom's birthplace and her favorite place to visit, Maui, Hawaii...Our Hawaiian vacation in 2006. My dad is behind the camera.


Remembering...My mom came to help with Ashlyn's 6th birthday in 2007.


Spending time together in August of 2008.


God bless you Mom, you will always be loved...


Steffi and Edward, please contact me when you are able. Thank you...