Monday, June 16, 2008

Ten Months (Dad, skip this one, too!)

Yes, it is that day again: the 16th. Ten months ago, Katie left her body on this earth and became free from cancer, from suffering in her body.

Ten months ago this morning, I went into her room to close the window part-way, because it felt cold, to me, and she said, very firmly, "I need that open." I re-opened it all of the way.

Ten months ago on this day, I asked David to go and sit with Katie, since he was going to spend the day cycling with my dad. He went into her room and asked her permission to clip his fingernails while he sat with her. She was dozing and watching TV, and answered, "Fine." After a few minutes of the clicking noises (nails being clipped into a wastebasket), Katie turned to him and said, "I changed my mind; that's bothering me." He said "Okay," took the clippers and went out of her room.

Ten months ago yesterday, I asked Gregg to take a leave of absence from his job and stay home to help me care for Katie. I perceived a change in her breathing, and I knew I could not lift and turn her by myself anymore; she was nearly as tall as I am. After we consulted with Amy (our hospice nurse), Gregg agreed to stop working. The first day that he stayed home was August 16th, 2007. He went running, took a shower, and then I was going to go running, but first, we needed to change Katie's clothes. It took two of us to do it as gently as possible, since her legs were paralyzed --and therefore, totally slack weight. As we were changing her position, she told us, "It makes it hard to breathe when you do that." This had never been the case before. We gently and quickly laid her back down, asked her if she was in pain, and though she said she wasn't, we gave her morphine (which helps with breathing difficulties, as well as pain). Then she rested a bit, looked me right in the eyes and said, "You stay with me." I said, "Sure I will," and laid down next to her on her bed. She had closed her eyes, so I asked her if she could feel me next to her, and she said, "Yes."

Katie began to perspire. I asked Gregg to get a cool cloth for her, so he did that, and I put it on her brow. I dabbed her neck, chest, etc., with it; she told me clearly that she wanted it back on her brow, so I put it back there.

Ten months ago this morning, as Maribeth was dropping off something that she had picked up for us, she heard me call from Katie's room, "Gregg, please come in here." It was Maribeth and Alan's wedding anniversary that day. Somehow, she knew what was happening; she left our house and called Bev, my spiritual director, from her car.

Ten months ago today, I called for Gregg from upstairs in Katie's room. He entered the room, saw the changes in her, and we called David to come in and be with us. We told Katie we were all with her, and that we loved her. Katie began to breathe very slowly, yet without difficulty. There was no strain, no struggle or pain. Then she opened her eyes wide, closed them again, and began to whisper. I put my ear closer to her mouth, trying to hear what she was saying, but I think she was not talking to me. She said something about "Two years ago" or "It's been two years," which makes me think she was talking to Diane Fuquay, MD. DIANE, who she knew was already on the other side. Diane, my friend, Katie's and David's pediatrician, a brilliant doctor, a cancer patient, a gentle, strong, wise, loving mother, who Katie admired and missed, whose memory guided and inspired Katie through her chemo and surgery. It seemed that Diane had come to meet her. Then she breathed more slowly, more slowly, and stopped altogether.

We looked at each other; was that it? What just happened? Has she passed, just like that? Was that it? Get a mirror; no, get the stethoscope. Try checking her pulse at her wrist. Can you find her heartbeat? No? Can you find your own? No? Okay, give me the stethoscope; it needs adjusting. We said to her, "Sorry honey; isn't this just like us? The 'Keystone Cops'!" and we laughed at ourselves, in spite of the situation. But no pulse; no heartbeat. You'd better call hospice; ask Amy to come. Shaking our heads in disbelief. No fear, no panic; just a feeling of What? Now? How can this be happening? Though we knew she was dying, we didn't expect it to happen so quickly.

Amy came, and confirmed that, yes, that was it; Katie had passed away. She asked if I wanted her to remove Katie's NG tube, and yes, I did want her to do that; then Amy and I washed Katie's body, put lotion on her skin and changed her clothes. I removed her jewelry, and chose an outfit for her that she would have liked: her brown gauchos with the camouflage tank top. She had chosen the tank on a shopping trip (without me); it had a skull & crossbones on it, made with rhinestones! UGH. But I thought she would have LOVED that touch, to leave home in an outfit like that. I kissed her and cut a lock of her hair to keep.

Bev came over, brought a rose for Katie, kissed her and put the rose in her hand. Then Bev and I sat with Katie in her room for a long time. I wasn't ready for the funeral director to come and get her, yet. We sat and spoke about her, and to her, and we could see that the wind was coming from the south as the white, puffy clouds rolled past in the blue sky. Then, strangely, the wind came into Katie's room from the NORTH. Her window was open, and that window faces north. The wind came in through the north window, rustled and moved all of the papers and posters on her walls, making a circuit of the room. This happened several times, until we stopped and said, "We see you, Honey; we feel you." I have since been told that it is not unusual for the spirit to do such things as it leaves the body.

After a while of sitting like this with Katie and Bev, I thought that Katie began to look less like herself, and I feel that she had given us the sign that she was free of her body. So we let the funeral director come in so that he could do his work. When he came in, Latte also got into the house, ran up to Katie's room, jumped up on her bed, walked across her thighs and gave her a kiss. He then walked to the end of the bed where Gregg was standing, walked back to Katie, and flopped down beside her, purring. He was not in any way freaked out. I think this is interesting.

We left Katie's room, went into our room and shut the door. I couldn't watch them put her body in a bag. I couldn't watch them take her out of her home for the last time. Gregg held me and David and said, "It's just the three amigos now."

Ten months ago this morning.

Today, I went to have the oil changed in my car, and the auto shop is near one of my favorite beaches. So while they worked on my car, I took a walk on the beach at low tide. I found two pieces of pottery that Katie would have loved, and I began to think deeply about her. The sun was shining, there was a great breeze, the gulls and herons were fishing and the smell of saltwater was invigorating. I used to take the kids to this beach when they were younger, looking for shells and sea glass, wading in the huge tide pools, and the memory filled me with longing for Katie; I started to have the pain of the "Why?," again, though I know there is no answer here. So I began to give thanks for all of the beauty around me, for the time that I had with Katie, for being her mother, and then I felt her presence...especially in the sunlight glinting on the surface of the water. I wish you were here now, but I guess you are, in a way. Of course you are here, where we had so much fun. I love you; I miss you!

20 comments:

Jennifer Stumpf said...

i'm studying making prayer beads now. i would like to make a special one for you. would you like to email me at jennifer@jenniferstumpf.com?

Gberger said...

How sweet of you! I will be in touch with you soon. Thank you for thinking of me. Bless you.

HWHL said...

Karen,
Words really are inadequate to express how beautiful and touching this is. Thank you so much for sharing your heart here.

May your heart continue to be filled with peace, love and beautiful memories of your precious daughter, until you can be reunited with her in heaven.

Take care.

MB said...

My sweet friend, I remember it like it was yesterday, it shocks me that it has already been 10 months and yet it seems like forever that she's been gone. I miss her!

It's me said...

I was not aware that yesterday was the day that it was for you. But I have to tell you, I was immersed in a world of memory, internal sadness and a lot of tears yesterday, as well as smiles through them with happy memories and a feeling longing. I have to wonder how if somehow I "tapped into" your heart. That probably sounds goofy. I had no reason to be in that place yesterday and reading the story of Katie's last day just makes the tears course down my face. She left with the same beauty and dignity with which she lived. Just like her mother. I wish I could hug you.

Sheri said...

Karen, forgive me! That above comment marked from Joe was from me! I guess the computer was still logged into HIS gmail account rather than mine. Gah. I'm so sorry for that mix up! Tis I, fellow mourning mother and friend. :)

Anonymous said...

Karen,
I found your blog through Pretty in the City, and have been reading it for a couple weeks. I wanted to let you know what a beautiful writer you are. So many of your posts are so honest... beautiful and touching- especially this one. My thoughts and prayers are with you and Katie on a daily basis.
-erica

Me said...

My heart hurts when I think about what those 2 years were like for all of you and of course now for your grief. But sharing this story of Katie's passing is one of the most beautiful things I've read.

Love,
Laura

Susan said...

Karen,

Thank you for sharing this. I haven't had the courage to put down into words Nathan's last day and I am not sure I ever will since it was not peaceful. I was just thinking the other day that if you have watched your child take their last breath you are forever changed and that no one who has not done the same could ever understand how that changes you. I appreciate your willingness to share - it makes me feel so less alone.

p.s. thanks for your comment yesterday

Gberger said...

Thank you all for your kind comments.
Susan, Sheri's son, Joseph's, CB site is one of the things that made me feel less alone (www.caringbridge.org/visit/josephmorrison) when this first happened in our lives. Her blog is wonderful, too.
I agree with you; it is not something that I could understand if I hadn't "been there," and even at that, I don't know what it was like for anyone else. It is hard to share, because I am always thinking of Katie's privacy and dignity, but this is my story, too, and I needed to write it. I am thankful if it helps others.

Diane Walker said...

Dear Karen,
Thank you so much for sharing all the pieces of the day with us; I was in tears as I finished reading this post. Your writing is beautiful, your honesty is breathtaking, and your pain is totally humbling. I feel honored to have known all four of you.

... and PS, that top you bought with Linda was gorgeous; Katie would have been proud of you!
D

Laurie Brandriet Keller said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Laurie Brandriet Keller said...

Karen, I have often wondered about the circumstances regarding Katie's passing. Now I know the when, where and how. And while it's so very sad, you have told it in such a beautiful way. The cat, the breeze in her room, and your loving ability to do those very personal things to prepare her are all so touching. I'm glad you were able to write about it today, and then go do something routine like getting your oil changed. And I like it that you took yourself somewhere where you had fun with Katie and were able to take in the beauty, along with today's sadness. You are such a dear heart and I appreciate you sharing your walk through this painful time more than words can say.

Maggie said...

Karen, I have struggled for almost 24 hours to think of something to say...I still have nothing. I have familiarity with some of the things you experienced that day, but it didnt make it any less shocking or less sad. I'm thankful that Gregg and David were home, what a blessing to have you all together. I will, as always, continue to pray for you.

Angela said...

Oh sweet friend...your honesty and clarity in your writing continue to move me. Thank you for sharing with us, this very personal journey of yours. I continue to hold you in prayer...love you...

Anonymous said...

For some reason I do not quite understand, it empowers me to read others' stories...the words that describe their child's final moments. While they break my heart, I also feel immediately connected to that family, I want to reach out and hug you now, cry with you and for you. The moment your child leaves this world is as breathtaking as when your child enters.

The Engine of the Family said...

You are such an amazing strong person. Thanks for sharing that day with us.

ChiTown Girl said...

Karen, this was just one of the most beautiful pieces of writing I have ever read. I can't even pretend to know what the last few years have been like for you and your family, but I appreciate the raw honesty with which you described Katie's last day with you. Beautiful and so touching. I still can't stop the tears.

Anonymous said...

I stumbled upon your blog through Meredith Rankin's caring bridge site. I am unbelievably moved by your expressions of emotion and love for your sweet girl. Thank you for sharing.

Anonymous said...

Good afternoon, Karen. I've been remiss in coming here as often as I'd like to. I so enjoy your writing, and I just love to learn more about Katie and your entire family. This entry touched me deeply and I thank you for writing it. I've been rolling Jessica's last few moments around in my head a lot lately, as well. Thank you for your continued support. I also enjoyed looking at all of the new pictures. I hope we get to meet in person someday ...

~Heide
m/o ^Jessica^