Table of Contents

If Only, But For One More Moment .......................................................... 9

Introduction .............................................................................  11

1.     My Happy Bubble Bursts ............................................................. 17

2.     My Husband, Sons and Daughter: "Thank You; I Love You" ............................. 23

3.     "Angels on Earth" for Whatever Time Remained ......................................  27

4.     When Total Silence Fell Upon Us All ................................................ 35

5.     If I Were to Shed Even One Tear .................................................... 45

6.     The Final Round? ................................................................... 51

7.     Fast-Paced Days; Movies in the Evening ............................................. 58

8.     The "Final Cruise" to Acceptance ................................................... 70

9.     So Soothing and Peaceful a Haven Shall be .......................................... 76

10.    "Please Don't See Me Take My Last Breath" .......................................... 86

11.    "Give Mom a Huge Hug for Me" ....................................................... 92

12.    "Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep" ....................................................... 97

13.    "God's Garden" ..................................................................... 106

14.    Some Final Thoughts ................................................................ 107

             Things We Used or Did to Enhance Comfort

             Family Members/Friends -- Support for Family Caregivers

             Family Members/Friends -- Support for the Terminally Ill

             Chart

             Retirement Residences

             The World Health Organization's Definition of Palliative Care

             Main Phone Numbers and Websites in Canada and the United States

                            (Hospice is International)

Last page/quotes .......................................................................... 137

Notes (7 blank pages for your own notes) .................................................. 138