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Thursday, April 30, 2015

Coming Up For Air

I have been away from my blog for far too long.  Let me see if I can get you caught up. My great grandson JJ has aspergers, we are all learning with him. My niece who lives with us has been diagnosed with ADHD.
  A little over two years ago my Mom was diagnosed with COLON CANCER, I was terrified.  The months of chemo were met with a good outlook and lots of positive vibes.  Just 6 months later, we found out the cancer was back and now in the colon, liver and lungs.  The emotion hit you all at the same time. Fear, anger, and constant worry for what would come next.  We recieved a call in August,  that my husbands younger brother was very ill, he wanted me to come. I had no idea those few wekks would be his last. COPD and emphazema would take him from us. In early November we found that my sister in law was also in the final stages of cancer. So much senseless pain.  With news of a new Grandbaby es coming in 2015, Mom faced the chemo again. After a few session she was too weak and I'll to continue.  About this same time my sister in law lost her battle. We were numb.
     December brought us all together for our annual Family  Christmas  party, although Mom had been in an assisted living home since right before Thanksgiving,  she came. Exhausted from the hour long car ride, she wanted to be sure to see everyone, including her older sister from Florida.  The visit was heart breaking to watch. We all thought the worst but we're afraid to speak it out loud. W posed for the 5 generation photo and she hugged her little guys as much as she could.

January brought my 4th Great Grandson Jacob, another blessing!

My granddaughter Elizabeth and her baby Jacob. Luckily Mom got to see photos and ooh and ah over this little one.
February had us fooled, Mom was having no pain and seemed to be eating and doing well, until I got the phone call to come. She had taken a turn and was unresponsive. I was terrified. I have two sisters who were far away in Tulsa, there was no time to come and honestly I am glad only I had to witness the end. One moment Mom was there and the next she had slipped quietly away. She had never asked for pain meds. 
Our next family battle would be awaiting the birth of the next great grandson,  he would need medical care because og gastoschisis.  Two doctors visits per week, many ultrasounds and non stress tests later and he arrived 4 weeks early.
Aiden with my Grandaughter, his Mom Christina.  We were warned there would be months ahead of him for recovery, yet in about a week he has come so far.
I think that has you about caught up.  We are awaiting the birth of 2 more great grand babies in June nd August. We are truly blessed.

My Gram used to tell us , God never gives us more than we can handle, and that God always has a plan. Are we stronger as a family?  I would say yes, did each child learn from watching Mom, yes, they learned o show love and compassion.  I am so proud of all of them.