At the end of this month Hubby and I are taking my 85 year old mother and her friend to Mallorca, (a Spanish island in the Mediterranean). Well, this week my mom has had extreme chest pains, but all EKG tests and blood samples show nothing. The doctor said he has no second thoughts about her flying because it's only an hour and half flight. But gee...what does he know?!

We don't get the money back for the cancelled trip, but that's not the main problem. It's this 80 year old friend of my Mom's, who is flying extra over from America for this vacation!

I spoke to my brother…he says Mom's heart problems are there, no matter where she is…and we should grant her this "last" wish. I'm thinking, what if we are out somewhere in the boondocks, and she gets an attack! What if the flight does a number on her heart? My mother wants to go, but she wants to fly in a gas balloon as well…so much for that.

Oh man. Am I hyperventilating? … Okay …. now I know what that's like.
What would you do?

Take her. Your brother's right. How far will you be from a good hospital if needed?

Also, let the friend come even if they do't go to the island. At least they could still visit.

HL,
I agree...take her...it's what she really wants to do...I'm not making light of this...but I just had the thought of how spectacular it would be to leave this world in a hot air balloon...can't think of a better way to go...but I have a feeling your Mom is going to be just fine during the trip and you'll make some wonderful memories to carry with you for years to come...

Hannelore, take a deep breath and let everything take its course.
Yes, check out the hospital situation so you know where it is beforehand. Your Mom knows her limits and will make the decision about the balloon when that time arises. Is her friend wanting to ride the balloon too?

Try not to worry about things that haven't happened yet. I know easier said than done.

chick

Yes, that's very smart, don't worry about what hasn't happened.I would respect her wishes.

But I realize this is all very difficult and trying for you. I went through all that with my parents and last January it all ended.The one thing I feel so proud of myself about is letting my mother have what she wanted.I know how it is as they become frailer and frailer and more and more mentally infirm.But I let her have her way and what she wanted and never put my foot down and it was a very noble thing for me to do.I can sleep well at night!

Thank you Dotsie,Jane chick and Backhandgrip( did I ever say welcome to you, think not..well welcome ), I needed this encouragement….again.

I spent the entire day and half the night with her at the hospital, while she was undergoing all kinds of intensive tests. We were kidding around the whole time. She can giggle like a sixteen year old. My mother would be one of those that could "die" laughing.
And yes…looks like the doctor will give their last okay for the trip as well. yahoo.

Dotsie, Mom called me today and asked if there are any dance parlours around for seniors over 80...! Geez...one day woheeee and the next day....wilt.

We have to go back to the hospital Monday for more tests...but I think her problems are just plain 'old age' problems...not that serious after all. At least we are getting the doctors confirmation for the trip. We are just going for a week at the end of March;…so got some time till then.

Wish I could take you all with me.

I hope you find a dance parlor! Your Mom sounds like a treasure!

Hannelore, I think you should write about your dear Mom and send it to this site. It is good reading also.

chick