Ash UK/US

This was going to be my suggestion too... my mum also passed away suddenly, on Thanksgiving Day 6 years ago, first we looked at the usual travel sites (Orbitz, Expedia etc) for quotes, at the time there was only 3 of us, the cheapest quote I could find was over $9000! We called, what was then, Northwest and they got that down to just under $3000. I would certainly be checking into this now, your head will be all over the place if the worst happens.

May God be with you and your family at this very difficult time.

TerryVA

In the case of my Dad, I phoned the hospital in the UK and managed (after several attempts) to speak to his doctor. He was very vague about the prognosis, so I asked him whether I should come over that month, or in three months. "Oh, definitely this month!" he said.

And he was right...

Dewey

Sorry you're all going through this, what you wrote here reminded me my Dad built a bird box for his Dad outside his bedroom window when he came home for hospice care in his last weeks. Wishing you strength and peace.

augigi

I had the same situation with my mum about 2 years ago. I went home for a visit and knew when I got there that it was time to stay; they gave her 6-12 weeks. She lived several months, but I wouldn't trade the time for anything.

I don't know how close you are to your mum, or how much time off you have etc, but you get only get one mum and you'll never regret spending time with her while you can. You might regret not spending it.

Go as soon as you can and give/gets lots of hugs from your mum.

I'm so sorry you have to go through it; it's the worst part of being an expat.

Dan725

Well guys, a sad update....my dad on Sunday told me I should think about booking a flight soon as things were deteriorating even more. Promptly booked one for Weds (Tomorrow). Unfortunately, yesterday I received the news that she had passed - it happened a lot sooner than anyone expected, doctors included. In fact they had just set her up and ordered a ton of gear to make it as comfortable as possible for her...but she just went to sleep and didn't wake up.

But here's the thing - I feel my lasting memory of her will now be of her able to stand on her own two feet, giving me a huge hug just 4 weeks ago on the return here. The Christmas trip was everything - I'd be devastated if we hadn't gone, but we were there and helped make her last Christmas an extra special one, with everyone together, just before the final serious and sudden turn happened. She also just got my last text to her about an hour before she passed - my dad read it to her, so while it would have been nice to get there, she knew I was thinking about her and she has suffered enough these last few years and is now at peace.

I'm going back for 3 weeks to be there for my dad and sister and we will get through it properly now as a family.

Thanks so much for your advice and support everyone.

Colette3886

I'm so sorry for your loss.

Colette

N1cky

So sorry for your loss.

I think it is wonderful that you have such a great last memory of your Mum, and I'm sure her last thoughts of you were of a lovely Christmas you all shared.

Wishing you strength over the coming weeks.

lansbury

Very sorry for your loss Dan. Glad you are able to take a positive view of the memory of your last visit, and hope that helps sustain you over the coming weeks.

Bob

Sorry for your loss, but glad you were able to spend a last special Christmas together.

Take care to you and your family and safe travels!

Nutmegger

Sincere sympathy -- I think your memories of your last Christmas together will last a lifetime -- it was the perfect time to be with your mum.

Lorna at Vicenza

Sincere condolences, but what a wonderful Christmas you all had. Those memories will be precious and stay around forever.

Jerseygirl

My condolences for your loss.

Like you say you have good memories and lovely pictures in your mind's eye of your mother at Christmas. All the best and have a safe journey home to your family.

Englishtart

So sorry to hear that you missed getting home in time for your Mums passing, but as everyone (and you) has said, thank goodness your last memories of being with her are good and precious ones.

Thinking of you and your family, go home and comfort each other through the next few weeks, your Mum is at peace now and she knows how much you loved her.

Sally Redux

Sorry to hear about your Mum, Dan, but as others have said it's nice that you had the special time and good memories from your visit.

lisa67

Sorry to hear about your Mum's passing Dan. Thinking of you and your family.