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October 5, 2007
To Glory
My grandfather passed away yesterday around 6pm. He has been suffering with Parkinson's disease for about 10 years and has been in a nursing home for almost 2years, I think. He was 89 years old. My mother and father dutifully took care of him since they moved in together back in 1999. The last stretch before he was put in a home was the hardest. It was like having a newborn, waking up every couple hours to change wet sheets and pajamas, except this situation had no growth and hope of getting better. It took it's toll on my mother, effecting her health. They had night nurses toward the end, and spent every last dime to pay them and then the nursing home. When people talk about taking in their parents as the Biblical "right" thing to do I don't know if my mom agrees anymore. The "system" is not flexible enough when you don't have thousands of dollars. She had no choice. Physically and medically it became dangerous. But my mom's decisions completely reflected the respect and love of a daughter. She respected her parents wishes to the end and still caters to my grandmother and her little desires for the perfect matching clothing and holiday decorations for her room. My grandparents spent their life serving God as missionaries in Appalacia, teaching and pastoring churches. The only money they had was from my great aunt who passed away in 2004. She worked at a seminary as an administrative assistant and had a pension.
All this to remind us that this world is not our home! It is a sigh of deep relief to see my grandfather go home to Jesus. He showed signs of failure and so we've been waiting, only for a week, to see how long it would take. He was enrolled in hospice care. Thankfully he passed gently and quietly. I am glad that I have been able to be in town and visit them more often. My grandfather kept his humor until the end. Even if he could not speak, he always had a boyish grin and gave a gentle wave to Eden and let Josiah shake his hand. I'm sure he is laughing and dancing in heaven. He is being shown the joys of a life well lived in service to God. I am proud to be from such a long line of witnesses of God's love and grace.
I'm glad my brother Kirk and his family are here this weekend. It's good timing. We'll see when the memorial services are. My grandparents donate their bodies to science, so the service date will be when it is most convienient for my uncle to come from VA.
Again, I cannot stress how thankful I am for the gentle passing of my elders. And how much joy we have in knowing that the best part is yet to come. The peace and praise that must fill their hearts as they meet their Lord.
family | By | 9:01 AM
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Comments
Katie-It was great to talk to you! I'm sorry to hear about your grandfather! I'll keep you family in my prayers! I know that you and Joel keep me and all my issue in your Prayers! I'm lucky to have such great friends like you! Take care! Love Always, Roseanne!
Posted by: Roseanne at October 13, 2007 10:35 PM
katie,
you are your family are in our thoughts.
Posted by: paige at October 5, 2007 11:22 AM
Katie, comfort and prayers to you and family in this home-going of your grandfather. Sounds like he had a rich 89 years. It's never easy to witness first hand the frailty of loved ones, thank God he is with our great healer.
Posted by: Linda at October 5, 2007 11:21 AM
oh kate
i was just now posting, reflecting on the many blessings god has given in life and death. it is astounding and overwhelming but all wonderful in the end. i will pray for you and the rest of your family. though you are all, i am sure comforted, now that your grandfather is in peace. prayer in all the planning, traveling and celebrating of this amazing man's life of faith. take care and if you need anything, let me know. ox.
Posted by: cat at October 5, 2007 10:56 AM
