One Year Ago - Part Two...

We were shocked beyond belief when Mama died. When 'they' came to take her away, we took Daddy back to his hospital room where we sat vigil for a little while as he slept. I can't even remember who stayed with him that night - but he wasn't alone; he was never alone.

The next day Daddy stayed in a realm of consciousness that we couldn't reach anymore. He would respond if spoken to but he wouldn't open his eyes...and he slept. New Year's Eve took him to a different level of living and dying... and we knew his time would be close. The doctors had told us that we would have weeks with him ... except he began his passage to be with Mother while grieving in the ER. Watching him withdraw into his own mind and existence, we all knew that the strength and will of our Dad died with our Mom.

In the evening on NYE - on year ago today - 56 hours after Mom died - Daddy called my Mother's name and drew his last breath. They were married for 50 years and 6 months.

It was over.