My father, brother, nephew and I were able to call Maggie and tell her good-bye today while she was still aware and understood us. I told her I love her, I forgave her for anything for which she needed forgiveness and asked for her to forgive me for anything for which I needed forgiveness. I told her we were grateful for her in our lives and grateful that she was a part of our family, and that she had lived a life she could be proud of.
Around 6:45 pm this evening Maggie slipped into a coma. I don’t know when she began Cheyne-Stokes breathing — it is the struggle to breathe alternating with quieter breathing and silences that is frightening and painful to witness in a loved one. A few minutes ago, around 11:30 pm, Maggie’s brother told her it was all right, she could let go … and she did. Surrounded by her family, Maggie has gone home.
