In memory of my Mum

On July 22, 2014, my beloved mum suffered a major stroke which left her in a vegetative state. It was heartbreaking. 

Mum had been living with my husband and I because of other medical conditions and I was her full time carer.  

I found her early that morning and I knew straight away that she had suffered a stroke, she showed all the signs. On top of that, Mum had lost control of her bladder. 

I frantically called out to my husband asking him to call an ambulance. To give Mum some dignity, I cleaned her up and she was a bit better when the ambulance arrived. I was talking to her even though she couldn't respond, and I hope it made her feel safe simply having someone that loved her there.  

At hospital they took her in for a brain scan and that's when she suffered another major stroke, which they could see happening on the screen. That second stroke left her brain dead. Mum lasted that afternoon, and then she quietly and peacefully slipped away, surrounded by our family. 

Her passing has left me feeling alone because I no longer have my Mum with me. I am still in shock, and guilty that it happened so fast. The night before we were talking, and Mum complained her neck was sore and that she had pain at the back of her head.  

This was the start of her stroke, but I didn’t know.  

Many times, the grief hits me, and I think about the ‘what if’, but I know Mum didn’t want to be in hospital. She was a stubborn person, and wouldn't have tolerated being hooked up to machines or on life support. 

Mum was only in her early seventies when she died. I want to share Mum’s story, our story, in the hope that it may help someone. 

Stroke took Mum’s life and our family has been left with a huge gaping hole. All I can say is, learn all the signs of a stroke and hug the people you love. 

Teresa