Waning light

It's late afternoon, and Mom has been awake only once today. She wasn't really responsive during that time; she seemed to be somewhere else entirely. But she did manage a slight smile when I told her she was pretty, so I know she hears what we have to say. Our hospice volunteer came over for two hours, as she does each Tuesday and Thursday. She did some reiki for mom, then just sat quiety with her, drank tea, and read while I ran some errands. When I got back, she told me that Mom's energy is very low, but that she is very peaceful and comfortable. She said that mom's muscles are flaccid because she's entered ketosis. The cancer and Mom's body are using muscle for fuel. The volunteer, a gentle young herbalist, said that Mom may have one more lucid period, or because she'd already had that time with us, she may not, and that she could keep on like this for a few days or as long as a month. I don't see how she could last a month at this rate. She's only had three eyedroppers full of water today. And yet she seems at peace, which is a blessing for her and also for me.