A Summer of Change - Saying Good-bye

It is nearly the end of October and as I sit back and think about the incredible turn of events that have surrounded us throughout the last several months, I cannot but marvel at how God has led us step by step. As the school year ended, I was looking forward to finishing the school year and relaxing a bit over the summer. We were planning a week's vacation with my sister and her husband in mid-July. I was also looking forward to spending a month long break from the routine of work. Elvin's mom was continuing her battle with declining health. From time to time we would discuss what to do when she was no longer able to live on her own. Her one desire was to stay in her own home and we wanted to honor her wish if we could. As a family we celebrated her 86th birthday with a Memorial Day picnic at her house.


Less than a week later, we realized that the time had come that she could not continue to be on her own, so with the help of the Hospice team, we decided to hire someone to provide 24 hour care and by mid June had a lovely young lady staying with her and providing minimal care for her. At the same time we were contemplating the purchase of a house and Elvin had been told that he had a heart murmur that needed some attention (more about both to come).

As June came closer and closer to an end, we questioned whether or not we should cancel our vacation plans or what we should do. Mom was declining; she was no longer able to get around without her walker and finally unable to get up on her own. By the end of June she was bedfast.

In spite of her discomfort, she was delighted to have us visit. We spent lots of time with her that month. The last week of her life was spent in bed and on Friday afternoon, July 2, we were by her bedside as she took her final breaths and entered heaven. A change had come, it was time to say our final good-byes to a wonderful mother and grandmother!