Mom did struggle to let go, and I believe it's because she knew she had to leave so many special people, the friends and family she loved so dearly. This was fitting, as she was never one for a quick goodbye. We would say goodbye in the house, then talk as we walked out, stand on the driveway for 20 more minutes, then get in the car and roll down the window and chat for another 5. Then, and I kid you not, I didn't always make it back home without hearing from her with "one more thing." So her final goodbye was not unlike the rest of them; she didn't want to part. 

Peter and I were by her side all day and up until the minute she took her last breath, with the Mozart Requiem playing, at home in her own room. She was as comfortable as she could be saying her final goodbye, and now we know she’s released from the pain of this world.

 

Mom was lucid off and on yesterday, smiling as I read emails and relayed messages and calls. We can't thank you enough for the comfort you provided to her - and to all of us - in the end. 

Love,
Betsy