Number of hours since I’ve cried: 24
Number of months I thought Mom would live: 6
This was odd. The Wednesday that I took Mom to the ER, even before she called, I randomly thought, “I bet Mom won ‘t be alive in six months.” Then, when I saw that the hospice booklet recommended hospice for those with a life expectancy of less than six months, I decided that was the timeframe. Of course, Mom wouldn’t waste time that way.
Number of friends who came by to celebrate Mom this morning: 4
Number of people on her “People to call after I die” list whom I have never heard of: 7
Number of phone calls I made today to tell people Mom had died: 50
Number of people who unexpectedly replied, “I know, I read about it on your blog”: 5
This is an alarmingly high number.

9 responses to “Hospice by the Numbers: Part 1”
Number of people who will do anything you need right now: Uncountable, but one of them is me.
As one of those who read it on your blog, I have to say that I, at least, called Friend #3 at 3am when I was informed of my mother’s death.I am among those uncountables that Caroline mentioned though. I may be a heartless cow, but I never turn down a friend in need.
Ditto, my dear.
Number of good thoughts going out to you: uncountable.
I’m so sorry.
I echo Caroline and Hot Mom. Anything, anytime, anywhere. I’ll be there.
(O)
She’s alive in some way as long as we remember her. Thanks for sharing the Queen Mum with countless others who will remember her.
Friends – Thanks, and you did enough with the cake.suebob – Thanks for the thoughts.ajooja – It is. Oddly, I’m crying less now.Catherine the Red – I know. Sometimes it’s good just to know.Orchid Lady – thank you! Countless! I knew there was something I didn’t like about “uncountable.”