Kilted for Death

[Riverkilt]

A grim topic for sure. Was just reflecting back today. My 85 year old mother died last month. Not unexpected at all, cirrhosis of the liver from many many years of drinking. Amazed she made it so long, though she was sober the last ten years or so.

I came home from work on a Thursday night and got a message from her care home that something was wrong. Went over and got her to the hospital. Turned out she had a stroke. I was wearing my chocolate Utilikilt Workman's that day and still had it on.

Next day it was obvious this was the end for her and when I went back over to the hospital Friday I just tossed on that chocolate workman's. I wound up staying with her a lot until she died the next Wednesday. The hospital has what they call the PlaneTree model of care which includes no visiting hours, folks can come and go anytime, and I did. I was with her when she died...still in the chocolate workman's.

Wound up wearing it for seven days straight. Was certainly comfortable for all the hours of bedside vigil. Not sure why I never bothered to change to a new kilt, suppose there were so many more things going on that were more important.

When I finally washed it the kilt seemed more broken in than before. Maybe that's the secret, wear the workman's for long hours over many days straight.

Still dealing with the massive paperwork and chores in the aftermath of her passing two weeks ago. This board has been a great respite from those chores. Thanks.

And, an aside. My hand sewn Scott Modern tartan arrived from Kathy Lare a few weeks before her stroke. I went over to her place to show her the kilt - its her mother's clan tartan - and she beamed and smiled. While we were sitting talking later she stopped, and in a most motherly manner said, "You're knees are showing." Cracked me up.

Ron

[Panache]

Ron,

My condolences on the loss of your mother.

My thoughts are with you.

Sincerely

[Blu (Ontario)]

... I went over to her place to show her the kilt - its her mother's clan tartan - and she beamed and smiled. While we were sitting talking later she stopped, and in a most motherly manner said, "You're knees are showing." Cracked me up.

DEspite the trials and tribulations of life, I don't think mothers ever stop being mothers.

Touching story. Thanks for sharing.

[LoftGuy]

Ron,

My deepest sympathies on your loss. You are very fortunate that you were able to share her last moments.

Bob

[Cirthalion]

I feel for you: I too have a mother who appreciates my kilt. She was very impressed when she attended my wedding last month. I don't like to think of it much, but I will probably wear it to her funeral (she has lymphoma, and while we remain hopeful of many more years, we are pragmatic about the odds of it).

So I understand, and send my condolences for your loss. Know that you have the thoughts and prayers of others.

Cirthalion

[Tattoo Bradley]

I send my condolences, Ron. You'll be in my thoughts. I must say, 85 is a pretty hardy age for most anyone. It sounds to me to be testament of a very determined human being. Very touching to know that she was able to see the Scott tartan and receive pleasure from it. It sounds as though it may be very fitting for the funeral services.

[Livingston]

Having recently lost my mother-in-law at 87yrs and knowing it was coming, I understand how your last few weeks have been. My condolences to you.

[turpin]

I'm truly sorry for your loss, Ron. It's clear that you loved and honored your mother to the end, and did what you could to comfort her.

I haven't had to personally experience the loss of a parent, although my mother is battling cancer right now with a poor outlook. She hasn't seen me yet in the Gordon, but she will next time I visit her. I hope it brightens her day the way your Scott did for you mother.

[pdcorlis]

Ron

I admire your honesty and your compassion

[Eujeankilt]

Ron,

I think you honored her by being there when she passed. I'm sure you brought her comfort and a sense of peace. Once again the circle of life makes another completion.

Dale