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:

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

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

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  3. 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

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  4. I'm very sorry for your loss.

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  5. I'm so sorry for your loss.

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  6. 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

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

    Mika

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  8. My heartfelt sympathies are with you and your family.

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

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

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

    God bless,
    Sallie

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

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  13. 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".

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

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  15. 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

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  16. My prayers with you and yours.

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  17. May Her Memory Be Eternal!

    Our prayers are with you during this difficult time.

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

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  19. 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.

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

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  21. 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.

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

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  23. 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

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  24. 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.

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  25. 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

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  26. Anna, I am so sorry!

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

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  27. 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

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

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  29. 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

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  30. Anna,
    Your family is in my prayers.

    Kim

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

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  32. 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

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

    Blessings,
    Leslie

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

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

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  36. Anna,

    Big hugs and prayers for you and your family.

    Celeste

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  37. 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

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

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  39. 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.

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  40. 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

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  41. 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

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

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  43. I am so very sorry for your loss...

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

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

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  45. God Bless you and your beautiful family. Nanny is home

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  46. 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

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  47. 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

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  48. 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

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

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  50. 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.

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  51. 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

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

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

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  54. 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

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  55. 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

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  56. 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".

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  57. 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.

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  58. praying for you all. Thank you for posting.

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  59. You and your family are in our prayers too.

    Glenn

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

    Man was not originally created to know death.

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

    In Christ,
    Trish

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

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

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  64. 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...

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

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  66. 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

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

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

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  69. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  70. 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.

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

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  72. 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

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  73. 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!

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  74. 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

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  75. praying for you and your family during this time.

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

    bless you sweetly, Anna. <><

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  77. 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.

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

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

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  80. 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

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

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  82. I am so very sorry for your loss.

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

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

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  85. Praying for you and your family.

    Renee

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  86. praying peace and comfort for each of you

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

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  88. 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.

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  89. 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

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

    May God comfort you and your family.

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  91. I am sorry for your loss. I admire you.

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  92. I am sorry for your loss.

    Blessings on you for her loving care.

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  93. You have my deepest sympathy.

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

    Keli

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

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

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

    Our prayers are with you and yours.

    Blessings!

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  98. Prayers are surrounding you.

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

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  100. 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.

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  101. "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

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

    Laura

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  103. 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.

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

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  105. 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!

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  106. 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.

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  107. 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.

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

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

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  110. 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

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  111. 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

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  112. 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.

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  113. Much sympathy and many prayers for you and your family.

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

    Carmen

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

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  116. 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....

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  117. 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."

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  118. 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.

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

    Elizabeth

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  120. 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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  126. 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.)

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

    God bless!

    Maria

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  128. 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

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  129. 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.

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

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

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  132. 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.

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

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  134. 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.

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  135. 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.

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

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

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

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  139. 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.

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  140. 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

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

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

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  143. 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.

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  144. 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.

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  145. Peace be with you and your family.

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

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  147. Thinking of you

    Marina, Dorset, United Kingdom

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  148. The memories will be with you always. God bless.

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  149. 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."

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  150. 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.

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  151. 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.

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

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  153. 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.

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

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  155. 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~

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  156. 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.

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  157. 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.

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

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

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

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

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  162. 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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