My Mum was an absolute one-off
In good ways and bad ways. Mostly good ways.

When she went into the hospice for the last time, and we knew she only had a day at most left, she waited until we were all there - me, my brother, my sisters, wives, husbands and children - then she whispered (she could hardly speak at this point) for someone to pass her purse to her.

She was very weak, so it took forever for her to open it, but she refused any offers of help, and eventually pulled out some money. And promptly sent my brother and me out to get a couple of bottles of Champagne.

She couldn't have any herself, but she was determined to see herself off with a celebration rather than us sitting around being miserable and crying (which of course we did afterwards anyway).

At one point the doctor came in and we wondered what she was going to think of all these people making merry, sipping Champagne at my Mum's deathbed. Well, Mum insisted she have a glass of Champagne, too, which she did.

it's been almost three years now, but writing this, I realise I'm still capable of shedding the odd tear thinking about it... though I'm smiling, too.
(Capo, Fri 12 Feb 2010, 9:15, 10 replies)

What a great Mum.
I hope I can manage that when it's my turn.
(Juan Quar is clinging to her front teeth on, Fri 12 Feb 2010, 9:34, closed)

I think I have something in my eye
I just hope that when my times up I have such amazing courage.

Click
(skintagain, Fri 12 Feb 2010, 9:57, closed)

Me too.
*Rubs eyes a little and clicks*
( sir_spicious2000 Crap I've watched: www.filmplop.blogspot.com/, Fri 12 Feb 2010, 10:46, closed)

Click
There are lots of things on here I come across that I think, I wish/I'll try etc etc.... This is now one for me, just hope I'm as brave....
(Dark Matter All The Wonders In The World & We Invent Boredom, Fri 12 Feb 2010, 11:07, closed)

What an amazing woman.
Just something in my eye...
(UltimateMonkey Ban this sick filth!, Fri 12 Feb 2010, 11:16, closed)

Oooops
Work tears.
(Obi wanker nobi Its not a bug, its an unexpected feature, Fri 12 Feb 2010, 11:37, closed)

Simply
gracious. Thanks for inviting us.
(dadadali has hybrid vigour, Fri 12 Feb 2010, 12:59, closed)

Three years
it's no time at all.
(Juan Quar is clinging to her front teeth on, Fri 12 Feb 2010, 14:03, closed)

sniff..
..lully. Bravo your Mum.
( MademoiselleDave is drunk and on the internet again on, Fri 12 Feb 2010, 16:06, closed)

*hug*
Lovely story!
( Mike Fishcake teamfishcake.co.uk - better than your mum's face, Fri 12 Feb 2010, 16:26, closed)