Deborah Austin

As we sit next to our mom during her final days on earth, we cannot help but feel grateful. Grateful for all the years of unconditional love she showed us. Grateful for the “extra” 3+ years we got to spend with her after she was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic breast cancer. Grateful that we could bring her home to this cozy space with a Christmas tree, Frank Sinatra playing in the background, candles lit, and a warm, relaxing fire in the fireplace. Grateful for the family, friends, doctors, nurses, CNAs, and neighbors that helped us learn to care for her, comfort her, made meals for us, encouraged us, supported us, and loved us.

There have been many laughs and many tears. She has been sleeping most of the days, no longer able to speak, her breaths are getting shallower, but she's still able to smile at us occasionally and give us kisses.

We are sad, exhausted, and heartbroken, but we wouldn’t change it for the world. The opportunity to care for a parent as they cared for us when we were young is an honor. We feel we are taught to fear death, but death is part of life, and it is actually quite beautiful. We seem to skip over this part, putting our loved ones in homes or facilities, not getting to really be there for every part of their final journey. However, we do understand that it is sometimes better for certain people to be at these places, we feel lucky to be able to care for our mom at home, right where she wanted to be. We are here for every last good morning, every last I love you, and every last smile she has to give. With a lot of help from everyone, we were able to give her the proper medications, hand massages, apply ChapStick to her dry lips, stretch her legs, and keep her cozy and comfortable.

Our mom was an amazing human. She has never judged or looked down on anyone. Only showing love to anyone and everyone. Always genuinely interested in everyone’s life story. She raised us 3 girls (if that tells you anything about her) and loved us unconditionally no matter what we did. She has the gentlest soul and has taught us to be kind to everyone and appreciate all the little things in life.

We are so lucky to call her our mom.

~ Angela Austin, Samantha Austin, and Rebecca Austin

Deborah L. Austin passed away peacefully at home Wednesday, September 14th at 9:49 am. In lieu of flowers, we encourage people to donate to The Golden House. Here is their direct donation link: http://bit.ly/Donate2GoldenHouseGB

We are currently planning a “Celebration of Life” (not a traditional funeral). We are looking at renting out a space sometime in November. Once we get everything planned, organized, and situated, we will update you with the information.

The Austin’s