Yesterday was Diane’s last day in the hospital. Jeff and Jennifer made room in our bedroom for her hospital bed, and arranged home hospice care for her arrival. I spent the day with her waiting for 7 pm, the scheduled arrival time for her transport. They finally showed up about 8:30 pm.

Getting on the gurney for the ride was her last surprise because they did the 1-2-3 thing then lifted from the bed and placed her on the gurney. I’m sure it was like a carnival ride for her because her eyes got big on the transfer, then she was almost immediately comfortable as they buckled her up.

We parted ways at elevator #4: they went to the emergency room exit and I went to the main exit. Two days prior I parked in a handicap spot near the front door. It was a long lonely ride to St. Helens.

When I got to the house the medics were just wheeling her up the driveway and there were cars parked everywhere. It was like a long overdue family reunion. Diane was semi aware of all the commotion.

Diane’s bed replaced her recliner, net to mine. This is where she will draw her final breath.

We will all miss her immensely.