Aunt May is in pallative care now. Mom and I went to see her this evening about 6 pm. We stayed there until her daughter and son-in-law came in with my uncle. May's granddaughters were with them. Mom and I stepped out and went to the coffee shop for a cup of tea so they could have some privacy. When we got back pretty much everyone was in tears.May's oldest granddaughter, who is 16, is going with her school to England, France and Italy. She leaves Tuesday morning. I asked her about her trip and she is just so excited. She was telling me all about what she was going to see and about the uniforms they will be wearing, which she said are very uncool. She was talking a mile a minute and I noticed that May's eyes were open and that she was listening intently. When Rachel finished, I told her to look at her Grandma because she hadn't missed one word she'd said.
Rachel looked at May and said, "Grandma, I hope you are still here when I get back so I can tell you all about the trip and the things I've seen. If not, I know you will be there with me seeing all the things that I'm seeing." Wow! I think that got everyone. What a perceptive young lady. Aunt May actually gave a little smile.
When Rachel went to leave, I gave her a hug and whispered in her ear. "Go and enjoy your trip. That is what Grandma would want you to do." She cried while I was hugging her but said she knew that her Grandma would want her to have fun.
Rachel and her sister, Rita are very close and Rachel told her Grandma that she wouldn't see her tomorrow night because she had a lot of packing to do. She told her that Rita would be there and that she would send a special hug with her. What a heart touching moment.
I talked to Aunt May last Tuesday and she told me how proud she is of her granddaughters. I told the girls what she had said. I'm sure that made them both feel good. And Aunt May knew that I told them, as she was still listening intently.
I tried to get Aunt May to eat a little something when we first got there, but all she would take was one teaspoon of applesauce and then she shook her head that she didn't want anymore. She refused to drink and the nurse told me she hasn't taken much food or drink all day. I believe she is shutting her body down. She has fought a valiant fight. In April 2008, the doctors told her she had between two weeks and two months. She has far surpassed that and I am thankful for the extra time we were given to enjoy her company.
The hospital has not administed any intravenous and the nurse told me they are not taking her blood sugar levels or giving her her diabetes meds. The only thing they are giving her is morphine in order to keep her comfortable. She and her nurse had some fun on Friday when she was more lucid but now the morphine is keeping her so sedated that she can barely keep her eyes open.
Please pray for the family. They are having a difficult time accepting that she is going home. But it is time - there is a time and season for everything and she has put up a great fight. May the angels minister to her and keep her in comfort and peace until the time she is called home. It is only a matter of time.
Enjoy your week. I will keep you updated. ~Blessings, Mary~
Hugs and Prayers are with you and Aunt May. ~ann
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like the time isn't long now. I'm glad she was able to have that time with her granddaughters and to see other family. I'm praying for her to be comfortable and peaceful.
ReplyDeleteI am praying for all of you...m...
ReplyDeleteI love you, you have my prayers.
ReplyDeleteI"m sorry Mary, Aunt May sounds like a real gem of a lady.
ReplyDeleteKeeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.
ReplyDeleteMary, Mary....I just don't know what else to say but that you are all in my thoughts and prayers. Such a sad, sad time in your life. Losing a family member is not easy. May's granddaughter seems to really have a good grasp on things, we should all take a lesson from her. She seems to know that death is part of life and that the lives of those left behind must go on...I want to be like her when I grow up!!!! Yes indeed, living must go on.
ReplyDeletePrayers that her end is near and the suffering will be at an end real soon. And the hands of her maker will surround her and give her comfort.
My prayers are with you all, Mary.
ReplyDeleteGod bless!
Renie
((((hugs)))) Sometimes posts like this make me miss my mom.
ReplyDeleteThis brings back memories of others who have gone on. You are giving her the best that you can.
ReplyDeleteThis post hurts so much to read. It's where we were last October with my mom. I still miss her every day and sometimes the pain is a dull ache and sometimes it's a knife through my heart. There are blessings, though, that can come even from the heartache of losing a beloved one. God can and WILL work good. I have kept your Aunt May and your family in my prayers and will continue to do so.
ReplyDeletePraying for your family, Mary...
ReplyDeleteDo feel for you, your family, and Aunt May at this difficult time. I’m remembering when we did this for my brother. It’s never easy, but often necessary. You’re all in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteI stopped in early this morning to let you know you've been 'tagged' ... so drop by Small Reflections whenever time permits for details, but there’s no rush ;--)
Hugs and blessings,,
I know the heartbreak of knowing that is is only a matter of time before a loved one goes home. I went through this with my Mom in Sept.2003
ReplyDeleteMom was suffering and the amount of pain medication was not helping much.the last words that she ever spoke to me was I'm so proud of you. the next morning she was gone.
Dearest Mary,
ReplyDeleteI have tears in my eyes from reading this post...I feel like we all know Aunt May through your words. My heart and prayers go out to her and all of the family. I remember my dad, just before he died, listening intently to what everyone was saying around him, it's as if their hearing is the only thing left. She can be proud of the family she's leaving behind, even her granddaughters are handling it with love and caring. My thoughts are with all of you. You know my number if you need to talk:-) xoxo
Where she is going she won't suffer anymore though. And it's good that you and the family will have the peace of knowing.
ReplyDeleteI will keep you and your family in my prayers and her so that she will have a peaceful time leaving you.
Lots of love, and thanks again,
Jess
May you find comfort as I do in this...Those who have gone on before us stand at the right hand of god both day and night interceding for us...
ReplyDeleteBe embraced
They sound like a wonderful family. She is headed for a much better place! I know you will all miss her.
ReplyDeleteI pray for comfort for the family and for God's mercy for your Aunt May. May God bless you and your Aunt May and the entire family, Mary.
ReplyDeleteMuch love,
Diane
Good morning, Mary,
ReplyDeleteMy prayers are with all of you. It is always hard to lose loved ones, even when we know they are going.
I hope you received my Christmas card...I mailed it a couple of weeks ago or maybe longer...
love,bj
Mary, I am keeping your Aunt Mae and family in my prayers. I pray her journey with the angels will be quick and peaceful. Heaven will be blessed to have such a wonderful and loved lady.
ReplyDeleteTruly wonderful that Your Aunt May was given extra time to be with her family. A time to say good bye and let everyone know they are loved. I wish you all well.
ReplyDeleteOn another note, just wanted to let you know that I never did recieve your email. I apologize for not having let you know sooner. I would like to get on your mailing list for any future card mailings.
I am praying for you and the family. I love your site. Thanks so much for your prayers. I can actually speak with a normal voice!
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
What a special time for them and the granddaughter seems so special, I had tears also. You are all in my prayers.
ReplyDelete