DH's mother has been at dying for 30 years. Once or twice, she really did get sick. It's hard to tell. One minute, she's at death's door. But as soon as something interesting comes up, she's up from her death bed and ready to go. A couple years ago, right after my dad died and I inherited a few extra bucks, she was certain she wouldn't last another month. When I offered her a ticket to Germany and some travel money so she could go around and see her sisters, she was packed and headed to the airport before I could finish my sentence.
Last year before we left, she swore she was too sick to last until we got back. But when the brother in law offered to fly her out for the holidays, she was instantly packed and ready to party. It's the same way in her retirement home. It's all doon and gloom until someone offers some entertainment.
She's in her 90's and we know she won't last forever. But a lot of her problem seems to be boredom. She wants to be entertained 24/7, but doesn't do much to entertain herself.
