My ex-wife took me to the private nursing home last night where her 96 year old aunt Cleo has been staying. She hasn't been able to eat for days and recently slipped into a coma. I saw her last month and the difference in her condition now is rather shocking. Hospice has been called in and someone is watching her day and night. They say she is aware what's going on in the room and her face muscles moved when my ex was talking to her. Her time on this earth grows shorter. A day or two? Will she pass in the night? We don't have these answers.
Her family has made plans. Everyone has been notified. They take turns watching her whenever they can. Every time I get a phone call after hours, I think it's my ex calling to tell me the news.
I'm home tonight doing some drafting work. I have 4 important meetings this coming week and I don't want to fall behind. I'm sure I'll take time off for for her funeral. It's expected. Though she's not a direct relative, Cleo always treated me like family. Every party or event at her place had a seat with my name on it. If I couldn't be there, my ex or my daughter would always drop off a plate of food.
A few years ago, Cleo asked if I would be my pall bearer at her funeral. My reply was "Aunt Cleo... what makes you think I'm gonna out live you?" She just laughed and told me she's had a long happy life and she would be honored to have me carry her casket.
Cleo, I guess you're right... I expect that day to be soon. My suit is back from the dry cleaner. You can count on me to be there.
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whatagal
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Oct 10 @ 8:43PM
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Good journey, Aunt Cleo. Say hi to my grandparents and tell them how much I miss them... 
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lazareth
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Oct 10 @ 8:52PM
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Bless your heart... Aunt Cleo knew she could rely on you when it counted the most.... something to be said for that....
Peace to you and your ex when that time arrives
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Tiramisu4u
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Oct 10 @ 8:56PM
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This touched me.... 
I have been blessed to have many *ex* family members, as I have been married 3 times.
ALL of my ex relatives that are still alive I remain very close to. I even wrote a blog some time ago about my love for my first *Mom-in-Law, when she passed.
I continue to share the good and bad with them all, and will always be there for them to the end.
Yes...I am blessed... 
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1frantastic
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Oct 10 @ 9:28PM
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I was with mama and made peace but had to leave and come back to Texas....she died in Jan...starved to death...she and her sister just quit eating when the other sister came( a vision?) to "get her"....her sister was 102, mama was 97 and they died 14 hrs apart....
It is hard to watch someone at the end....but they have a better life not in pain here...bless you and her....and her family....they do need you....
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blkfoot1954
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Oct 10 @ 10:29PM
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What a beautiful tribute to Aunt Cleo.I think it is wonderful when ex families still get along.She really thought highly of you to ask for you to be a pall bearer.It is an honor.
Prayers for Aunt Cleo and all her family
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bluewind37
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Oct 10 @ 10:42PM
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Aunt Cleo sounds like a smart and classy lady. Hopefully her new journey will be smooth.
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SpiritOrnery
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Oct 10 @ 10:49PM
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summerbreeze916
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Oct 11 @ 12:18AM
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Your Aunt Cleo sounds like a very sweet person, chat....never leaving you out of things. And it's very sweet of you to grant her her wish. 
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