Trink – Weepy Wednesday, episode 10

Oh, boy, here I am, sharing about the last of our parents who passed away.  

Hubby’s mom, known by all as Trink, had been struggling with some dementia. The COVID pandemic really took a toll on her mental health; she was scared to death that she would catch it. Her fear changed her and we didn’t know what to do about it, how to reassure her that everything was going to be all right.

On Thursday, October 8, 2020, she fell down her basement stairs and broke her hip. They took her to the hospital by ambulance and scheduled her for hip replacement surgery the next day. The poor little thing was terrified of the surgery, too. We felt helpless.

Her heart stopped during the surgery, but they were able to bring her back. Thankfully, they let Hubby into the ICU to be with her (remember this was during the height of COVID and only with a little persuasion would they allow one family member in to be with a loved one).

She coded again, and they brought her back again. But the doctor told Hubby that she would need a pacemaker to have any chance of survival. Hubby called me and his two brothers, and we all agreed that the best thing for her would be to let her go. Could she even live long enough to get that pacemaker implanted? She never gained consciousness after the surgery.

She had lived a good life, though, and held so many happy memories of family and friends. The saddest part was that we couldn’t have much of a celebration of life, as this was the middle of the pandemic. Family and friends came and left quickly, a few handshakes and fewer hugs. Grief is an emotion best served with closeness and touch, with our loved ones supporting us physically and not just with a wave from across the room or a card in the mail.

But we will all be with Trink again one day, hugging her just as much as we can. 

With her 3 boys

With her grandkids

A meeting of the Grandma's minds

At her granddaughter's wedding. I think this picture is so special. 

On the plane to her grandson's wedding in Texas.