Speaking was impossible for my DH in the last days. We held hands through the last night and it was very peaceful. I slept lightly, and administered his pain medication every few hours, the next day, it was very quiet. His breathing was ragged and I don't think he could actually see anymore, but I know he could hear the hummingbirds outside the window and feel the summer breeze across his face. I never left his side for more than a few seconds until late that evening. I put my arms around his shoulders, being ever so careful not to touch his arm - broken from a tumor just below his shoulder. I whispered to him..."you know, Darling, DD will be here in a few minutes....."
They had already said their goodbyes, though. And I got up get some water. As I turned away from him, I heard his last breath. My daughter and son-in-law were literally pulling in the drive. My son was on his way. His brother was already there. I unwrapped his arm and took the temporary cast off, and threw it aside, climbed into the hospital bed and finally held him, without hurting him. Something I hadn't been able to do in a long time. I stayed there until I could feel his warmth slipping away.
I wasn't surprised that he left before she came in the door. I sort of think it was their deal and he wanted to honor that, as much as he did not want to leave us. But I had already told him he could go. Not good bye, but "Fare well, my love"