Recently my Grandma Sally was taken to the hospital for what they thought was a stroke. After several tests, they found that she has a blood clot in her left side of her heart. We visited her Sunday morning May 20th. My mom was already there. Grandma enjoyed seeing us. Natalie was so worried about her. She asked about her iv and her oxygen. She even became teary eyed shortly after walking in the room Over the next few days, she her body was slowly shutting down. Last Wednesday, she became frustrated and upset about why they weren't going to put in a new tube for her dialysis. After being on a blood thinner for several days, the blood clot was still there. Every time she ate, she would aspirate. Wednesday night, the doctors told my mom and her brothers that they needed to discuss whether or not to put her on hospice. Thursday morning, the girls and I went to see her at Research. She was asleep when we got there. So we sat in the waiting room with my mom and her brothers. When she woke up we went in to spend some time with her. A physical therapist was there to help her comb her hair, and wash her face. I didn't know what to expect when seeing her. But what a difference from Sunday. She was slurring her words, she hadn't slept the night before, she was irritable and really didn't act like she knew who I was. It was definitely an eye opener for me to see her like that. My mom and her brothers had several meetings with social workers to discuss her care on hospice. Throughout the time I was there, she kept asking if she could go home. I was able to capture a sweet picture of Natalie holding her hand. We had no idea how much longer she had while on this earth. As a teenager, she would always tell me that she didn't want me to be sad when she returns to heaven. She wanted me to be happy. She has a sweet little baby Sarah who passed away shortly after birth whom she misses dearly. As I have thought about this, I am happy but of course I am sad too. She is 81, her body is preparing to leave this each. It gives me so much comfort to know that she will be in heaven with her Sarah and with our Leanne.
Sunday May 20, 2012 Visit with Grandma Sally
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| | | Visit with Grandma Thursday May 24, 2012 | | |
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Thursday night she was moved back to Blue River Rehabilitation Center on hospice care. She was moved into a private room. Since she has been back in her home, and on hospice she has had good days. She has eaten a little and drank some liquids. She seems comfortable. We went as a family on Saturday to visit her. We sang several songs with her. What a sweet experience. We sang "You are my Sunshine" with her and she joined in with us. Erich was able to capture it on video. Sunday afternoon, we went to visit her again. We were able to meet 2 of my cousins, Aunt Kathy and Uncle Steve there. It was so nice to see them and finally meet Stephanie's baby Katelyn.
Saturday May 26, 2012 Visit with Grandma Sally
Sunday May 27, 2012 Family Visit with Grandma
We aren't sure when she will pass into heaven but as we are preparing. I feel so blessed that we have the gospel in our lives. We know where she is going. This experience has brought our family closer together. Natalie is constantly asking about Grandma Sally. She will ask if she is sick? Is she going to be okay? Can she see her? She is always wanting to hold her hand. On Saturday, we were talking about her. I told her that Grandma's body is getting old. She is not going to be with us much longer. She will soon be going to heaven to live with Heavenly Father. She replied, "She will be with Leanne." Tears came to my eyes, I was so amazed that she understood that her Great-Grandma will be with Heavenly Father and with Leanne. Some may think that I am crazy for talking with her when she is only 3 but I feel that since she has been a part of her life and she knows her, that she needs to know what is happening and where she is going.
Natalie sure loves her Great Grandma Sally.
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