Her Journey to Heaven

This blog really has been about Mom's journey. Her last night here with us has yet to be shared, it's been hard to find the words. But I've been asked if it was peaceful, if she was okay, if she knew she was loved, and the answer to all of that is yes. Since it's been 3 weeks today, I figured today would be a good day to share the story of that night...

I will never forget the night she passed away, and I'm confident to say that Kathy, Nani, Tony & Shannon feel the same way.

We had just said goodbye to a visitor for the evening, and Shannon and I went into the living room to check on Mom, Shannon lifted her covers to feel that her legs were ice cold. We had read in a book by hospice that this could happen days or hours before a person passes. Shannon and I were both worried, so we ate a bite of dinner, and gathered everyone by Mom's bedside.

Kathy found each of us a stool or a chair to sit on, and Shannon called Tony because things weren't looking up. We sat by her, held her hands and told her how much she is loved she briefly said "I love you" . We laughed at old memories, and cried together. Tony arrived just before a large storm, and helped everyone move their cars into cover, They came back in, and gathered around her bedside just as the storm started to rumble. We said the Lords prayer together and then we each took our turns reading her our birthday cards since we never got a chance before. Kathy then read her the note she wrote her at her benefit and Mom opened just one eye and watched Kathy read every word. We took her oxygen off of her, and kept talking about how much we love her, and telling her who was waiting for her on the other side. About five minutes after we removed the oxygen she took her last breaths. Shannon got up and retrieved her stethoscope and confirmed that she was gone.

The storm really lit up the sky and I stood outside watching it, waiting for Missy and Crawford to come for her.

We had a very beautiful opportunity to say goodbye. It was the most dignified death a person could have. We miss her, every. single. second.

But we know that Kerry, Grandpa Adolph and Kevin were all very excited to see her.

Dragonflys...

Something to Share... Jean, our Hospice Nurse gave us this story to help the kids understand what was happening with Grammi, I think it helped the rest of us more than we would have ever thought. I think we're more aware of Dragonfly's now, but it seems that we're seeing them everywhere! Just before I left I went to the cemetery and there were 6 or 7 of them flying around her grave - every time I see one from now on I will think of her and what she meant to all of us.  This Blog will be concluded soon, but hang in there with me a few more weeks. I plan to share the past two weeks with you and make sure to post some pictures of the funeral and our Relay for Life. Thank you everyone for everything.

The Dragonfly Story

By Kaminski Robinson, PMC

Down below the surface of a quiet pond lived a little colony of water bugs. They were a happy colony, living far away from the sun. For many months they were very busy, scurrying over the soft mud on the bottom of the pond. They did notice that every once in awhile one of their colony seemed to lose interest in going about. Clinging to the stem of a pond lily it gradually moved out of sight and was seen no more.

“Look,” said one of the water bugs to another. “One of our colony is climbing up the lily stalk. Where do you think she is going?”

Up, up, up it slowly went. Even as they watched, the water bug disappeared from sight. Its friends waited and waited but it didn’t return…

“That’s funny,” said one water bug to another. “Wasn’t she happy here?” asked a second. “Where do you suppose she went?” wondered a third.

No one had an answer. They were greatly puzzled. Finally one of the water bugs, a leader in the colony, gathered its friends together. “I have an idea. The next one of us who climbs up the lily stalk must promise to come back and tell us where he or she went and why.”

“We promise,” they said solemnly.

One spring day, not long after, the very water bug who had suggested the plan found himself climbing up the lily stalk. Up, up, up he went. Before he knew what was happening, be broke through the surface of the water and fell onto the broad, green lily pad above.

When he awoke, he looked about with surprise. He couldn’t believe what he saw. A startling change had come to his old body. His movement revealed four silver wings and a long tail. Even as he struggled, he felt an impulse to move his wings…the warmth of the sun soon dried the moisture from the new body. He moved his wings again and suddenly found himself up above the water. He had become a dragonfly.

Swooping and dipping in great curves, he flew through the air. He felt exhilarated in the new atmosphere. By and by the new dragonfly lighted

happily on a lily pad to rest. Then it was that he chanced to look below to the bottom of the pond. Why, he was right above his old friends, the water bugs. There they were scurrying around, just as he had been doing some time before.

The dragonfly remembered the promise: “The next one of us who climbs up the lily stalk will come back and tell where he or she went and why.” Without thinking, the dragonfly darted down. Suddenly he hit the surface of the water and bounced away. Now that he was a dragonfly, he could no longer go into the water.

“I can’t return,” he said in dismay. “At least, I tried. But I can’t keep my promise. Even if I could go back, not one of the water bugs would know me in my new body. I guess I’ll just have to wait until they become dragonflies too. Then they’ll understand what has happened to me, and where I went.”

And the dragonfly winged off happily into its wonderful new world of sun and air…

Once we become a Child of God through faith in Jesus Christ our Lord, we have started our journey to heaven. When we die and leave this world, and enter into our eternal home, we cannot come back; just like the dragonfly could not return to the bugs from whence he came.

In the Bible it says that Jesus is preparing our home for us. He said in John 14:1-3, “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In my Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. And if I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, you may be also.”

Thank You, God, for the story of the water bugs and the dragonflies. Thank You, God, for our home in heaven when we leave this earth.

The Fight is over...

Last night at 11:15pm Mom passed away with Kathy, Grandma Nani, Tony, Shannon and I all at her bedside. It was a peaceful ending to a well fought battle.

We appreciate your love, support and prayers, and wish that they continue as we prepare to lay her to rest.

Funeral date, location and time is in the works, I will post it here as soon as we make the arrangements.

Crawford Funeral chapel of Watertown, South Dakota will be taking great care of our Momma.

We will miss her so dearly, and all ready do.

♥ abby

Slow Goes it

We have all been sitting and waiting with baited breath. Seeing how she'll react to our new concotion of medication.
She's been having a lot of pain the past 24 hours and it breaks our hearts to hear "ow" come from her when she can't even tell us what is making her hurt.

It's been a trying time for all of us, please keep the prayers coming.
All our Love,

By her bedside

We have barely left her side all day, for only a moment or two here or there.
Her breathing is getting harder and her medicine intake keeps going up.
Her body is fighting still, but she is weak.
We pray for God to take her pain away, please pray with us.
Thank you for your love and support,
-a

Box of Love!

I know my co-workers miss me, they tell me so. But I also know they're awesome because they sent me this! Also, because everyone who hears that I'm able to work remotely and take care of my Momma tells me how lucky I am to work for a company that is so wonderful - my answer to that? I know.

Thank  you Patsy & Meg for the box of goodies!

Momma's doing okay today - she's sleeping, the bath nurse was here this morning, and Missy should be out later today (from what I hear). I am working here and there, and plan to take a nap right beside Mom. Sounds like bliss.

The Difference a Month Can Make

 These two pictures were taken about one month apart to the day. Above: Mother's day (or the day after May 11th) Below the 12th of June.

Wow.

Sometimes you need to step back and look at how much difference a month can make.

We're here beside you Momma!

Love,

Your kids

Dianne's 53rd and Brenda's 57th Birthday Extravaganza!

 Did you know... Mom shares her birthday with Brenda ??? The Birthday girls have been sharing sisters for a long time, and they always love to celebrate their birthdays together...

 This year was maybe a little bitter sweet, but they still enjoyed themselves none the less.

 Because they love eachother; and who better to spend your birthday with than your sister?

 and your new nieces!

 And a little nap time

 And your kids?!

 She ventured outside for the first time since Tuesday the 30th. It was really bright out for her so Tony loaned her his sunglasses!

 And her Grandbabies were there...

 And she had a wonderful day.

 Topped off with some icecream cake which she just skewered with her fork and ate it all!

 

She had a wonderful day with her family... we were all very thankful to celebrate with her.

Today is a good day - she slept nearly 23 hours yesterday and last night... Crazy.

She has been napping on and off, and DelRita the hospice nurse came in and gave her some more medicine.

LIfe is moving pretty slow, but we are enjoying the sweet moments.

Birthday Fun

I have a lot more birthday pictures for you - but Amanda took most of those so you'll need to wait till she gets back to Rapid and edits them, don't worry - it doesn't usually take her very long :)

Mom is doing okay today - she got up and got a bath which made her feel better and now she has a quiet household which doesn't hurt either. All you can hear right now is the clicking of my keyboard. Peaceful.

Thank you for your continued thoughts and prayers, we appreciate them from the bottom of our hearts.
And here's one to make you smile, Mom with her baby boy...

Monday Madness

Mom had a rough night after all her celebrating yesterday.
She was restless, and somehow her cough came back. Her Hospice Nurse Missy gave her a shot to help get some of the wetness off her lungs and hopefully that will help her cough.

We backed off some of her cardio pills which was a big decision for us, but Hospice care is about comfort not about cure; and right now, comfort is a hard medium to reach.

Today after giving her a dose of morphine and a couple of pills she asked Shannon and I if we were trying to kill her... our answer was of course no, but it made us giggle. She takes so much medicine I'm sure it feels like we're trying to O.D. her.

I will get pictures posted from her Birthday here in a few - I need to steal them from my cousin Amanda first.

Todd & Jeff stopped by with a beautiful bouquet of flowers for her birthday... Thanks guys, she loves the smell.

One step at a time!

The Hope Corps Walk On

Due to slow internet connection please go HERE to see the pictures...

Any ways... Last night was Relay for Life in Des Moines Washington. I would have done anything to be there for it - but I am where I need to be ... which is here with my Family.

Mom had a good day yesterday - there were a lot of people around and she enjoyed the company very much.

Today we celebrate her Birthday with a picnic ... eventhough her Birthday is tomorrow technically.

Thanks Hope Corps for walking for Mom... she appreciates every step!

Lots of People Lots of Love

Every single one of Mom's siblings, her Grandchildren and Children were by her side at one point in time or another today.

She had a good day - awake, talking and happy.

She did sleep a little, but I think she'll sleep nice and hard tonight.

Thanks for all the visits....

Pictures of Highline Relay & The Hope Corps to come tomorrow!

night everyone,
a

Living Life

Here's a little something Aunt Kathy shared with me today... I thought It was worth a post. It makes me smile, and think.

Today has been a decent day, but each passing day is as difficult as the last.

"Living Life"

"Life is not a race - But indeed a journey.

Be honest. Work Hard. Be choosy. Say "Thank you",

"I love you", and "Great job" to someone each day.

Go to church, take time for prayer. The Lord giveth

and the Lord taketh. Let your handshake mean

more than pen and paper. Love your life and what you've been given,

it is not accidental - search for your purpose and do it as best you can.

Dreaming does matter. It allows you to become that which you inspire to be.

Laugh often. Appreciate the little things in life and enjoy them.

Some of the best things really are free.

Do not worry, less wrinkles are more becoming. Forgive, it frees the soul.

Take time for yourself - plan for longevity. Recognize the special people

you've been blessed to know.

Live for today, enjoy the moment."

By Bonnie Mohr.

Shannie and I could have used this as we stood in the birthday card section at Wal-mart trying to pick out a card for Mom. We were in tears, and in laughter.

Prayers are ALWAYS appreciated.

The Norm

She sleeps a lot.
That's the norm now days.
She keeps asking where Brenda is, I think she's excited to see her.

She's sick of us asking her to eat, asking her to take her pills asking her if she needs to go to the bathroom.

She just wants to sleep.

Thanks to the visitors today... Mark, Brent, Scott, Elliott, Don & Nick. So good to see you guys.

Love and hugs,
abby

Cowboys & Indians...

They've been running around like this all day... how could you blame them? heat of summer and they're having fun! Meanwhile - Mom's inside sleeping most of the day. She's doing okay and is still enjoying having people stop by.

Missy stopped by to see her and mix up some more medicine and some of her co-workers stopped to say hey. Other than that, Just us family!

Shannon and I have been working on digging through bills and making sure Mom's are being paid and things are running smoothly for her.

A few pictures from the week so far...

Mom with baby Alaina...
Our Prayer shawls from LCOOR...

Us Three Kids' shawls.

And I end with another of the boys... because I like Kye and T-roy's winky faces as they aim their "guns" at me.

Please continue thoughts and prayers - We really appreciate it.

Word on the street is that Doctor Horn reads this blog too... so, Hi Doc!

Mom's FAVORITE Nurses!

Kelly & Kristi have been Mom's Oncology Nurses for the past two years, and they have spent many hours together helping her heal, laugh, and tolerate Chemo.

Last night I got a phone call that Kristi & Kelly wanted to come for a visit. How often would you find nurses that want to come visit their patients after hours? These girls are wonderful and it immediately brought a smile to Mom's face to see them here.

They read the blog regularly and keep track of how she's doing right along with Dr Horn - I am constantly amazed how many people keep up with this thing.

They joked with her about not letting Missy (our Hospice Nurse) take their place as her favorite. Then again, maybe they weren't joking.

I don't think you can ever be replaced ladies, the love and care you've given our Mom over the past two years is unmatched by anyone. I can't thank you enough for what you've done and for helping us keep the humor when battling cancer gets scary.

You are a blessing to us, and most importantly to Mom. She will miss hanging out with you but probably not the drugs you administer.

We love you!

-a

Hospice and Prayer Shawls

It's been a pretty busy day around here.

Mom's hospice nurses came over to bathe her and get her vitals measured. Missy should be here tomorrow.

We've had lots of visitors, and Mom's really enjoyed having all of her grandchildren here running and giggling.

Nancy from the church stopped by and brought each of us kids a prayer shawl. They're beautiful! Each one is hand crafted by someone at the church, and they are blessed by the congregation during service. Each one is to represent God and our community hugging us in hard times.

Angie, Joe and family stopped by with the new baby, so Mom got to meet the two newest additions to the Nielsen clann, Jett and Alaina.

Jean with Hospice stopped by to drop off pamphlets and booklets to help us through this difficult time, and also brought us some tools to help the kids understand what's going on with Grammi. We're really loving all the support they give.

We're hanging in there, and appreciate all the love and support.

Thank you,
A

Nap Time at the Brink House

It's nap time here at the homestead so I thought I'd give a quick status report and share some photos from our past few days.

Mom woke at some point a couple days ago and really wanted her fingernails painted - so she let Erica pick out the polish... now she has iradescent green glow to her fingers. It makes us giggle

We've been taking turns sleeping next to her - the other morning it was Erica's turn. This picture kind of melts my heart ... just a little.

This is Shannon sorting out Mom's DAILY pill intake... oye vey.

And that's Missy... we like her.

It's been pretty quiet today, but pretty good.

Mom slept through the night, and only woke at 6 am to use the restroom - that's pretty awesome.

Pastor Tom stopped in and gave us communion as a family, there may have been a few tears during that one.

We are doing pretty well - getting along.

Sunday

My posts are getting less creative. Especially the titles. But the most important part is getting you all the "Deets" (details).

Mom had a rough night, she was up and trying to get comfortable about every half hour. She finally settled in and has been sleeping for a couple hours now, but let's just say it was a long night.

She's been telling us all sorts of goofy stories. Yesterday she was "writing tickets" and "mixing paint... Forest green paint" so, Wayne & Linda if you're reading this, I think she's still on the clock ;o).

The syringe driver seems to help her keep a more even pace, but we still tend to have some pretty long episodes of trying to catch her breath.

The door is still open for visitors, She may not talk a whole lot, but she does know you're here, and enjoys the company. I think she gets sick of seeing Me, Kathy, Shannie & Nani all the time... or maybe just us poking at her for pills, medicine, and washing times.

Her nurse Missy will be here tomorrow to help out some more. We'll be glad to see her - she's a breath of fresh air and gives us new ideas to make Mom comfortable.

Thank you for your continued love and prayers,
They mean the world
-a

Saturday

Mom is getting along pretty well with her new morphine driver, and she has been a little more alert this afternoon.

She's had quite a few visitors today and that brings a smile to her face.

Kris, Tamijo, Addison, Avery, Jeremy, Jayven, Kevin, Bentley, Rusty, Tammy, Linda & Wayne, thank you for stopping by for the smile :).

Love,
A