Kristin, our dear friend and neighbor also went on hospice in early June at home. The brain cancer was spreading to her brain stem and we knew we only had weeks let. As a neighborhood we rallied and tried to fill her weeks with things and people she loved. My Burger, Erin Schwab sing along Zoom concert, dog walks and hearts written with everything she loved on them.
Then, out of the blue, Nikki became lethargic. The day before she was walking and playing with Maui and the next morning she could barely made it up the stairs. We called the vet and made a quick appointment. We assumed it was doggy food or she got into something. Unfortunately by the time we got to the vet, she was in critical condition. They thought a tumor had burst and she was bleeding internally. She was not in any pain but we had a tough decision to make - a blood transfusion, MRI and possible surgery or having her put to sleep. This was NOT the decision we thought we'd have to make. We called the kids and we gathered. We petted her for an hour and told her home much we loved her and what a good dog she was. The vet was amazing and she went very peacefully. She died just like she lived, calm and steady, sweet and loved.
We were still reeling from Nikki when, on Sunday, we learned the Kristin had passed. We gathered outside her house that night to see her last ride out of the neighborhood. It was heartbreaking and surreal. She was surrounded by family and love through it all. We came back home to see if we could find the comet. We did, and...on top of it, a shooting star went by. I'd like to think it was Kristins final goodbye. She was my 1st friend in the neighborhood. We raised our kids together, walked dogs together and worked out together. I miss her already.
Then, the following week, an urgent call from hospice to "come right away", Tom's mom was declining and lost consciousness. However, in true Kay toughness, she held on throughout the week. Brigid had planned a camping trip and was bound and determined to go. She said, 1/2 kidding, Mom is going to pass while I'm gone. To which Pat said, then leave now!! Sure enough, that Friday night, Kay passed peacefully.
We were so blessed to have these souls in our lives and now they are all part of the larger universe of love. We'll do our best to love you and the ones you love in a way that would make you proud.
XOXOX
Kristins video
Kay's obituary
