Update from Van 3/16/11

Barbara approached the edge yesterday (Tuesday), then drew back. She awoke with the sense that very little time was left to her, and with joy that most of the family was here, but she was deeply concerned that Betsey might not arrive in time. Hospice helped us see to her general physical comfort, and Betsey was able to book an earlier flight, which Barbara Toothman generously met, but still she did not arrive until late evening. Meanwhile, many family and friends came by for varying lengths of time, to say hello and, perhaps, goodbye. Music was played, food was consumed. Tears and laughter. Pictures were taken. March 15 was also our son John's birthday, so his wife Susan brought a cake with candles. More pictures were taken. If a moment can be filled with a sense of profound impending loss and, at the same time, a feeling of celebration and love, then this was that moment. Betsey arrived, and Barbara's heart was eased.

After everyone left, she slept comfortably, if episodically, and this morning, she seems almost as though the brinkmanship of yesterday never happened. She's relaxed and awake, sometimes completely lucid, sometimes kind of dreamy and drifty, not in pain we can't control. More music and laughter. Some who could not come yesterday will come today. Kathy Perl, her harpsichord teacher plans to play for her today, a special one-on-one house concert. It is not without prescience that Barbara's blog is called "what wants to happen." Stay tuned, in tune.