Prayer Request

This is a picture of my grandmother with me and my siblings. Doesn't she have a beautiful smile?

My dear sweet grandmother who is 98 years young is in the hospital and things appear grim. She went in approximately a week ago with what turned out to be pneumonia & congestive heart failure. She has had pneumonia before, as well as a stroke and other medical situations that have landed her in the hospital before, but I knew this time was much much worse when we were told she had signed a form requesting no visitors. In all the previous times, no matter how bad she felt, she welcomed family and friends just as she has always done when they stop at her home. So for her to ask that no one stops, told me that she knew, this time was different.

She finally agreed to have visitors on Monday. It was a crazy busy day for me and even though I really wanted to be there, I just couldn't get down there.

Early yesterday morning my mother calls and says she has taken a turn for the worse. My heart skipped a beat. Doc said she is critical and family should be called. My mind raced and I couldn't focus. I know the reality is she is very sick. I know the reality is she is 98. I know the realities...but having to accept them is another thing. I mean....this is Grandma. The same lady who has bounced back from gall bladder surgery, a stroke, and other horrible things. To actually have to admit to myself that she may not bounce back from this, was more than my heart was ready to take. I wanted to see her. I needed to see her. "There's nothing you can do here" I was told. It didn't matter. I had to be there. I ached to be there.

Jay was so awesome. He helped get things arranged for me regarding the kennel, and we headed to the hospital. She woke up while I was there and even briefly visited and she shared her smile. The smile that lights up a room. I was so happy to be there. Later, the kids drove down and she smiled and said hello to each of them as well. She genuinely seemed so happy to see everyone. Jay and the kids left after supper, and I stayed. A part of me didn't want to leave - ever. The doctor had said, he didn't feel she had a very good chance of making it through the night. I knew I needed to go home, but I also wanted to stay.

Finally I knew it was time for me to leave. I had a good cry most of the way home. The tears were not for Grandma. She was resting comfortably and when the time did come for our Lord to call her home, how joyous that will be for her. So the tears were not for her. They were a mix of happy and sad tears. Happy to know that soon, she and her beloved husband who had passed 10 years earlier, my dear grandpa, would have the happy reunion in heaven that they both have waited for. How wonderful that will be for them, and I cry tears of happiness for them both, knowing they will finally be together again. And then I cry tears of sadness, because I will miss her so much. She really is an amazing woman.

If prayers could guarantee that you could save a person, I have no doubt Grandma would rise from her bed and say "ok, lets go make some fudgins (a pastry she is "famous" for)". She is loved by so many people that I'm sure heaven is being inundated with prayers for her. Even still, I ask that anyone reading this, please send up another prayer. There's always room for one more.

I love you Grandma