Dust and cobwebs

For about a year now I have been staying with my sister, Bobbie, in northern Texas as she slowly fades away. She is just 87 years old but she has been in poor health for many years. Her husband, who was 90, died in April 2017 and she began her decline at that time. By July of 2017, I realized that she could not be at home on her own and would require round the clock assistance so I promised that I would be there for her as long as I was needed. Taking care of an invalid person requires more than one person so her youngest daughter Meg moved back home with her 8-year-old son and between us we have shared the duties of home care.
The house where she and her husband lived her entire adult life is in Red Springs, Texas. Everywhere I look I see evidence of a life well-lived, a house where she raised four children of her own and raised three more who she adopted over the years. In every room, there are collectibles, photos, trophies, nick-nacks, and "what-nots".  These things are covered with a fine layer of dust and cobwebs. At times her memory is the same ... dust and cobwebs.  She has thanked me many times for being here for her and although it is difficult to watch a person in decline, just knowing that I have been a little comfort and a little help to her is reward enough for me.

Update: Jan 10, 2019, Bobbie's strength continues to decline, and yet she still holds on to what is left of her life. Her days are a roller-coaster ride of good and difficult and she is in pain every day. She has stopped taking all of the medications she had been taking and only takes an Advil from time to time for the pain.

I feel conflicted but I am going back to Mexico for a week to deal with my stuff that has been stored down there. I'll be back to continue my duties here by Jan 20th.