Written by Kristen Menchhofer, RN, BSN, CCRN, Rn Case Manager – Serenity Hospice

March 7, 2017

Sharon was no longer able to walk, as the tumors had reached her spine and brain. Her speech and thoughts were scrambled, and it was nearly impossible to communicate anymore. Out of nowhere she was adamant about going outside…it was a sunny, warm Saturday in May. We plopped her in the wheelchair and took her out to see the neighborhood. She spotted something in a young tree…a nest. Sharon wanted to see what was inside, so we helped her stand to have a peak. She looked into my eyes with a genuine smile, one I hadn’t seen in a long while, and said surprisingly, “How did you know!?” The excitement of seeing two, tiny baby robins was all she needed that day, and oh, how this beautiful memory of my my mother will forever be imprinted in my mind.

She knew from the beginning she would never be cured. The doctors told her she would live about nine months, even with treatment. So, Sharon warriored through brain surgery, chemo and radiation to stay alive just a little longer. Deep inside, I’m sure she hoped to be one of the 4% to survive.

As the months passed, the chemo treatments became too much, and the brain tumors showed up again. Sharon didn’t give up just then. She got married outside a castle by the river. She painted my nails. We went shoe shopping. Our family reconnected.

And even towards the end, she didn’t give up, she just let go. The hospice nurse, gentle and encouraging, let me know it was ok to give her medications to make her sleep. At last, she was calm and pain free…a gift I could give my mother before she left this world.

She hadn’t woken all day Sunday. I knew by her light breathing that she was slipping away. I asked Mike to lay with her so she wouldn’t be alone. He cuddled up tightly next his bride as if to never let go. Within a few minutes, she took her last breath. Deep sobs came from his core, and the grieving began.

In memory of Sharon Rose 9/1/1956- 5/5/2014