Thursday, April 23, 2009

Guardian Angel

This post is dedicated to Dolores Gamble.
She was mom's roommate @ Riddle Village for 6 weeks, and they became good buddies. Once I got here, I fell in love with her, too.

Dolores had agressive cancer that had racked her poor body, and then travelled to her brain. Three days after she got here, she lost her ability to speak. Mom became her voice, her advocate and her friend. I called them " my girls ", and ran all over the place to get them whatever they wanted.

Unfortunately, we lost Dolores yesterday afternoon. The poor thing was in so much pain the past 3 days, and went downhill rapidly. On Tuesday night, I stayed until 2am to hold her hand and wipe her forehead ... Mom and I talked to her the whole time, and one of the aides, Tory, came in and sang hymns to her.

We have another angel looking out for us now :)
She was a financial aid counselor at Widener, and had 6 kids, all who we have become close to in this short period of time. They love my mom, and are/were so thankful that they were roommates. The grandkids really like mom, and she has a ton of drawings on her bulletin board from them.
Most people would not have been able to handle this situation, but my mom is such a care-giver that Dolores became her responsibility. All of the staff here has commented on mom's unbelievable compassion & caring, and that she was the only one who could understand Dolores.

We will miss you, Dolores! You were really someone special, and mom & I will carry you in our hearts forever.
Rest in peace, and a long time from now, we'll drink Pink Squirrels together, sitting on the clouds.

2 comments:

PAYNTERinFLORIDA said...

wow.....i know those types of friends....hope your mom is hanging in there and not letting that get her down....you're a good daughter glow.

akjn westside said...

brought mom home today ;) she's a trooper!
Thanks for the kudos-mom deserves them but not sure about me.....it's been a rocky 3 weeks.
Anyhoo, weather is finally nice:) bummed about Flyers :( left note on Chuckie's car today-he's taken such good care of my baby!! Miss you!