A big thanks to each of you. This is a special group of people. I mean that in all sincerity. I very much appreciate my association with the members of and my time on this forum.
Anyone that really knew my family would have bet the farm that my mother would have preceded my father in getting to the next step. Mom’s had physical limitations for the past 4 decades but always had a sharp mind. Quite out of the blue about 3 or 4 months ago dementia began to set in on my sweet mother and it has been brutal. Such an ugly disease. This has required her to be in an assisted living memory care facility, she hated it and did not want to be there.
I built a home next to my parents about 15 years ago. I was most fortunate to be able to spend time with her and my father daily during their final years. Recently it got to the point where perhaps only 1 out of 5 days that she actually knew who I was. On any given day I could have been her brother Charles (he’s been gone 30 years), my father known as either Dick or Richard, her father, Roy (he’s been gone 20 years) or
Nick. I’m smiling as I type this as my wife and I are still trying to figure out who Nick was.

To my knowledge she didn’t know a Nick or at least hasn’t associated with one in the past couple of decades.
It’s one thing to not have full use of your body but when you no longer have your mind, what do you have? She’s struggled but in so doing given me the opportunity to serve her. She’s stayed here almost 4 years longer than my Dad. Hers was a bitter/sweet release but I know that she is at peace. My family is.
I appreciate Stokdgs for his well wishes in starting this thread. He always has something positive to say. He and I are of the same belief. Dan expresses his thoughts well, as seen in a similar topic only recently. My belief is simple and it is that we are reunited with friends and family beyond this life. Given this belief, my Mom and Dad are no doubt renewing their relationship even as I type this. It must be a joyful reunion. I find great comfort in this.
Once again, thanks to each of you for taking the time to respond in this thread. It is most kind. This is a unique group.