My Mom called us yesterday. These days, whenever the phone rings, I tense up a little, expecting that it will be one of my sisters, telling me that Mom has gone on to Glory. What a treat to hear Mom. She has no immediate plans to check out.

Two weeks ago, she was taken down with severe stomach cramps and other problems that left her weak as a kitten. Not that she was especially strong when we went out to celebrate her 99th birthday with her in early June. She's been on oxygen since then, and too weak to get out of bed. Even too week to dial the phone to call us. When we call, she's just too tired to reach over and pick up the phone. And when we have talked to her, it was all we could do to hear her because her voice was so faint.

Last week, she got a hospital bed in her room in Assisted Living. That sounded like another punch in her ticket, to me. But when she called yesterday (had someone dial the phone for her) her voice sounded a little stronger. As it turns out, she was the one who wanted the hospital bed, so that she could sit up in bed. She's tired of being tired, and she had to have her hair done IN HER BED this week... the ultimate ignominy for her. So, she asked for the hospital bed because she is determined to get her strength back so she can at least get out to have her hair done, go to vespers service and play bingo. She was able to get the hospital bed, because Hospice is now taking care of her. When Hospice steps in, that usually means you are nearing check out time. But, Mom isn't going to go quietly. She still wants to get enough strength back to live the way she was before this most recent setback. And, I wouldn't put it past her. Whatever comes, it won't be because she has given up. That makes it easier for the family to feel positive, these days.

If she goes down now, she'll go down swinging.

Hit it outta the park, Mom!

Jerry