my mother is dying

[Siwsan]

53. I had a similar relationship with my mother, but in the end, I was the only one she recognized

She was an devout Roman Catholic and extreme political conservative. She put the church ahead of everything, including her children. I was the stupid, ugly Liberal in the family. After a while, I just had to let it go and struggle to keep all conversations very light.

And that was before the dementia began.

For a while, after the onset, she was so paranoid, angry, and always lashing out. But towards the end of her conscious life, she became very docile and almost childlike. One of the last cognizant things she said was to apologize for making our lives so difficult.

For the last six months, or so, she had no idea who her grandchildren were. She confused my brother with our dad and our deceased brother. But - she always recognized me and knew exactly who I was.

We were never able to tell her that my sister had died. Mom passed 3 weeks later.

I miss her, but if there is an afterlife, I am hopeful she has finally found peace.