triumphgal

06-27-26 Day 56 She got her wings

June 28, 2026

I had the chore of Moms apartment still hovering over me. In spite of my ribs hurts from crying deeply last night Rae stayed at Moms side and I headed to her apartment. I was at first overwhelmed and needed to figure out what to do with the remaining furniture. I sorted things into a pile for me, and things spoken for and emptied and washed all the Tupperware storage containers, finished emptying the fridge and freezer and then my anxiety was overwhelming me so I headed back to the hospital. Rosie and Uncle Lawrence were there with Rae. Rosie said I needed to just hire someone with a truck to help. Roger and the boys had taken two loads but had to take off. I was gratified their help.

Dee-Anne Crozier showed up and she and Rae reached out to friends. I reached out to Erin Pan and between them an amazing group arrived. Gene’s friend Lukas took the remaining furniture to the thrift, Ryan and Remy to several loads to thrift and stuff to my place, Monica and Galen took all the assistance items back to Refd Cross and were happy to have moms two antique dressers that she really wanted to have and Paul showed up to help where he could and took away the recycling and garbage. A Mom brought her daughter who was so happy to have the small table and chairs and a lamp. None of them would accept any money. I was overwhelmed with gratitude and told that that is what family does.

All that was left was the bed frame that Roger will pick up, the items that Maddi will take for her apartment, and the electronics that I must return to utilities

I returned to find Mom struggling to breathe.

I raced home to shower, drop off things for the freezer and returned

Everyone had to leave and Monica had said I could text. I asked her to come as I knew my anxiety was signaling

We sat on each side sipping wine and chatting about our parents and Mom was gurgling. She took a last gentle breath with us holding her hands and Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah playing as they declared her gone at 10:56.

We went outside and I called Greg, then Rosie and each of my kids. I will let her friends know tomorrow

Back in the room we moved the furniture back into the lounge and tidied up before I left a note to the people we had shared this tough time with in the adjoining room. Jenna and Kalee gave me big hugs and I had one last conversation with one of the confused ducks in the hall on my way out.

I am home now. I can’t go to bed yet. I will let my body adjust and tomorrow I will feel all the feels.

She has her wings, the pain is over after a most unusual journey. The doctor was stunned that her cancer progressed so quickly and that she held on so long.