Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Thank Your for your Prayers and Support...


This has been a very difficult week for my family. When I arrived here in Kansas City and saw my Grandmother, it was clear that we needed to get her to the emergency room. She has reached the place with her illness where she no longer wants to eat and she is very weak. She was in the hospital for 2.5 days receiving iv treatments and was evaluated by the doctors. I slept in the hospital with her one night and my Aunt the next. I am blessed by the night I was able to spend alone with my Grandmother.
Despite all of my Aunt's efforts, we knew that we needed help. We engaged hospice and they delivered a hospital bed and some other items that will be needed to enable my Grandmother to stay in her home yesterday. Today we meet with the hospice nurse. My Grandmother now requires 24 hour a day care. We are trying to keep her comfortable, her cancer has traveled to the bones in her side and she is in a lot of pain.
I am very grateful that I have such a strong and wonderful family. And that includes members who are not related by blood, but are family just the same. I have learned in this life that family isn't defined by genetics and my family includes many who do not share my dna.
A very special thank you to my Aunt Karen who does not read this blog. I wouldn't have made it though this week without you. And to Margaret who does read it, thank you for being there this week and helping us get to where we are today. Because of you, I will be able to return home and know that my Aunt and my Grandmother are in the best situation possible right now.
Thank you to my blog sisters who have showered me with strenght and love through your e-mails and comments. I sit most days in my Aunt's office right next to my Grandmother's room so I can hear if she wakes up. I sit here and read your comments and e-mails to pass the time and give me strength.
Thank you Robin. I love you. You are such a wonderful friend. Thank you for constantly sending me information and keeping in touch all throughout the days.
To my Aunt Pam who does not read this often: I love you and you are doing a great job and you are strong enough to lead our family. I am so sorry that I live so far away and that this is all on your shoulders.
It will be just you and me for a while until our children are fully grown, we'll walk together in this life and my Mother and Grandma will walk together in heaven. But we can make it and they will help us.

28 comments:

Kim said...

I am sitting here crying with you my friend....
I so know how it is when you grandparents are sick..
CHERISH the moment.. I did and don't regret a sec.. it is hard to see them like that but you will sooo remember all the GREAT Times..
I have been thinking about you...
Love you girly..
Soooo glad you could spend these days with her..
BIG BLOGGER HUGS...

Somewhere In The Sun said...

I'm so glad that you have such wonderful support from your family during this difficult time. I know from reading your blog that you are very close to your grandmother. You are in my prayers!

~Lynn

a Tonggu Momma said...

Big hugs to you, RMJ. We recently lived through those last days with the husband's father. It is so very difficult. I'll pray for peace. I know it's hard to come by. Hugs again.

kerri said...

Praying for you and your family, hoping you find strength and peace in these difficult hours.
Hugs.

Musings from Kim K. said...

Please know that you continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. What a blessing to be with your grandmother during this time.

May 2009 bring many special memories to you and your family.

Half Gaelic, Half Garlic! said...

I am so sorry that you are going through this....it is so difficult to watch someone you love go through something so painful. You are blessed to have the love and support of ALL of your family members....I know this is a tough time for you and I hope that you can find some peace and comfort knowing she is in God's hands.

Hugs to you,

Lisa

Jewels of My Heart said...

Dear Kimberley,
I am so very sorry.... I know how heartbreaking it is... I am praying for your Grandmother to not be in pain and that she will go peacefully into the arms of her Jesus.... I am praying for you and your family that you will know God's peace.... please let me know if there is anything at all I can do for you... I am just so sorry.
Love,
Daleea

Unknown said...

I wish I lived closer..I so want to give you a hug..

praying for strength for you

Truly Blessed said...

Kimberley,

I know this is hard for you, but what a blessing to be able to have some time with your Grandma and Aunts. I'm sure you are being as much a blessing to your Aunts in your care and concern of your Grandma, as they are to you.

So sorry you have to go through this, but that's just part of life. I know you'll be glad for every minute you are able to spend with your beloved Grandma before her body just can't take it anymore.

I know exactly where you are right now, as my Grandmother lived with us for the last six weeks of her life and I was able to take care of her, visit with her and spend some wonderful time together before she passed away.

God bless your whole family, and please be safe as you travel home.

Happy 2009 to all of you!

Anonymous said...

I'm so very sorry you are going through this, I know how very haertbreaking it can be. You are so very lucky to have such a great support system. Stay strong. I am hoping for all the best for you and your family in 2009.

Hugs
Sherri

Kelley said...

Prayers and cyber hugs are being sent your way! I'm so glad that you have lots of support! I too am wishing you a 2009 filled with special moments and wonderful memories.

Kim said...

Praying for your Grandma and you. It's so hard to see someone you love so much in pain. Thinking of you.
Kim and Katiebug

OH MY #6 said...

Lots and lots of love to you Kimberley.

Lea

Mr.Brian said...

Sending prayer our way.

jennifer said...

I have been catching up. I am so sorry about your grandmother. Your post is so touching.

Happy New Year, my friend.

Gail said...

I've been thinking about you all week and want you to know that you're in my prayers Kimberley as is your Grandmother. I know this is terribly difficult to go through. I'm so sorry.

love,
Gail

Chelley said...

prayer love and hugz... please know that you are in my thoughts....

mommy24treasures said...

so sorry for your pain and difficult times as the NY rings in. Sending love and prayers.

Special K said...

Oh hon, I wish there were something more I could do. Praying here.

Anonymous said...

I will continue praying for you and your whole family! Wish I could do more!

Faith, Hope, and Love said...

Kimberley, I'm sorry the time has come to say goodbye to your grandmother. It is never easy and I will be praying for you and your family. I'm so happy that God gave you the blessing of being able to care for her...a gift you will carry forever.

Praying for peace, comfort, and strength!

Love you!
Robin

Roy and Lori said...

So sorry to hear this news!
We will be praying for your
grandmother and your family.

Take Care!

Lena Just Lena said...

Praying for you and with you.

It's so hard to walk this walk, but in the end, you will be glad you were there and able to spend whatever time you can and will you cherish the memories.

God Bless.

Fliss and Mike Adventures said...

Hugs to ya... thinking of ya...

LaLa said...

Lots of hugs and prayers sent your way. I know all too well how hard this is...it is truly a blessing to know that she will be at peace and walking those streets of gold with those she loved here on earth. That doesn't mean you won't miss her but I am happy you have wonderful memories. Thinking of you....

Dawn said...

Kim,

I am so sorry about your Grandmother! I pray you will find strength in your family and your sweet memories~

Special K said...

Praying for peace for your grandmother and strength for your family.

Gwen Oatsvall said...

i have always admired your strength and dedication to all of your family ... you honor them w/ your love and commitment ... I will be praying for everyone's heart involved ... love ya sister so much !!!!