I spent last night (Saturday night) with Mom because her breathing was very irregular. She would breathe and there were sometimes 3-4 seconds between breaths. It was very scary so I felt it would be best if I stayed with her last night. I slept next to her in a recliner and kept tabs on her much of the night. At one point I actually thought she had stopped breathing but she kept up her breathing.
Mom did eat some oatmeal this morning, later on some gatorade and water. While she was sort of awake, she had her eyes open so I put on her glasses. I showed her a magazine cover with the new President as she was always interested in the election and was looking forward to the outcome. She was literally asleep the entire day and was awake very little of that time.
They have her on oxygen this evening just to help her breathing as it is shallow again tonight. She is getting about a 90% normal oxygen intake on her own. Giving her the 'pure oxygen' (whatever the medical terms are) will just make it easier for her. The nurse did say she has seen a decline since Friday.
We'll find out tomorrow if she stays at this Hospice facility or moves to a nursing home.
Sometimes I wonder how I will live without my Mom. I just can't imagine what life will be like without her. I am spiritual and know she will always be with me but not being able to call her or see her is something I cannot even fathom right now. I wanted Eden to know her "Ita" (our family's word for grandmother). Sadly, Eden will not have the opportunity to experience and learn all of the love, lessons, and so much more Mom has in her heart and would have shared with her.
Mom (Ethel) is the rock, matriarch, core, and heart and soul of our family. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers.
Ethel Mary Beun
ETHEL MARY BEUN (Age 72) On Monday, December 1, 2008, Ethel M. Beun of Alexandria VA, passed away after a courageous two-year struggle with pancreatic cancer. She was the eldest child of Stefan and Mary Dancho. Born in Singac, NJ, Ethel earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Arizona in 1959. In the early 1960s, Ethel married Brian Beun, a foreign service officer, and moved to Lima, Peru. While in Peru, Ethel founded a nursery and day school that provided services for 50 children in the barriadas of Nana. Upon returning to the states four years later, Ethel taught elementary education for several years. In 1969, she founded Unique, a gift shop in Old Town Alexandria. Ethel founded King Street Cats, an animal rescue for homeless cats, was an active member in the Arlington Metaphysical Chapel, and was active in walking, yoga and other forms of exercise. Survivors include her beloved family including her husband of 27 years, Jim Logan; daughter Jennifer (Brison); granddaughter Eden; son Brian (Melissa); grandchildren Hannah, Jake, and Luke; stepsons Jim (Angela) and David Logan; sister Sonya (Fred) Hauser; nephew Robin Hempel (Robyn); and grandniece Randi and grandnephew Travis. She also leaves behind her four beloved cats. A celebration of life service will be held Saturday, December 13, 1 p.m., Arlington Metaphysical Chapel, 5618 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22205. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to King Street Cats, www.kingstreetcats.org . This obituary was printed in the Washington Post. To print a PDF version click on Ethel's photo above.
About Me
- Jennifer
- Mother...Daughter...Wife... Friend. I hope to provide updates to all the people that love Mom (Ethel) as much as I do. I cannot imagine my life without her.
Hope
A photo I took in St Bernard Parish in the New Orleans area following hurricane Katrina. Someone had roped a 25 ft cross to a huge dumpster. Going through a military checkpoint, I snapped this photo as I slowed down and was allowed in to help with animal rescue. Hope springs eternal.
Home at Last
Mom (Ethel) in bed recuperating with her welcome party. Note there are 4 cats in this photo (Belle, LS, Luke, Dickens). Photo from January 2007.
Mom recuperating
With the company of her 3 feline friends (Belle, LS, Dickens) Mom takes a nap. (January 2007)
1 comment:
Jen,
No words can express the sorrow and sadness I feel for you, your mom and the rest of the family. My heart hurts for all of you, especially because I know I would be doing what you are doing and having the same thoughts if I were in your position.
Just know how proud your mother is of you, of your successes, your daughter and the love you found in your life. She will always be with you and with Eden as your guardian angle. You are blessed to have had your mother at your wedding at there to see Eden come into this world. While your little girl will not know Ita well from experiences, she will know her from the wonderful stories and pictures and through your love. Your mother helped to make you such a wonderful person and mother and Eden will feel that love. Your mother lives on in you, in Eden and in Brian, Hannah, Jake and Luke.
Just know how blessed you have been to have such a wonderful relationship with your mother. She will stay with us all in heart and spirit.
Know that my family and I are thinking of you all and praying for you too.
Love and prayers to you all.
Love, Randi
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