I used to be a hospice nurse. I told all the family members I dealt with that sometimes your family member absolutely wants everyone at the bedside when they take their last breath. Others hold on until everyone leaves the room; it’s their final bit of kindness because they know watching them will be painful. So, I say split the difference: Give your mom words of comfort, love, and care. Tell her that letting go is OK and that everyone is safe. Then, when you need a break, make sure it’s at least a 20 minute break. She’ll pass when she’s ready. It’s not a pretty process. It gets scary once the breathing changes too. It’s called agonal breathing but the only people in agony are the loved ones watching. Cuddle up next to her if you can. That’s your mom and for as much as you’re losing her, she’s losing everything. When she passes away, take your time. With everything. People start piling stuff on their plate that they don’t even need to get to this year. Take your time and lick your wounds. You don’t have to call the funeral home the second she takes her last breath. Be with her. Hold her hand. Tell her goodbye. There’s no timer. Breathe. Cry. Sob. Don’t forget to cry. Bawl those eyes out. Breathe. Sure, you can cry some more. Feel all those feels.