An angel closes her eyes........

(Julie)South Prairie, WA(Zone 7a)

I didn't know exactly how to title this thread, so I stole a line from an appropriate song (an all time favorite, although it makes me cry every time I hear it)....."Lightning Crashes" by Pearl Jam.

Thank you all for your concern and wishes for us in what has been a very hard time over the last week and a half. We have been too tired to participate on line or respond to inquiries, but knowing that our DG friends have been thinking about us has been very uplifting.

We are losing Grandma.... Although no one will venture a prognosis farther than "it could be hours or days", we have been watching her decline significantly day by day. Mom took her to the emergency room a week ago because she was complaining of "a pain in her side and feeling weak". After several tests, they determined that one of her kidney tubes was blocked almost completely, but inserting a stent would solve the problem. The operation was successful, and she was feeling better almost immediately. Unfortunately, the strain of the anesthesia and operation caused her to have a severe heart attack on Wednesday night. Long story short, she is on comfort care only, and no mater how we have tried to coax her, she has not woken up since Sunday afternoon. I feel like I should say more, but it has been difficult in so many ways that that is all I can put into words.

That we all return to the earth is unfortunately a fact of life, and I guess at this point, all we can do is hope for a peaceful passing.



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(Judi)Portland, OR

Oh Julie I am so sad to hear your news. I will be thinking about you and your mother and sending you hugs and peace.

Buckley, WA(Zone 7b)

Julie and Sharon, please remember that we are here for you. Love you.

Buckley, WA(Zone 7b)

Julie, what is her name, so we can pray for her and your family.

(Linda)Gig Harbor, WA(Zone 8a)

Julie,Thank you for the update. You and your family are in our prayers.

Vashon, WA(Zone 8b)

I am so sorry. It is so very hard to lose someone you love. I am holding you all in my thoughts through this emotional time.

Woodinville, WA(Zone 8b)

Julie and Sharon, I am so, so sorry. This is such a hard time. Bless your grandma. I hope she is as comfortable as possible and that you get some good last days with her.

If you need an ear or anything else, please don't hesitate to contact me. I'll keep you all in my prayers.

Kathy

Woodinville, WA(Zone 8b)

Oh, and I do believe that though she may not be able to respond, she hears you and can feel your love. What a beautiful way to transition, with all that love around you.

K

Love and peace to you and Sharon, Julie. Your grandma is a very fortunate woman to have her family around her. Many blessings and may her passing be easy and filled with grace. May you and your mom find joy in being with her in her final days here on earth. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Salem Cnty, NJ(Zone 7b)

Tears are being shed here for your family. I do pray that her passing is peaceful. Big {{{HUGS}}} to you and your mom.

Cedarhome, WA(Zone 8b)

What a lovely elegant woman. I, too, hope for a peaceful end to her journey. Take care.

Lake Stevens, WA


So sorry to hear the sad news. Grandmothers and moms are hard to see go but they never die in are hearts and memories.

Union, WA(Zone 8b)

Julie and Sharon, Big hugs for you. Your grandmother is a beautiful lady.

(Julie)South Prairie, WA(Zone 7a)

Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers. A very brief update... Grandma passed away last night. No matter how right it is, and how prepared you are, it is still a very sorrowful time. Now is the time to start trying to relish that she had 92 good years, and was independent until the end. Trying to remember the happy times......

Buckley, WA(Zone 7b)

Julie and Sharon, my heart goes out to you.

Woodinville, WA(Zone 8b)

Thanks for taking the time to let us know, Julie. I thought about you all night and this morning, as well. No matter how old your loved ones are, the passing does seem so sudden and so surreal. Take comfort that there are many people here who have gone through what you're going through.

A big cyber hug to you from here and please give your mother a big hug for me, as well.

Kathy

There's no way to avoid the grief of death, regardless of how prepared we are. Love and peace to you and Sharon, and all of your family.

(Judi)Portland, OR

Julie,
Just know there are people here (even if we have never met in person!) that are thinking of you and your mother. I do believe that those we have loved live on in our hearts.

Carnation, WA(Zone 7b)

So sorry to hear that you've lost your Grandma. It is wonderful that she had many beautiful years to spend with you and your family. May your memories of her make you smile every time you think of her.

Dallas, OR(Zone 8a)

Julie and Family, Sorry to hear of your loss. May the Angels greet her with open wings.

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Burwash Weald, United Kingdom(Zone 9b)

Warmest thoughts to you both.

Langley, WA(Zone 7b)

Julie and Sharon, I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. The picture you posted of her on the 'boat' is wonderful. She looks so elegant. I can see a lot of Sharon in her!

It's great that you all were able to be with her through this time. It's very sad to lose a loved one. I know your family will continue to be with her through your memories.

Take care,
Gwen

(Pony) Lakewood, WA(Zone 8a)

Oh dear... I'm so sorry, Julie and Sharon. *gentle hugs to both of you* Such a hard thing...

Not that it really matters, but the song "Lightning Crashes" isn't Pearl Jam, it's by 'Live' and the album is "Throwing Copper". It makes me cry too- it's a beautiful song.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dsOculxtdX8

This message was edited Apr 29, 2010 3:39 PM

Kalispell, MT(Zone 4b)

Hugs to you and Sharon.

This message was edited Apr 29, 2010 10:48 PM

(Linda)Gig Harbor, WA(Zone 8a)

My heart goes out to you both.
Linda

Vashon, WA(Zone 8b)

More hugs to our dear friends (((((Sharon and Julie))))). May you find some measure of comfort in your memories.

Village of Port Clem, Canada

Condolences Rarejem. She was blessed to have such a caring family. Remember that most 'Grammas' prefer to be remembered as vital active women of the family. Don't hang on to the last memory of her its too painful. Her photo tells me there was a LOT of good active life there. Be glad of it.
May the Lord keep you close with his comfort at this time.
Elaine

Olympia, WA(Zone 7b)

Thinking of you and sending (((hugs)))) your way.

Cedarhome, WA(Zone 8b)

There is something to be said about sharing a loved one's passing. I think it is important, and am glad you could be there with her. Speak often of your grandma, with fondness and a smile on your face.

North Lakewood, WA(Zone 8b)

Thinking of you both, may Grandmas passing be peaceful.

Richmond B.C., Canada

I have been away for a bit.. I am so sorry to hear of your loss! Hugs to you....

Freedom, CA(Zone 9b)

I am so sad to hear about your loss. I haven't been in the forums much lately and this morning as I try to catch up on everyone, I find that you and Sharon are not alone in losing someone you love. And here it is almost Mothers Day! I hope all of those wonderful, strong, and loving women we knew as our mothers, aunts, sisters, and grandmothers will look at us as fondly as we do them while we remember them especially tomorrow.

(Sharon)SouthPrairie, WA(Zone 7a)

On Sunday, May 16, we sprinkled GMA's ashes as she had wished. Ward and the great-grandkids did the honors around the dogwood tree that was her favorite.

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(Sharon)SouthPrairie, WA(Zone 7a)

We also planted a new native dogood tree in her honor.

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(Sharon)SouthPrairie, WA(Zone 7a)

Julie added a bright bouquet.

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(Sharon)SouthPrairie, WA(Zone 7a)

Sharon added some of GMA's ashes.

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(Sharon)SouthPrairie, WA(Zone 7a)

And the dogwoods honored the occasion with their full bloom.....................

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Buckley, WA(Zone 7b)

My thoughts were with you yesterday. We were celebrating the arrival of a new life, while you were celebrating the passing of a grand life. The mystery and miracle of life is a beautiful, emotional experience.

Langley, WA(Zone 7b)

Yes, exactly what Lynn expressed so poetically!

It looks like you guys had a wonderful day, Julie and Sharon.

Union, WA(Zone 8b)

Beautiful service. Almost like what we did for our mom.

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