Sunday, February 24, 2008

Hospice is Over

Our hospice time is over: after an extremely difficult last week, my grandmother died this afternoon.

Her room is so empty, my heart breaks.

170 comments:

Anonymous said...

May God offer comfort to your family after your loss.
Julie in VA

Mom of Five said...

Anna, you will be in my prayers, you, and your family.

YayaOrchid said...

Anna, I offer my most heartfelt condolences. May the Lord carry your family through this difficult time. I feel for you. I'm so sorry.
SewYaya

Keri said...

I'm very sorry for your loss.

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry for your loss.

Anonymous said...

Anna,
May the Lord Jesus bless you and your family and comfort you as you mourn the loss of your precious and beloved grandmother.
My prayers are with you.
Suzanne

Mika said...

You and your family are in my prayers, as you have been through this difficult time. Bless you all.

Mika

Anonymous said...

My heartfelt sympathies are with you and your family.

Anonymous said...

She is rejoicing in glory with the Lord. I will keep you in my prayers.
Barb in Nebraska

Tammy said...

Anna, I'm so sorry for your loss. Sending prayers for comfort & peace.

Anonymous said...

Anna, I am SO sorry for this great loss! May God comfort your soul and give your family peace.

God bless,
Sallie

Scarlett said...

You and your family are in my prayers. I'm so sorry for your loss.

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry for your loss. But take comfort in the fact that your Grandma's last weeks on Earth were filled with family and "all things pleasant".

Missy K said...

May you find comfort as your grandmother's suffering is over.

On Second Street said...

so sorry for your loss.

Charlotte (WaltzingM) said...

My condolences to you and your family!

Anonymous said...

My prayers are with you, I know God will bless you as I'm sure He already has for the care and love that you gave so freely to Nanny.
Jackie in GA

Anonymous said...

My prayers with you and yours.

MamaBirdEmma said...

May Her Memory Be Eternal!

Our prayers are with you during this difficult time.

Linda said...

The prayers of our family are with you and yours. God bless you all.

Anonymous said...

oh, Anna, I'm so sorry. I was reading through some of your first posts today, and noticed you mention your grandmother often, and what a strong legacy she has left you. So strong in fact, that I know you'll be intentional about lengthening that legacy by what you're teaching your own children, and I'm sure your grandchildren.

be blessed, and know you are being prayed for.

Jodi. in FL.

Anonymous said...

May you sense the comfort of His loving arms around you and yours at this difficult time.

Megan said...

Praying for peace....and rejoicing that your Grandma will be dancing at the Throne for ETERNITY! One day, we'll join her. Until then, may our gracious God give you comfort.

Joy said...

Anna,
Praying for peace and comfort for you and the family. You are in our hearts.

MamaPPod said...

Oh, Anna, I am so sorry for your loss. I pray that you will be comforted by God in the days to come. I pray, too, that you will know what a precious gift you were given by having your grandmother stay with you; and what a precious gift you gave her by caring for her so lovingly during the end of her life. Patty

Anonymous said...

My prayers are with you and your family. Please take comfort knowing that her passing taught a final lesson to your children. They got to see someone go to Heaven from the loving arms of her family. Many children have no idea how to love and cherish and say goodbye to a loved one. This is a lesson they will remember all their lives. Another blessing from your Nanny.

Anonymous said...

Dearest Anna,
My thoughts are with you. So often throughout the day I would wonder what was happening at your house. May the sweet presence of God sustain you during this time.

Judy

Anonymous said...

Anna, I am so sorry!

What a wonderful place for her to spend her last days.

Jen said...

Anna,
I am so sorry for your loss. I am praying God's comfort during this difficult time.

God bless you and your family.
Jen

Anonymous said...

May the Comforter minister to you during these days. Praying for your household.
In Him,
Michele in KS

jodi said...

I am so sorry.

A said...

Ooh, I am so sorry. I shall read no further on your blog today. I'll just rest here with you and pray for your comfort. Wishing you comfort in the days ahead. How wonderful that you got to spend that time with her . . .

A

Kimberly Lottman said...

Anna,
Your family is in my prayers.

Kim

Amy said...

I am so sorry- your family is in our thoughts.

Kelly said...

Oh Anna, I pray you are comforted with peace, know that all our hearts are with you and with all of your family at this time. We all share the feeling of your loss with you, even though I am sure the majority of us who have left comments have never physically met you, we do feel like we have come to know you and your family through this blog....and all wish we could give you a shoulder to lean on and comfort you with re assuring hugs! May God continue to give you strength at this time.

Blessings~
Kelly

Anonymous said...

So sorry for your loss. I will be praying for you & your family.

Blessings,
Leslie

Rhoto said...

I'm so very sorry, Anna...
Soft hug,
Rhonda in Montreal

Anonymous said...

I am so very sorry for your loss. May our Comforter hold you and your family close.

Celeste said...

Anna,

Big hugs and prayers for you and your family.

Celeste

Anonymous said...

Dear Anna, I pray for your peace and strength, and I hope you'll be able to find some comfort in what good and sweet care you took of your beloved grandmother.
Sincerely, Barbara

Candace said...

Anna, May God be with you and yours during this time of loss. You all are in our prayers.

Polly said...

My own grandmother's favorite Psalm was 16. Verses 9-11 stayed with me when we lost her 11 years ago.

Bless you for your love for her, and I'll keep your family in my prayers.

Debbie said...

Anna, I am so very sorry for your loss. I was deeply touched by your posts this week, and knowing that your grandmother was there with you made me feel that you were gifts to one another.
Debbie

Lady Dorothy said...

I am so sorry for your loss. May you feel God's arms around you -- loving and comforting you and your family throughout the grieving process.

Love,
Dorothy

Lisa said...

My heart and prayers go out to you and your family.

Cherish the Home said...

I am so very sorry for your loss...

{{{Gentle Hugs}}}
~Mrs.B

Anonymous said...

Anna, I'm so sorry. May God comfort you all in this difficult time.

Katrina said...

God Bless you and your beautiful family. Nanny is home

Anonymous said...

Anna,
Ha-Makom yenahem etkhem b'tokh sha ar aveilei Tzion vYerushalayim--may the Omnipresent comfort you among all the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.

Tamatha

Kristina said...

Anna, I'm so sorry for your lost. I do know that the God of all comfort will be with you. You remain in my prayers.
Kristina
WA

MomToThree said...

Anna,

You and your family are in our prayers. You cared for her with such grace on her last days and are an inspiration to all of us.

God Bless You.

Amy In Idaho

Anonymous said...

Anna i am so sorry i pray that God will comfort you and your family at this time....so very sorry for your loss.

jen said...

So very sad to read of your Nanny's passing. You and your family are in our prayers. Hoping in the days ahead you will be able to have some comfort and peace from the good memories you have of your beloved Nanny. What a fortunate person she was to have such a loving family.

Anonymous said...

Holding you all in my thoughts and lighting a candle for your Grandmother.May your hearts be soothed by all your wonderful memories.

be gentle with yourself
Denise
xx

Anonymous said...

Hold on to her loving memory sweetheart. You are im my prayers.

Dea said...

You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers Anna.

Bonnie said...

Anna,
I am so sorry for your family's loss, but glad you have the comfort of knowing the Lord, and because of that, knowing you will meet again at Home.
Praying for peace and comfort for you all.
Hugs-
Bonnie

Anonymous said...

Blessings on your hours and days ahead. First will come a busy time--a time to grieve but also rejoice in your memories with family and friends. At least that has been my experience. Then will come times of silence and healing. Give yourself time...

Jean

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry for your family's loss. Your posts about your grandmother touched my heart and also brought a smile to my face. Thank you for sharing a most difficult time with your "friends".

Shirl said...

I pray you will experience God sustaining you during this time. Sustain: to support, to uphold, to nourish, to maintain, to support from below, to withstand and continue, to hold up.

An Adventurer in the World said...

praying for you all. Thank you for posting.

Anonymous said...

You and your family are in our prayers too.

Glenn

Randi~Dukes and Duchesses said...

I'm so sorry for your loss.

Brenda@CoffeeTeaBooks said...

You are in my prayers. Letting go is so hard.

Man was not originally created to know death.

Anonymous said...

I will be lifting you and your sweet family up to the Lord. Thank you for your incredible testimony of love.

In Christ,
Trish

Girl Raised in the South said...

I've been watching, waiting, and praying for your family, and will continue in these next difficult days.

Andrea said...

So sorry to hear of the loss. Praying for your family.

Davene said...

I'm so sorry for the grief of those left here on earth...but what sweet comfort to picture her in heaven, rejoicing with her Savior. I'm sure the next few days, even weeks, will be busy and, at times, difficult. I'll be praying that God's peace and strength sustains you. Sending you hugs...

fandd said...

I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family will be in my prayers.

Anonymous said...

Anna,
May you know the peace and comfort from our LORD as you all go through this challenging time of mourning.
In prayer,
Lynne in NC

Meredith said...

You did a wonderful thing. I cannot think of a more comforting place to make that last journey.

Thirkellgirl said...

I'm so sorry, Anna. I know what you mean about the emptiness of her room.

Kayla said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Kayla said...

This is the first time I've commented on your blog, but I've been reading via bloglines for some time now. I couldn't let this one go, without letting you know you are in my thoughts & prayers.

May God give you strength in your time of sorrow.

Anonymous said...

I a sorry for your loss. May God comfort you and your family and give you peace. Angela

Anonymous said...

God bless you all for the care and love you gave her, and I pray that you feel God's presence all around you. May her homecoming straight into the Lord's arms be of comfort to you!

Emily

Anonymous said...

The passing of a loved one who knows Jesus is so bittersweet. We mourn for our own loss and rejoice for their entrance into the kingdom that is truly their home.

Thank you for sharing this journey with us. I believe we all need to be reminded when a dear beloved of God's finishes the race well. I have been praying for your family and will continue. But your journey has also strengthened my faith because it is such a testimony to how God receives glory in all things...even the really, really hard things.

You are sad, dear one, but He collects your tears and your willingness to serve your Nanny brought her peace and comfort and Him great joy and glory!

Anonymous said...

Anna, Our prayers are with you and your family. Always remember the Lord is with you, and sees you in all your times of need. I don't even know you, but my heart breaks with you. We can all rejoice knowing she is with her Heavenly Father and you will be with her again someday!
Danielle

Anonymous said...

praying for you and your family during this time.

Anonymous said...

may the presence of our Lord enfold you during this most difficult time.

bless you sweetly, Anna. <><

Rebecca said...

One of the many thinking and praying for you today. There are very few who would give of themselves so fully as to make the last days and weeks of a loved one filled with comforts, love, and family. It is a rare sight and personally, one that ought to be seen more frequently. Thank you for your inspiration and for your devotion to your grandma to love her when she needed it most.

It was a great sacrifice, but certainly she was pleased. You made the last days of her life as lovely as they could be.

May your family find comfort in these days ahead.

Tammy said...

You and your family have been in my prayers, and will continue to be. I'm so sorry for your loss.

Anonymous said...

I am sorry for your loss. May our Lord cover your family with peace.
Katherine in Atlanta

Julian said...

God bless you for taking her in, and for caring for her. As if youd do any less, right? I am praying for you and your family Anna. Thank God for His love, and ressurection power. She is now at His feet rejoicing with the heavenly host.
Christina

Tracy said...

May the Lord comfort you and your family, Anna. It was His time. she was ready. All is well.

Brambleberry said...

I am so very sorry for your loss.

Kelli said...

I am so sorry, Anna. I will be praying for you and your family.
Hugs,
Kelli

Anonymous said...

Very sorry to hear of your loss. But what a wonderful testimony that you took great care of her in her last days.

Anonymous said...

Praying for you and your family.

Renee

Amber said...

praying peace and comfort for each of you

Anonymous said...

I'm very sorry and praying for you from France..

Sarah said...

I'm so sorry, Anna, and am praying for you and your family. Thank you for writing about your care during her last weeks; it's a testimony that blesses many.

Lisa Boni said...

My heart goes out to you and your family. Praying that you each find peace in the coming days and that memories from easier days overshadow the difficulty of these last days. Grace and peace to you all. Blessings ~ Lisa B

Cheri said...

"Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints."—Psalm 116:15.

May God comfort you and your family.

Anonymous said...

I am sorry for your loss. I admire you.

Deanna Rabe - Creekside Cottage Blog said...

I am sorry for your loss.

Blessings on you for her loving care.

Esther said...

You have my deepest sympathy.

Keli said...

Ya'll are in our prayers. I'm so sorry.

Keli

Karen said...

I'm so sorry, Anna. May God enfold you all in His mighty arms to comfort.

Dianna said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. May God watch over you at this difficult time.

Janel said...

Blessing to you and your family for embracing such a loving call.

Our prayers are with you and yours.

Blessings!

Me said...

Prayers are surrounding you.

Anonymous said...

I am very sorry for your loss. You and your family will be in my prayers.

Anonymous said...

As wonderful as the care you gave her was, I'm sure she's in an even better place now.

May God comfort you and your family as you grieve the loss of your beloved grandmother.

Tiffany said...

"May the Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up His countenance upon, and give you peace." Numbers 6:24

I will be praying for you an your family.

Tiffany

Marie said...

Peace be with you...

Anonymous said...

There are no words I can give to comfort you; but, God....

Laura

Robin said...

My prayers are with you and your family. May the blessings of your last days with your grandmother sustain you through the lonely days ahead.

Anonymous said...

May the Lord wrap his comforting arms around you and your family during this time.

Mrs. MK said...

Our prayers are with you and your family---but what a precious gift of memories you will have to carry with you now!! How I wish we could have done the same type of hopice care for my Grammy!

Lucy said...

What a gift you gave her. And, even though it is so hard to go through at the time, what a gift to your children and yourself. May God bless and comfort you all.

Leigh Ann said...

May the God of all comfort keep your heart and minds in Christ Jesus.

"The eternal God is thy refuge and underneath are the everlasting arms."

Praying for you and your family.

AnnMarie said...

I'm sorry.

Anonymous said...

My deepest sympathy for you and your family. Cling to Him in your time of sorrow.

Aja said...

Oh, Anna. I'm so sorry. May you all feel the comfort and peace of our Lord during this time.

Jodi said...

Dearest Anna and family ~ We are so sorry for your loss. May the Lord wrap you in His comforting arms. Holding you all in prayer.

The Deputy's

Cheryl Miller said...

Bless you and your family, Anna. You know your grandmother is whole now, and more alive than ever before. You will see her again.
Cheryl

Niki said...

I'm so sorry for your loss, but what a blessing to have her all the years you did...she sounded like a remarkable (& funny) woman.
God bless and comfort your family.

Rebecca said...

Much sympathy and many prayers for you and your family.

Anonymous said...

May your family feel the comfort of God during this time of sorrow.

Carmen

Sam said...

I'm sorry. Praying for you and your family during this difficult time. Thank you for sharing so much with us.

Jen said...

Sending you heartfelt hugs and warm smiles....my prayers are with you. I wish I lived near I bring you all some food....praying you get through this....

Marlaine said...

Anna, May these verses bring you the comfort they brought our family during a time of loss:

1 Thess. 4:14 (NLT) "For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the believers who have died. 17 Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever. 18 So encourage each other with these words."

Josiah and Anna said...

I so admire you for taking your grandmother in. What a way to honor her! You gave her the best last weeks she could've had. May the Lord comfort you and draw you close to him.

Anonymous said...

I just wanted to let you know I'm praying for you and your family....

Elizabeth

Gina said...

I'm sorry for your loss, and I'm thankful for the time you spent with her before your goodbyes. May God fill you with peace and comfort.

Baleboosteh said...

I am so sorry. You and your family are in our prayers. May God comfort and uphold you.
Michelle

Thimbleanna said...

So very sorry to hear this. May your memories bring you some comfort in the days ahead.

Alicia said...

Sweet Anna,
You and your family remain in our prayers.

Anonymous said...

You have blessed your grandmother and encouraged all of us by blogging through this journey. Thank you for sharing with us.

Trudy said...

I am truly sorry. May God bring comfort to all of you.

Anonymous said...

I am truly sorry for your loss. As time goes on these last few weeks will live like a shining time in your family's memories... you all grew so close and gave her such a gift. (As I'm sure she gave you.)

Anonymous said...

may our Lord embrace you with comfort as you go thru this sad time.

God bless!

Maria

Diana said...

You will never regret the great kindness you did for your Grandmother by opening your home, in her last days. You have also given your children a wonderful example of choosing to do the right thing. You will probably never know the comfort you gave her.
In this world of selfishness, and self centered choices, your example is glowing.
May the Lord bless you as you grieve your loved one.
Diana in Illinois

Heather Anne said...

I am so sorry for this season of grief for your family, Anna. 'We do not mourn as those who have no hope' and yet the loss is just as real, the loneliness sharply keen. Praise be to God for His comfort and presence and for the wonderful knowing that joy comes in the morning.

Lylah Ledner said...

wanted to add my condolences to you and your family. . .

Anonymous said...

Anna,
I'm so sorry for your loss. I pray you draw comfort from your loved ones and the Lord.

Rebecca said...

My condolences and prayers are offered your way. I lost my grandmother in Dec. I have one grandparent left and he had a stroke on Friday. I feel your sorrow.

Heather said...

Praying for you and your family.
Even so come quickly for all Your children Lord Jesus.

Anonymous said...

nobody wants to think of dying, but i can only pray my last weeks will be spent like your grandmother's - in the home of family surrounded by so much love and care. a heartbreaking time, but also a special time for you all to look back on.

Dove Knits said...

I am so, so sorry. It really sounds like you had a wonderful last few weeks with her and were able to really comfort her.

Anonymous said...

Nanny is now rejoicing with her Lord and walking through his beautiful garden, having left a beautiful rose on this side.

Anonymous said...

Our prayers are with you and your family. Thank you for so tenderly sharing this experience with us.

Katie said...

God's peace be with you.

Anonymous said...

May you be wrapped in God's grace and comfort.

Anonymous said...

My heartfelt condolences to you and your family, Anna, on the loss of your grandmother. I know what it is like to go through hospice care with a loved one on the end of their journey. I will be praying for your family in the days to come.

Anonymous said...

I too am caring for my 97 year old grandmother---not sure of the words to say to you --just know many prayers are being said --my heart knows your loss--
But sweet memories are very healing--God bless

Anna said...

My sincere thanks to each of you for your kind comments. It has been truly encouraging to hear from you all during these weeks.

Anonymous said...

Anna, you will be in my prayers.
Carol D.

Linda said...

I am so sorry Anna. You know - the Lord put you on my heart sunday morning as I was praying. He loves you dearly. I pray His peace and His love will envelope you. I pray His grace will sustain you. You cared for your Grandmother with such tender love and care. I pray He will bless you richly.

Kimberlee said...

I am very sorry for the loss of your very dear grandmother. May the Lord who has sustained you through this difficult time comfort you with His peace. Thank you for sharing the grace given to you, and passed on through you to your family, with your readers.

M said...

Peace be with you and your family.

Anonymous said...

I know you will miss her...thank you for your example of selfless servanthood, Anna.

Anonymous said...

Thinking of you

Marina, Dorset, United Kingdom

Anonymous said...

The memories will be with you always. God bless.

Amy said...

anna, my eyes started tearing up. I am so sorry for your loss! I will keep you and your family in my prayers as you go through this difficult time.
Johm 14:27 "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."

Natalie said...

My heart goes out to you.You were doubly blessed to have your grandmother with you for so long and to have a peaceful time with her at the end. My own grandmother died at our house while I was still in college, but since she had dementia it seemed that Grandma died long before her body passed on. It was easier in some ways, but that leaves it's own pain too. I pray the Lord give you peace and comfort.

ChupieandJ'smama (Janeen) said...

I'm so sorry for you loss! My thoughts and prayers are with your family and your Grandmother. I know our Lord was there to meet her and guide her. He'll take care of her now.

Anonymous said...

Our prayers are with you........

Unknown said...

You and your family are in my prayers. I'm a big believer in the power of song, and one of my favorite songs says "My chains are gone, I've been set free, my God, my Saviour, has ransomed me. And like a flood, His mercy reigns. Unending love. Amazing Grace." It is hard now, but through God's grace, your Grandma is free. Peace.

Tracy said...

I am praying for you and your family during this difficult time.

Adrienne said...

Oh, Anna, I am sorry for your loss. May you sense God's presence close and His arms around you through this time of grief. Know that you are loved and that He is always there with you and your family. ~Adrienne~

Jodie | Velour said...

I visit here on a pretty regular basis, and I checked in today to see how things were going with your Grandmother. I'm so sorry for your loss. I don't even know you, but reading your story here gave me chills. And I am glad for you, that you got to spend this last three weeks together. May God be near the hearts of all of your family members.

Anonymous said...

Dear Anna & family,

God bless you for the many ways you have loved your Grandmother through her last days. Thank you for sharing a little bit of this journey with all of us. This part of living is so hidden, so surgically removed, from our culture today that there are no paths for many of us to follow when that time comes for us to bear them. You also made this time, difficult as it was at times for you and your family, so beautiful. Thank you and God bless and keep you all.

Saralyn said...

We grieve with you--our "Mama Bern" went to be with Jesus on Sunday morning, too. Shakespeare was right, parting is such sweet sorrow...

Mishel said...

So very sorry for the loss of your beloved grandmother. Praying for you...

Anonymous said...

May the love of your family and friends give you comfort and solace as you mourn the loss of your grandmother.

Mrs. Cote said...

I am so sorry for your loss. Take care and God bless,
Nanny Y.

Mrs. K's Lemonade Stand said...

Our prayers are with you.

Anonymous said...

I just happened upon your blog this morning. I celebrate with your family for your nanny's homecoming, and my heartaches for your loss.

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