This entry is difficult to write and will not be the usual upbeat tone. Sadly Lesley's mum is likely not going to be with us very many more days. Lesley went to New Zealand last month for her annual visit. The first week went well, then mum got sick and wound up in the hospital. Mum is 92 so any hospital trips are always concerning. It appears her body is shutting down. As a nurse for over 30 years lesley knows the signs and is well aware of what is happening.

We all have our trite sayings we use at such times, myself included. Somehow when it is so close and personal the sayings "oh well, she lived a good long life", "I hope I live as long as she has", etc, etc, sound pretty hollow. Lesley and I agree she will die of a broken heart. The quick story is that mum lived for the two great grand daughters being part of her life. She only had Lesley, and Lesley only had one son who had the two girls. Lesley has lived in the USA over twenty years. The grand son is leaving NZ to travel the world for awhile. The oldest grand daughter as flown the coop so to speak and is far away on her own. The youngest grand daughter is moving to England in December. That will leave mum in Auckland alone and on her own.

According to those who were there when she found out the last grand daughter was leaving, one could see the will to live leave her. She will die of a broken heart physically and emotionally.

Lesley was due to come back in less than two weeks. Obviously that will change. She is adamant that I stay here and not come down. There really is nothing I could do other than be a comfort to Lesley. I don't travel well over long distances and she does not want to worry about me travelling along with everything else. So the dogs and I will be here in TN alone for awhile. The dogs seem to know something is going on. The Bichon is normally like a cat, doing her own thing and not paying much attention to me. Now she is like a second skin, never far away from me. She did the same thing after my stroke, always sleeping on or next to my affected side.

Lesley will have to stay and handle the estate. The only real asset is a paid for house which has been in Lesley's name for many years now. Her father insisted it be that way before he died. There will still be the unpleasant process of getting rid of a lifetime of stuff. Fortunately the son is there to help. He has quit his job in preparation for his planned overseas travel, so he can and will be very helpful Still going to be a tough time. So, that is our sad story here in TN.

My coffee cup is empty and I don't even care.