Tuesday I had the day off work for my Great Uncle Joe's funeral. I carpooled with my dad and sister to State Center, Ia. He was 90 years old went to bed and didn't wake up - that's how I want to go. Great Aunt Freida (90) is the only sibling left of my grandpa's (grandpa passed away Aug 20th at the age of 80). It was nice visiting with my family that I only see at funerals, family reunions or weddings. I got home just in time to change my clothes then it's off to I35 for basketball sign up from 6-8 - fun stuff.
Wednesday morning I was startled awake by my cell phone ringing and my mom telling me that Grandma Austin is not well. I arrive and am greeted by the Hospice nurse telling me that if I have anything to say to G'ma Austin that I should say it now because her body is failing...OK, um, WTF? I can't take this...I just lost G'pa Austin 2 months ago, it just can't happen like this!! So, I hold her hand let her know that I couldn't have asked for a better g'ma and that I love her and thank you for the many years that I shared with you and I'm so thankful that Emily and Allyson got to know you and just how damn special you are to me. I'm told that she heard me, that when someone is in this state that they hear everything, so I poured my heart and soul out to her. We couldn't get a hold of my Uncle so mom and I hopped in the car and took off to roust him from bed - yes at 3am -only he just recently moved and neither mom nor I knew where he lived exactly...We took a wrong turn, back tracked and tried it again. After pulling up to what we thought was his house, looking in the garage to see if we recognized any vehicles that were parked in there, we started ringing the door bell and banging on the door. Mom proceeded to fall off of his front porch out of her shoes while he's trying to figure out where and who we were....FINALLY we got him to the door and let him know what was going on. Mission accomplished we were back in the car and with a quick stop off at Kum n Go for coffee (duh) we were on the way back to sit with g'ma.
Today is Friday and g'ma is still hanging in there. However grim the news from the hospice peeps who keep stopping by, I'm cherishing the time I've been able to spend with g'ma rehashing all the stories and antics and just love that g'ma showed me - I will have these memories and keep them in my heart. Ever the optimist, I know it won't change the outcome and sometime in the next 24-48 hours I will lose the last grandparent I have, I will always have the hand squeezing, the eye contact and the time with g'ma in her last days on earth. No one can ever take that from me. I couldn't have done it without the great cover I have at work and the understanding that family will always come first - I have a great back up system and her name is Jodi - you rock sister. Keep her in your prayers....and the rest of my family. G'ma is the glue that holds us all together, without her, I don't know what will become of us.
Thursday night we took a couple of hours off from the vigil and took the kids trick or treating. Julie and I took Emily, Allyson, Sophia and Sabryn all over St. Charles in mom and dad's golf cart and couldn't figure out why we hadn't thought of the mode of transportation before this year?? Dad mentioned that the weather may have played a part in using the car instead. But honestly, we really have never thought to use it?? Anyway, it was a fantastic night for collecting candy!!
Friday night we took another couple of hours off and attended Beau's birthday party. I can't believe he's 11, just doesn't seem possible. Pretty soon, he'll be too old to kiss his Aunt Lesa and too fast for me to catch up to him. This makes me very sad. I'm just thankful that right now, he tolerates it when Aunt Lesa puts the bear hug on him and kisses his face until he squirms away from me. I love you Beau!!
That's the 'excitement' so far this week....not sure what the weekend will bring...
Hold your loved ones close,
L
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