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202 In Pursuit of the Sunbeam: A Practical Guide to Transformation from Institution to Household other the freedom to part as friends.
A short time later Michael was unable to walk, and then to sit up or move independently. Through it all he continued to communicate on a primary level.
Because of our relationship I still could understand Michael. The Thursday before he died it rained a lot. I mentioned it to him and he said, very Michael-like, “That sucks.”
Three days later he asked what was wrong with him. I had an honest relationship with Michael, so with love I told him he was dying. He said, “That sucks. Do I have to do it now?”
I told him I didn’t know when it would happen but I could stay with him for a while if he wanted, and he nodded. Tears streamed from his eyes and mine, too. He had the benefit of a floor bed, which allowed me to lie on the floor next to him and wrap my arms around him. I stayed with him until he was soundly sleeping.
The companions also laid on the floor next to Michael. They played Messiaen, Elvis, Philip Glass and a CD of his sister playing oboe as a member of the Houston Symphony. Annie, a household team member and friend, brought a coffee maker into his room and brewed gourmet coffee to create an aroma familiar and pleasing to him.
As his respiration slowed, others dropped by to say goodbye. Each would lie next to Michael on the floor, touch and talk to him and pour out their love and best wishes.
Michael died the next day at 5:21 a.m. Workers in the house called me at home with the news. I wiped my tears and went to the kitchen to make a pot of gourmet coffee.
- Shari Brown