Audrey Mae SpencerSpencer Historical CemeteryHenry Straight / William Spencer Family Cemetery
Vaughn Historical CemeterySpencers of East Greenwich, RI
Conversations Sequel
18 April 2005

Heather: The nurses will not wheel you away from me and if they do, I will follow you, so no need to worry.

(The hospice chaplain, Rev. Meridith White, visited Mother.  The chaplain asked me what to pray for.  Immediately Mother started reciting  “The Lord’s Prayer”.  They recited it together.  I held back tears.)

18 April 2005

Heather: (Later while feeding Mother)

“Go out there and look and see what’s cooking.  What are we to do?”

18 April 2005

Heather: We can wait until you finish eating.

“Do you want to go out there?”

18 April 2005

Heather: We can go out after you eat if you want to.

“How much more of this do I have to eat?  I’ve got to find a place where you can lie down?”

18 April 2005

Heather: No, Mother. I can sit here and hold your hand. You can lie down if you want. I don’t need to.

“Oh, you don’t?  Where do you stay?” (After I explained that I had a place to stay, Audrey continued) “I don’t know. All these things” (as she moves away the stuffed animal. Referring to the nursing staff, Audrey says) “Have you talked with that guy about what he is doing?  Where is the sheet?”

18 April 2005

Heather: The sheet is on the bed. You don’t have to be concerned. The nursing staff will tell us if they need for us to know.

“You’ve got your sweater?”

18 April 2005

Heather: Yes, Mother I have.

“You have your car?  You have blankets in your car?”

18 April 2005

Heather: Yes, Mother. I packed everything I need. It is so neat. I’m 62 years old and you still have that mothering instinct to be concerned about the welfare of your children. I suppose I’ll do that when my daughter is 62 years old also.

“I hope I’ve got everything together that I want.”

18 April 2005

Heather: Yes, Mother, everything is together. All your artistic work is together in books, cards, calendar spreads. I’ve registered the original historical cemetery that is located just 1,383 feet to the south of our Spencer Family Historical Cemetery (E.G. No.9) on Middle Road. Now everyone will know the burial place of the original Spencer couple who purchased the land in the 17th century. Your memoirs,Glimpses of the Past: Morning Conversations with Audrey, are published giving much information about life on the farm and the way our colonial ancestors lived. Yes, Mother. You have everything together that you want.

19 April 2005

Heather: (Mother and I were outside in the sun for 40 minutes when Audrey said:)

“I want to go in.  It is too hot.”

(Later, Margaret walked Mother a short distance.)

(Later, Mike, the certified nurse aide weighed Mother. Mother’s response illustrated her difficulty in finding the correct speech.)  “What was it?  How tall am I?”

(Later a cna asked Mother if she wanted to lie down, sit in the wheel chair or sit on the edge of the bed. With too many options, Mother responded with confusion.   “What am I supposed to do?”

(After a day of activity and rest, I asked Mother “Are you comfortable?” Her disoriented response showed her imaginary thinking and difficulty in finding the right words.)   “No, I’m a student.”