My mother let me know last night that the end appears to be near for Aunt Cathy. Hospice has been called in, and the hope is that she is comfortable. Mom was there yesterday when my cousins made the decision. My heart breaks for all of them. Growing up, their family lived around the corner from my house, until we moved and then we were only two doors down. Aunt Cathy was home with the kids, so I would go over and visit quite a bit when the kids were little (my cousins are eight and ten years younger). Aunt Cathy was also the person who nearly always took care of my house and my cats when I still lived in my hometown but was gone overnight. For many years, I was close to her, and in fact Catherine's name is partly in her honor. I remember telling Aunt Cathy that, and how loudly she cheered. That makes me smile.
Because she has been suffering, and the family has been suffering with her, I can take solace that her suffering will end when she passes. However, I did get emotional when Mom was relaying a story to me. My youngest cousin's daughter is four-years-old, and has red hair. While my aunt was mostly unresponsive on Monday, she did open her eyes, briefly look at this child, and then call her by name. I was the one that had red hair when I was a kid. Knowing that my name, even in referring to her grandchild by the wrong name, is one of the last things she is ever going to say, really got to me. We are praying for a peaceful passing for Aunt Cathy, and of course peace and comfort for the family.
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