June 25, 2021
Nancy Jean (Stacks) Jennings
1943-2021
They say life is what happens when you make other plans. As it turns out, so is death.
There have been a lot of changes in the world over the last few years. In our little corner of it, our mother was diagnosed as being in the early stages of dementia. Mom knew the signs after volunteering at a hospice after she retired. Being practical, she gave up her car when she no longer felt safe and asked Lizzie to move in with her. She quietly discussed her wishes with us a little at a time and set them out in her will.
Of course, that does not make any of this any easier. Mom had been coughing last week and it was bothersome enough that she finally went to urgent care. From there she was sent to the ER for an erratic heartbeat. Mom was admitted and then moved to the ICU. We took turns visiting and then staying overnight to keep an eye on her as things progressed. Mom kept trying to get out of bed and eventually was able to communicate that she knew where she was and that she wanted to go home. While the family discussed what to do in regards to future care, Mom quietly slipped away.
Mom was the heart of our family. She kept us together and in touch or let us have the space we needed to grow. I suppose we were her everlasting garden, planted with care among the other things she loved - pansies with cheerful faces, books from all genres, Apple computers. She fed us the Southern food she loved and the Southwestern food she learned to cook for Dad.
Mom made the best of wherever she was. She made us matching outfits for Christmas and Mardi Gras. We picked tiny strawberries and blueberries in Alaska. Mom always made a few friends in each place and delighted in teaching. She worked with the kids in her classroom the same way she worked with us at home. There was always patience for learning and tolerance for different abilities.
Mom, we didn’t expect you to leave quite so soon and it is hard to picture life without you somewhere nearby. Thank you. I love you.
P. S. I hope Grandpa will sing “You Are My Sunshine” for you when you get to him.