The Acceptance Stage of Grief

I'm in this stage of my grief - acceptance. Because I took time to enjoy my mother while she was alive. Yes, I hated the disease of dementia, but I loved the woman that was captured by it. I embraced the moments when she remembered something and felt the pain when she didn't. 

I'm glad I honored her wish of not sending her to die in the hospice care facility. That was my plan, but she asked me not to allow her to die alone. Sunday, July 24th, my mom told me she would be leaving soon. She told me I did a really good job of taking care of her. I thought I didn't. Her remembering me at that moment meant the world to me. 

Sharing her last moments was hard, but healing at the same time. I wasn't selfish by asking her to stay. I saluted her and thanked the Lord for allowing her to be my mom. Yes, I miss her deeply, but I am extremely happy for her. Mrs. Hearst's soul and spirit returned to Lord. No matter what happens going forward, I take comfort in knowing she's in HIS presence. 

The acceptance stage of grief

Death of a loved one: “I am so fortunate to have had so many wonderful years with her, and she will always be in my memories.”