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a terrible and wonderful privilege

lmccandless

lmccandless

The Force is strong with this one.
Joined
Mar 9, 2009
Messages
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Well, friends, it's been a really rough two days. I just need to share what's happened with my Pad family and ask for your prayers and positive thoughts. I was on road trip vacation with my husband and daughter in San Antonio, Texas when my mom called to tell me that my grandma had been taken by ambulance to the hospital. The doctors put her status as critical. We decided that I should try to get there as quickly as possible. My husband literally threw everything in a suitcase and drove me to the airport. I got on the next plane to Ohio and landed around 11 pm last night. My brother picked me up at the airport with the news that my grandma was stable. The family had been with her at ICU all day and had been sent home so that she could rest. They thought I should go to my parents' house and wait until the morning to visit her. Despite that, I just had to see her after coming so far, so I asked my brother to take me right to the hospital. When I got to her room, she looked up and said, "Sweetpea, you're here!" She has called me by that nickname my whole life. The nurses were in with her because she was having some pain with breathing. I kissed her and told her I loved her. Then, I sat down to hold her hand. I could tell by the vital signs that things were not going very well. I asked my brother to call my parents and the rest of the family. While he stepped out of the room to call everyone, I talked to her and told her how much we all loved her...that she was the very best mom, grandma and great-grandmother. I prayed over her and did my best to reassure her with my words and my voice. She never looked away from my eyes and I never let go of her hand. She passed away about 15 minutes later. It was both a terrible and wonderful privilege to be the only one with her as she passed from this world into the next. It was peaceful and full of love. I am so grateful that I had those last moments with her. She was (and always will be) incredibly special to me and I will miss her so very much.

As we spend the next days honoring her with a funeral and burial, I am going to ask all of you to please keep my family in your thoughts and prayers. My grandpa is 91. He and my grandma were married for 66 years. His sorrow this morning was one of the saddest things I have ever seen. It broke my heart all over again. My mom is also really struggling with the loss. I feel like it's going to take everything in me to be strong and get them through this weekend and the coming weeks. Thank you, friends, for letting me share this and for all of your love and support.
 
Comfort and strength to you and your family at this sad time.
 
Thinking of you and your family, Laura. I am so glad you were able to see her that last time, and how special to have that private time with her.
 
Oh, sweets, I know exactly what you are going through and what you are feeling. How special and wonderful that you were there with her. My thoughts and prayers are with your family, especially your grandfather, and for you to have strength to face the weeks ahead. Sending you hugs.
 
Oh Laura, I am so very sorry for your loss. I am so glad you were by her side at the end. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. (((hugs)))
 
I'm so sorry for your loss. My heart aches for you and your family. While it is a bittersweet moment, those last moments with your grandmother are priceless. hugs.
 
I'm so sorry for your loss, Laura, but very happy to hear that you were able to spend some time with your grandmother before she passed and comfort her during that difficult time. Sending lots of prayers and positive thoughts to you and your family and hoping that all the good times you spent with her will come flooding back in memories to help you through the next few weeks.
 
Perfect title for this thread. So sorry for your loss. Hugs and prayers for you and your family. I am sure you are feeling blessed you were able to have that last"chat" with her!
 
Oh Laura, I feel for you. What an honor, but yes it is heavy too. My thoughts and prayers will be with you. But the thing I wanted to say is it isn't your job to keep the family together. It's to be there with them and allow yourself to be part of the grieving. You will need strong times and times for you. Take care of you because it is a long road for a while especially if you feel you are the one responsible. I know what you mean, but also know that you need to take care of you too. Even if it's venting or crying online with one of the friends you have. Okay I'm mother henning again (and counseling sort of -- same thing). Hugs and prayers.
 
So sorry for your loss Laura. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
 
Focus on the wonderful and not the terrible, my friend. You were a true blessing to her in her final times. My thoughts are with you and your family, especially your grandpa. My heart aches for him and the loss of his life partner
 
Absolutely you can have prayers and good thoughts and virtual hugs too!

I'm so glad you were able to get on a plane so quickly and make it there to see her! Very fortuitous timing, and I hope that is a comfort to you. Make sure to take care of you while you are taking care of everyone else.
 
Love and hugs and prayers to you and your family. I am so glad you got to see your grandmother and talk to her and I know she was so grateful to get to see you. More hugs.
 
Oh Laura, all my love to you and your family. Your TLP family is here for you with the love you've inspired in the home you've created and nurtured. Peace to your Grandpa. May he know his love is no longer in pain & she lives on in his heart and through their children.
 
So sorry for your loss, thanks for sharing your story with us.
Sending prayers.
 
You have many friends here sending you warm hugs. I think 66 years together sounds marvelous! It always leaves a hole in our hearts when we have to say good bye to our beloved.
 
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