Continuing

12 th October

Sunday I just rested at home. I had wanted to go shopping for an outfit for the funeral but I just didn't have the energy and we were all on edge because Val, Mum's baby sister, was also starting her final journey.Tracey was upset and unsure about going down to Melbourne even though her mother no longer talks or recognises her. Alzheimer's is one of the cruellest. At least Mum had some say over her situation. Valerie seems to be subject to many others.

Monday I returned to the hospital to give the staff some chocolates and a thank you card. Then It was drive to Beenleigh and Mums unit. 

It felt strange leaving John and Tracey. We have really bonded and I felt it was my turn to nurture. Val seemed to be hovering close to death and it seemed imminent. Tracey agonised over whether she should go down to Victoria or not. In the end she chose not to and Val has proved to be a text book case of end of life dementia. A patient slips into a coma and the brain stem alone remains functioning and the body fills with toxins until it shuts down. This process can take days. Valfinally passed away on Thursday at lunch time. Perhaps mum did finally take her to heaven.