In the aftermath to Grandma and her fall at what we've affectionately called "the home," Grandma was placed in Hospice. There are few words for this place other than amazing and wonderful. The facility was extremely nice and updated and the people/activities/building couldn't have been more calming and helpful to both Grandma and family. Her heartbeat was strong, she knew what we were saying and who was saying it. She asked for applesauce, told David she loved him and called Meredith David's daughter. I think it's clear she has a fondness for her first great-grandchild!
Anyway, as the week went on, her heartbeat started to slow down and we went to buy David a suit and some new socks. Donald and Danielle made arrangements to come to town and, well, I kept going to the doctor and working swim meets (as usual). It was hard to be at the pool when all I wanted was to be with my family, even if every five minutes I was told to sit down and put my feet up. We met Donald and Danielle for dinner and had them as our first overnight guests on Saturday. We made breakfast and ate at our new kitchen table. We were leisurely in getting ready to run errands and head back to the Hospice center on Sunday. I was in the shower when it happened. David said we needed to go to Grandma's with more urgency than he had before. I didn't think about it since I was already taking the necessary steps, but then he said Grandma passed away several minutes before. Speechless. I guess I just didn't think it would actually happen.
Janis and Bonnie and Meredith had left the room. Donald wasn't there yet. David was downstairs watching tv. I was washing my hair. And that's when Grandma passed away. When no one was there to see it but her nurses. We arrived about 45 minutes later and she was still in bed, waiting and being loved on. I couldn't bear to see it, reminded me too much of Mom. She waited until the day after Bonnie's birthday, much like Mom went the day before mine. I hope Mom greeted her in Heaven with some Butterfingers. That woman loved candy. We spent the rest of the day eating chicken and receiving friends/phone calls at Janis' house. Dad came over and brought the cocker, and we all just enjoyed remembering Grandma and each other.
We had an ultrasound the next day, so David was able to come (he took the rest of the week off work). Baby girl is 5 pounds, 5 ounces. Right on track and perfect so far. Let's hope she stays that way. Apparently she has a head full of hair. I hope she loses some of it, cause I really like a baldish baby. David says she must have his hair, since he has great hair. It looks like she has my nose, which we're all thankful for. David's got a big'un.
Services were set for Tuesday (visitation) and Wednesday (service). David felt Baby girl kicking in the bed on Tuesday night. I think Grandma had her hand in that, since it was the first time either of us really felt her like that. I clearly felt her bones in my ribs. Weird sensation, something out of Men in Black. Definitely made David's night.
From the service, we were in the procession to drive from Durham to Antioch. That's where a lot of our family is buried also, and of course Dad lives down the road. My great grandfather and great great grandfather are there, which I am not sure I really knew. Anyway, we were escorted by three Durham cops/sheriffs on motorcycles. They were badass. They switched off in Chapel Hill to CHPD, who really suck at processionals. Then we got Orange County Sheriffs and Carrboro PD, both of which rolled out at the perfect times. I LOVED stopping people at lights and on the other side of the road, especially near campus. Grandma would have been proud and she deserved all of it.
I have another doctor's appointment today. I am really tired of going to the doctor.
We need to finalize insurance and pediatrician. This shit is getting real now.
I hope Janis is OK. She spent so much time with her Mom, but at least soon we will be able to provide her a distraction. God works in mysterious ways, but always for a reason. Circle of Life. And not like Lion King.
No comments:
Post a Comment