Heartfelt sympathy to you and yours Pess in your time of crisis.
V for Vendetta is slow coming out on DVD, wonder why? Too close to the truth? V is a silly movie, the critics panned it, but it is subversive in it's content and parallels Orwell's 1984; features an Anne Coulter TV personality sort spewing filth to a meek, broken populace suffering from too much fascist government in their lives.
Where is OUR hooded, masked man to save us?
Posted by Mal Feasance at June 15, 2006 04:36 AMIt is a selfless and generous thing you and Mrs. "P" are doing for her mother. These are life's most difficult challenges and test the fabric of our character.
In these instances word fail, so I will only say best wishes to you and your family.
Posted by Christopher at June 15, 2006 05:14 AMSympathies and condolences all the way, pessimist.
Posted by Richard Harlos at June 15, 2006 05:50 AMSending thoughts of strength your way. A very personal time. There is a book written by 2 Hospice nurses called Final Gifts which is very insightful in giving one understanding and thus a path to follow. A gift you are giving your girls is the knowledge of this is how a loving family takes care of its family members, a very important life-long philosophy reinforced by your actions. Fill her room with flowers.
Posted by mainsailset at June 15, 2006 06:07 AMWhere is OUR hooded, masked man to save us?
We are the people you have been waiting for.
This isn't a statement of ego or narcissism, but rather an affirmation that it's up to us - as a nation - to provide the masked, hooded men to save us all.
Posted by idiosynchronic at June 15, 2006 06:10 AMSupportive thoughts going out to you, Mrs.P, her mom and the rest of your family, pessimist.
Posted by Sharon at June 15, 2006 06:16 AMI’m always amazed how foreigners — whether they be Muslims from Afghanistan or Catholics from Mexico — think they are somehow entitled to the full rights, privileges, and protections of American citizenship.
Posted by Robbie at June 15, 2006 07:25 AMMy heartfelt best wishes to you and Mrs. P and your mother-in-law, as you embrace this difficult, deeply meaningful final task of love.
I too can recommend the book mentioned by mainsailset, as I can recommend that you avail yourself of any hospice services that are davailable. In the final month of the five years my mother descended into dementia, I couldn't have functioned without the guidance of a wonderful hospice Doctor; his visiting hospice staff helped me keep my mother in the assisted-living apartment, where she was able to die, surrounded by people she'd come to know, and with me at her side.
Thank-you for all the wonderful work you do here, dear Pessimist, and come back when you can; we'll keep the republic up and running until then.
Posted by Leah A at June 15, 2006 07:29 AMMy condolences Pessimist - during one of life's most difficult transitions.
Posted by Jim Faith at June 15, 2006 07:50 AMPessimist - Good luck on this journey. It is not an easy one but you will learn so much about yourself and your family and friends along the way. I can echo the assistance Hospice can provide - they were absolutely amazing when my father was passing away.
Posted by ann at June 15, 2006 08:32 AMSince my Father is getting progressively worse with his Alzheimer's I feel for you p. I have enjoyed your work tremendously!
Id, You stole my thunder, that is exactly what I was thinking when Mal brought that up! We are the hooded, masked men and women to save us!!
Posted by Seven of Six at June 15, 2006 08:47 AMV didn't get panned.
http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/v_for_vendetta/
Posted by God Of War at June 15, 2006 08:50 AMbest wishes, p
Posted by benjoya at June 15, 2006 09:04 AMPeace be with you, pessimist. Stay well.
Posted by paradox at June 15, 2006 09:11 AMpess: I don't know your particular situation, and this may not help you, but after my 11 year stint with my Ma, a couple of observations:
1. Take criticism from relatives who are not helping with a grain of salt, and feel free to offer to change places with them if they think they can do better.
2. Know your professional health care capabilities, and although well-intentioned, try not to exceed them for everyone's sake.
3. Remember to take some stress relieving time for yourself. It's not selfish, it's necessary to stay focused.
4. If you are cursed for helping, ignore it like Bushco treats the constitution.
Both hands with fingers crossed for you and Mrs. P.(agnostic equivalent to prayer)
My ma died 4-21-01 while sleeping quietly at the age of 83.
Posted by TIKI AL at June 15, 2006 10:51 AMTIKI, That helps me.
I've got sisters and a brother who give me all the advice in the world. Only problem, they live in CA and Florida.
7: Glad to know I wasn't the only recipient of counter productive long distance advice from "those who never served".
I hope they don't read read that post, my Ma died in 02, not 01.
Posted by TIKI AL at June 15, 2006 11:57 AMDear Mr and Mrs pessimist,
My thoughts are with you. I've been through this "end of life" stage with a number of relatives. Take care of each other.
aimai
Posted by aimai at June 15, 2006 12:21 PMPess: losing a parent or sibling is incredibly hard, and something you will never forget. But remember all the incredibly wonderful times, not the end time. Both of my parents and sister are gone, and that is how I remember them. Bless you and your wife.
Posted by tempus at June 15, 2006 03:50 PMA friend of mine at her graduation party (or maybe it was her 50th b-day?) a few years back was telling us that the time of her mother's hospice was actually surprisingly beautiful. The only thing specific I remember is that her mom called my friend's husband "a damn fool" for coming in soaking wet from doing something out in the rain. And my friend laughed and laughed when she talked about that.
Posted by Sharon at June 15, 2006 06:04 PMThen why isn't V out already on DVD God of War? It's a plot! A plot!
Posted by Mal Feasance at June 15, 2006 07:23 PMMy sympathies are with you, Mr & Mrs p. It won't be easy.
Posted by SJ at June 16, 2006 03:25 AMI am so confused. We keep hearing how the conservative justices have taken over the Supreme Court but how in any way is this decision to be considered conservative? What is conservative about giving more power to the federal government? Conservatism seems to mean something different than what it used to mean. The Left is now spouting conservative ideals like constitution and freedom, and the Right is all about government power over individuals. (until the government shifts back to the Democrats, that is)
Posted by coal_train at June 16, 2006 10:18 AM