Two weeks ago yesterday Neil's grandmother was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Maw Maw is 93 and has been so healthy so this all came as a surprise after her not feeling well after about 6 weeks. We have seen her twice since then. The four of us went to Kerrville and spent some really great time with her at her home while she is on hospice. The visit was so sweet... pretty much her same old self telling us stories about when she played basketball in high school - she was one of the tallest and "quick as lightening". Claire served her lunch and the girls made her pictures. She looked good and again, was her same self except for not being able to get out of bed. On our way out she told me I was such a blessing to their family and I can't help but think of how much she has blessed MY life.
Eating popsicles in Maw Maw's backyard
Hair Hats at one of Neil's childhood favorite stores, Gibson's
Visiting the river
On our way home we stopped to pick blackberries. It was a hot afternoon but Eden is still talking about it! Such beautiful colors as the berries ripen. The blackberries were yummy and especially in the cobbler I made!
Today we made our second trip to Kerrville. It was much different and harder but still sweet in many ways. Maw Maw was visibly more sick, uncomfortable, no longer eating, hardly able to talk, got sick while we were there, bedroom door closed... it's so hard to see someone you love anticipate the end of life and be in pain - no matter how peaceful they are about their salvation. Now for the sweet parts - Neil was able to share with Maw Maw how much he always loves her cherry pie - she said "You and John". And how he remembers the smell of her breakfasts cooking when she would come to visit or he would stay with her. Also, Neil's cousin from Kingwood and another from Colorado was in to see her so we were able to visit them and the girls spent time with their second cousins. Went to the creek bed, played outside, laughed up a storm while eating ice cream, ate clementines....making memories. I also got to spend some special time with Elaine listening and doing my best to comfort her.
Annabelle, Eden, Claire, Ethan and Cameron
Saying goodbye was really hard. Elaine thinks she will pass away soon. Neil plans to go back Monday or Tuesday. Please keep Neil's family in your prayers!
2 comments:
So so sorry to hear this. Thankful that you are able to spend special time with her before she goes. May the Lord grant her and your family a special measure of peace during these difficult days.
=The Kennedy's
Hi there! I came across your blog today while looking for blogs about the Chosen Marathon. What a sweet family! I have enjoyed reading some of your previous posts, and listening to the awesome music in the background. The caption in the picture of your husband at Gibson's brought back so many memories of my Dad and I at Gibson's in my hometown growing up. Great memories. :)
I hope to run the Chosen Marathon this year. We live in Kansas, but my wife's family lives in Brownwood so it would be convenient, plus I am a big believer in adoption. Our church is involved with a missions program with Ethiopian children, Fields of Promise.
So sorry to read of your loss, and will be keeping your family in my prayers. God bless, and hope to meet you at the marathon someday!
Mike
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