chatty, thanks for the reminder. I have PLENTY that have never been read. I'll box and take to the local hospice around the corner.

Cathi, will Mom be alone in the house?

Anne, not offended at all. You know, Mom had lingered for so very long and breathing was a tremendous effort once taken off oxygen. Almost a week before, we stood around her bed as a family, with the priest and prayed the Lord's Prayer thinking it was her last day. Day after day, we loved her and hugged her and affirmed her life over and over again.

This may seem odd, but the rattle of death (the terrible breathing sounds) went on for days and we felt so sorry for her suffering as she did.

It was time so we listened to the nurse. It does seem like an odd request from a hospice person, but all of us had done everything we needed to do, and to be honest, when she passed and the room was silent, we were so grateful she was with her God. Finally peace for Mom.