2016's Final Blow...
At 1:50 AM this morning, the phone rang. My wife's mother, who has been in memory care and has been non-ambulatory for some time, woke up, thought she could get out of bed and go to the bathroom, and fell. She was found by an aide doing hourly checks, but could not be revived, despite CPR and other measures. We do not know the ultimate cause of her death, and probably never will. She could easily have had a stroke, a heart attack, or simply struck her head on something. No autopsy will be done. She is simply gone from our lives.
So, today has been spent dealing with that for my wife and I. She's devastated, and so am I. There is so much to do when something like this happens, that we've been distracted, but our trip to the Cremation Society to arrange things brought it all home.
It was yet another blow in a long series of blows this year. We'll recover, but this has been a very bad year all around.
Please, sir, I do not want any more. Thanks.
Note: I'm not going to be at this computer any more today, so thank you in advance for your wonderful replies and wishes!
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My husband and I have lost all our parents. It's tough. May your mother-in-law rest in peace. 
...Bless your hearts. And yes, I am more than ready for 2016 to exit stage left.
I am so sorry for your loss. 
Always so difficult to lose those we love. Thoughts and prayers for you and yours.
I dread that middle of the night call. Last time was when my father had a medical incident and never recovered full awareness. in the week before his death. Now I worry about getting that call about my mother or my mother in law, both of whom are not doing very well.
Take care of yourselves.
I hope it was a painless ending, and that you can just tie a bow on a shoebox labeled 2016 and stow it away for good.
Good riddance to 2016
Always remember the adage about April showers - and above all that your loved one is a much better place.
Hugs and Best Wishes for the coming New Year. 
These are difficult days to be sure. Peace to you both. I'm so sorry.
Dear 2016: Don't let the door hit you in the rear on your way out.
Do what you need to do for your wife and yourself and we will see you when you get back.
your life with us. It is one of the things that helps to knit us together as a community, and makes this a special place, so different from others. We share our great joys and deepest sorrows. And through that, through caring for one another, hopefully we feel less alone, especially in times like these.
for your family, MM.
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My condolences to you and your wife. Peace be with you.
Hugs of comfort and peace, MineralMan.
This year really sucked and it is not over yet 
My sincerest condolences. Don't know what else to say.
. . .and we'll understand why you're not here for awhile.
I lost a lifelong friend on the 4th - she'd been suffering for so long it was a blessing, but the finality makes it hard. She was only 61.
on the plus side, a great nephew and a great, great niece were born this year, and i bought a home for the first time in my life.
trump won.
All of the family.
We lost our dad, our only surviving parent, in November. My brother has been a godsend with arranging everything. Your wife and her family will greatly appreciate the help you are providing them.
