Adam's grandma was diagnosed with cancer a few months ago. It was a shock to us all because even though in her early 90's, she was the most energetic, vibrant, sharp woman you've ever met. She tried to undergo surgery in order to remove the cancer and was willing to accept the risks in order to do so. The doctors told her that they don't usually perform this surgery on anybody over 90, however, since she was so active and healthy they would try it. Unfortunately, after the surgery, things started spiraling downhill pretty quickly.
We went to visit her early in the week, which was difficult, but somewhat comforting at the same time. I was glad to be able to hold her hand, kiss her forehead, and see her smile as she gazed at Jacob and Gavin. I was glad to be able to whisper that I thought she was a beautiful, brave, and inspiring woman. It was agonizing to see her struggling to talk, sip through a straw, and even keep her eyes open. Yet, she still was using her last bit of energy to crack jokes. And when I reached to put my hand on hers, she quickly opened her hand and clutched onto mine.
Adam and I have never had to explain the concept of dying to Jacob before now. Adam told him that Great-Grandma had a really big owie... too big for the doctors to fix. To which he said, "Daddy, can I bring her a Curious George band-aid to feel better?" So sweet. It melted my heart to see Jacob give her so many hugs, kisses, and I love yous. Gavin flashed his adorable smiles and drooled some love on her too. There were precious moments in that room that I will always remember and hold in my heart forever. When we said goodbye, my eyes filled with tears because somehow I knew... that it would be the last time we saw her.
And it was. We received a call in the middle of the night that she had passed away. The next day, we had our first talk with Jacob about somebody he loves going to heaven. We told him that Great-Grandma doesn't have anymore owies now because she is in heaven. The sad part is that we won't see her anymore and we will miss her... but the happy part is that she is with Jesus in heaven. "In heaven?" he asked. Yes. The happiest place ever... even happier than Disneyland. :)
2 comments:
Kerri,
That was an exremely touching story and I want you to know that our hearts go out to your family. What a bitter sweet time...to know that you will all miss her so much, but to also know that she lived a long (and seemingly happy/active) life and is definitely in the happiest place ever now with Jesus. What a difficult thing to try and explain to a 3 year old...you did a great job though! :o)
Sorry to hear about Grandma's death...but what a special time you guys had together in those last moments.
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