Passing

Nellie Sandra Martin passed peacefully and beautifully just past midday today.

Many sincere thanks to everyone who has been sending their warmth and loving to Sandy, her family and friends in this emotional and painful period. I only hope that this journal has been of benefit and reassurance to all the many people who were not able to be with her. It's certainly been healing for myself during a terribly painful yet confirming experience. Thank you all.


We will be posting funeral arrangements here (and in the paper) when they are known.

David

Settled

Wonderful Edwin from Silver Chain arrived this morning to see Sandy. He has managed to be a relief to all of us here with his effortless movements in making Sandy comfortable. We've got new sheets for the day and a good position on the bed.

Believe it or not!

Sandy is still here with us. Those of us here in the house took turns to sleep and to be by Sandy's side. More joyful singing, some silent spaces and just gently being.

another angel arrived during the night to administer additional soothing drugs so that Sandy's distress is minimal. It is unbelievably hard, as we know you will know, to not be able to do anything except wait with her.

We are certain that she feels the level of love and support with which you are enveloping her.

Nothing's Happening

Not much has been happening since the last update. Sandy has been sleeping soundly since she received the additional pump with sedatives.

Everyone here is getting to the point of beyond tired, which is helping to relieve the tension as we find most things entertaining. Thankfully we have dedicated visitors who are of sounder mind to keep us in check and make sure we get some needed rest.

Not your average girl

Every time, she amazes us all. Sandy is still responding to conversations going on around her. She gets frustrated that she isn't able to tell us what she wants, but we are managing to sort things out and get her settled again.

She's doing sleeping mostly, so there's a lot of sitting and keeping company.

Suzi from silver chain was back today, and she was really surprised to be here again. She was so lovely to all of us here and gave a chat to everyone about what's going on and how Sandy is going to be over the night. When asked about time, Suzi had a hard time saying, not because she didn't want to say, but because "Sandy's not your average girl," the average girl would not be here.

So much love coming into this house from all around the world. Thank you all.

A strong woman

Nothing to tell you just now. Taking turns here to sit with our beloved Sandy. Music now playing.

Lovely Lois here again. silver Chain nurses' attention has been incredible. They are kind, caring, gentle and dedicated to making sure Sandy is as comfortable as possible and as able as possible to put all her attention on what she needs to do.

Family taking care of family in different households and all supporting each other. Sandy would be delighted to be responsible for all of this.

Talk to you all soon.

Our decision is that we will inform you all when Sandy passes only after we have been able to contact all family not able to be here with us at the moment.

Spring Day

Well, what can I say.

Lovely Lois from Silver Chain is here again to refil Sandy's pump, so that she can rest easy and not be distressed.

It looks like the weather was too nice to leave just yet.

One more day

Still here, surrounded by friends and family.

Breathing is quite laboured, but going strong.

3am Stir

Around half two this morning Sandy was getting restless and short of breath. The house was woken and everyone here was by her side, nobody knowing what to expect. After attempts to settle Sandy, the night nurse was called to give her a fast acting sedative.

An hour or so later and Sandy is back resting, Mil, Cathy, Margie, Denise, Donna and Peg still by her.

Night time again

Been a good day today. There's been ups and downs but all in all, a good day.

Sandy manage to get sleep through to about half eight when the Katherine from SilverChain showed up. In the middle of us deciding not to wake her to adjust her position, she popped her head up and took over the decision - typical!

After a fair amount of settling she's back in a sleeping pose and happily resting.

Breathing strong

Sandy has manages to get some sleep, with the help of the SilverChain nurse. She's comforted with one or two visitors who are sitting quitely (no talking remember).

Her breathing is strong and deep. There's no distress now she's settled.

LETTING GO

Lovely Lois from Silver Chain now here with Sandy again. Earlier today Lois put in a sub cutaneous point of entry with a pain management pump so that Sandy didn't need to struggle wtih taking orally any more of the pill cocktails helping her through this.

Sandy has been experiencing more difficulty with her breathing and Lois is now preparing a fast acting sedative, to be followed by a slow acting sedative so as to help Sandy settle and to be as comfortable as possible as she prepares for this final stage.

Sandy, unable earlier to do anything other than try and respond to everything that she hears, has just requested no more talking. She is content to be surrounded by love in silence.

This is obviously not such an easy thing to do - to let go.

Thankyou for sending her your goodbyes.

No more pills!

The nurse has given Mum a sub-cutenious needle so that she now has methodone on a constant flow. This will mean she is sleeping more but won't be in as much pain. The big thing is there's no more annoying people waking her up to feed her a dose of pills, much relief for Sandy.

People are arriving again.

Feeling very loved

Medicine having desired effect. Sandy calmer and less distressed. Lee arrived with pastries, Sandy commented is it a picnic day? Is very aware of what colours people are wearing. Doesn't like brown, brighter colours are preferred for us while she is choosing white for herself.

She is glad to know Jamie is caring for their Dad. Helene is with Tony as Marg and Donna are here.

Thursday night with a sip of champagne Sandy declared "I feel so full of love I could explode". She is appreciating the love of her children, siblings, family and friends and is welcoming all messages of love received from you.

Morning arrives

Sandy had a good few hours sleep last night - once she settled. Waking at 4am to Mil, Denise and Cathy's care and attention. A few more hours rest before everyone else arose.

Feeling a bit discontent with still being here this morning, she keeps asking why she's still here and apologises for wasting everyone's time. Silly lady!

Managed to get some more medicine into her this morning and she's settling again.

Sleeping at last

After much coughing and distress, Sandy has fallen asleep and is snoring effortlessly.

Everyone here has found a bed and is getting some rest. All is quiet apart from the comforting sound of the oxygen machine in the hallway.

Tough night

It looks like it's a bit of a difficult night. Sandy's having trouble stopping coughing long enough to get to sleep. Hopefully she'll be tired enough to sleep regardless soon.

Exhausing day

Coming to the end of a long day of visitors, Sandy is doing well.

It's so very exhausting having so many loving visitors and you have to perk up for them all. This means there's lots of sleeping to be had at every chance you can get. Thankfully the new bed is being of some help in this matter and after much repositioning a comfortable spot can be found.

Going to be a long night, but there will be lots of hands on deck.

Alert and well

After her big sleep at lunch time, Sandy is now alert and providing comments on everything.

Big smiles

Sandy has woken up and is quite alert now. She's being entertained by siblings, children, neices and nephews. Eager to let everyone know how absolutely wonderful they all are.