July 14, 2018
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An unexpected inheritance
My friend who was on hospice care in her home passed away today around noon. I was scheduled to sit with her for the evening shift today, from 4:30 to 9 pm. I ended up sitting with her body from about 12:15 until 3:30 when the hospice person finished the paperwork and called the funeral home to pick her up.
Shirley was in her 80s, widowed, no children, and no family in the area, so her friends and neighbors have been checking on her every day since she began hospice care, and sitting with her round the clock since she became bedridden a couple of weeks ago. She passed peacefully after a somewhat restless night. She looked like she was finally at peace. I don't think she expected death to take so long and be so frustrating, but when I told her one day that I was sorry she was suffering, she said, "It's not so bad." She was truly a Tough Old Broad and I say that with much love and respect. The women of my family all aspire to be Tough Old Broads.
Shirley had a sweet little dog, the same breed and around the same age as Boo. Oreo and Boo have been butt sniffing buddies for many years - even before I met Shirley. She asked a friend of hers to take Oreo when she died and he agreed, but the reality is that he and his wife are both retired and have been looking forward to spending some time traveling while they can. They planned to get another dog after they're too old to travel the world and were not ready to take in Oreo, although they love him. Also, their young grandchildren are kind of scared of him because he nipped at them when they were playing a bit roughly with them last time they were in town. So, I ended up inheriting Oreo. Boo is okay with Oreo being in the house right now; I'm not sure how he'll react when he realizes Oreo is staying. He's a jealous dog, but he's used to sharing me with my daughter's dog Jack, so I think he'll be okay with having a new brother. I'm more worried about how Jack will react.
It's been a wild year. I really hope Shirley's death is the last bad thing that happens this year, but I'm not holding my breath. Maybe there will be more to come, and perhaps 2019 will end up being better to me. Meanwhile, I'll take sweet little Oreo as one of the rare good things in a difficult year.
Comments (9)
Is there going to be a funeral? If so can you let me know the time and place? I only met her once but she was one of a kind! I'm glad Oreo has a spot at your house and I am a little worried about the adjustment - Boo might be willing to share his toys and his water dish but I suspect he won't want to share you!
There will be a memorial service, but the date hasn't been set yet. She's being cremated, so it may be a couple of weeks or more. I'll let you know as soon as I find out.
I had a voicemail on my cell phone from one of Shirley's neighbors who warned me that Shirley's brother and his wife (Shirley's executor) were in town and might want to take Oreo, but Shirley was adamant that Oreo stay in Baroda. I haven't been able to reach the person who called and haven't received another phone call, so I have no idea what's going on. I'm just staying home with the dogs and hoping all the money I spent at PetSmart yesterday wasn't wasted. Oreo finally ate (after Boo tried to eat his food), he's found a toy he likes (but he doesn't know how to play with it), and he's currently sleeping with his back against my leg. Poor little guy needs constant physical contact right now.
Mel, So sorry about your friend Shirley. Oreo will be a sweet reminder of your friendship with Shirley.
Love ya Sis!
Youre a great person . Hopefully the three dogs will get along. Keep us posted.
My condolences on the passing of your friend, Shirley. It is well that she had friends in town to help her transition during her final stages of life, hospice and death.
Oreo will be mourning too. I am glad he has you and Boo,
I'm sorry to hear about Shirley, though your previous post indicated that she was ready to go. It's good that you can take Oreo -- he looks like a good companion for Boo!
God bless your rest of the year with healing of the minds and good things.
so sorry about your loss ~
Do you know that being there when a person lets out their last breath? Family. Not Friend in my opinion, but family. Lift a glass to her life and yours. You deserve it. Sail on... sail on!!!
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