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As I have written before in April of last year my wife and I decided to take in my 102 year old mother in law when her second husband, whom she married at 93, was sent to a nursing home. Amazingly that resulted in moving her out of their independent senior housing apartment.
Well she peacefully passed way yesterday morning at the age of just days past 103 1/4. As my wife’s cousin said in call yesterday, “ amazing, but she didn’t break the record of (my mother in law’s) aunt Edith (103 1/2 in 1988).”
I’ve always have read about what people have learned when reflecting on a loved one’s life when caring for them in their final days, and thought, yeah, right. However, I have found out it is true.
In the coming weeks and months I have decided to share some of these thoughts on what I learned and how it will hopefully, with a lot of help, change me as a person.
WARNING: These posts will have nothing to do with money as she always lived on very little.
But for the present time, it’s time for family to gather and celebrate a truly amazing woman’s amazing life.
I will celebrate with you what must have been a great life lived by your mother in law. I am glad you got to spend a year with her learning what must have been a treasure trove of experiences.
I am sorry for your loss, David. I will be looking forward to your thoughts. We are navigating similar waters with Spouse’s folks, and their brother with ALS that I have written about here enters hospice this afternoon. I will say prayers for your family as you gather to celebrate the life of your mother in law. Chris
I’m sorry for your loss, and great that and your wife cared for her this last year.
I am currently participating in a discussion group at my retirement community using “The Art of Dying Well” and will be interested in your thoughts.
We can learn a lot from our elders, if we would just listen to them. It is tragic when someone passes prematurely, but I have learned that when a loved one passes after reaching a very advanced age, it still hurts. I’m sure you will treasure those last days you had with her.
So very true. I lost my father suddenly when I was 13 and he was 40. It was tragic; but my mother lived to be 98. Still, when you lose the person who gave birth to you, it’s heart rending, no matter how old they are. We’re grateful for the time we’ve had with them and treasure the days, but the sadness of missing them never goes away.
I also look forward to reading your thoughts when you share them with the Humble Dollar community.
Best, Bill
David: Thanks for sharing your news, sad as it is. Like Dan, Rick and others, I look forward to your future posts. No mention of money? The site’s editor has no problem with that.
103, what a great run. David, I think Humble Dollar is about more than just money. Your experiences taking care of your mom will no doubt be helpful to many of us. I look forward to future posts and comments.
David, I’m very sorry for your loss. Taking care of someone is a true act of love. I look forward to reading your future posts.
Well said, Rick. It takes a loving heart.