Grandpa went home today. His kidneys gave out, they decided to take him off the ventilator, and I'm told he died peacefully with many loved ones surrounding him. He lived a truly remarkable life, and he's safe in the arms of Jesus now.
Feel free to adjust your prayers accordingly.... my grandma, my family, and I greatly appreciate it.
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Grandpa Goose
Deep breath. What a week...two weeks...it's been.
Some of you know - though most of you don't - that my grandpa is not doing well. I wanted to send out a call for prayer a while ago, but my mind has been mush and my emotions all over the place, and I just haven't had it in me to sit down and write anything. But he just really needs prayer, and so does my family.
I won't get into all the details, because that would take forever. A basic rundown: 2 1/2 weeks ago, he had a mild heart attack, went to hospital, 2/3 dr.'s recommended he have open heart surgery - quadruple bypass and valve replacement. They decided to go ahead with it, surgery was the following Thursday (mind you - he's 87). Who knows how many people were praying he would survive the surgery...he did! And seemed to be doing okay until the following Wed., when I got a call from my dad (this is his dad) saying grandpa had developed pneumonia, and things were looking grim. I dropped everything and headed to the hospital and was able to have a very sweet moment with him, despite the fact that he was really struggling physically. Since then (that was just last week), things have mostly gone downhill. He is on a ventilator and has had a couple dialysis treatments, he's heavily sedated but aware of his surroundings (we think). To be honest, I think we all thought he'd be gone by now. There have been many consultations with dr.'s and amongst his wife/children (there are 5 kids, my dad's the youngest) to try and decide what to do. I think most everyone has travelled back to say their goodbyes to him. I will always be grateful for some time I had with him on Saturday to just tell him how much I loved him and how much he means to me....the hardest thing I've ever done, but necessary.
So, I'd really, really appreciate your prayer. The thing is, I'm really close with these grandparents. Most of my fondest childhood memories involve them, and over the last 10 years (since Steve and I started dating and we used their house as our meeting place while we did the long-distance relationship thing) Steve and I have spent a whole lot of time with them. Travis adores Granny and Grandpa "Goose". We're a tight (and huge-5 kids, 22 grandkids, and I think 49 great-grandkids!) family, and this has been so very difficult for all of us. And even beyond the family, they are very loved and respected within their church and community. The good news is that there are countless people praying!
As far as Grandpa goes, I'm not even sure how to pray. From Wed. until this morning, especially seeing him struggle so much physically and getting more and more bad news, I just really felt little hope and my prayer was that he wouldn't be suffering and that God would take him peacefully. However, today was the first day since Wed. when I think we received more good news than bad news. Enough to give us the tiniest sliver of hope. We've been praying that grandpa himself, in one way or another, would give us a clear indication of whether is ready to be done or ready to fight...could it be that he'll pull through this? Of course, he's still in a place where he could die at any time...it would be completely miraculous if he pulled through. And of course I would love for healing to occur, and it could... but it might not. Anyway...in that regard, hopefully I've given enough info that you might pray as you feel led?
The other request is just for strength, peace and wisdom... for all of us (me, my siblings, cousins, 2nd cousins), but particularly for my aunt, dad, three uncles, and my grandma, as they are most affected of all, and also trying to make the right decisions for him in the midst of such heavy emotion. We love him so, so much. This has been very trying and exhausting for ME emotionally, but that much harder for them. So many tears being shed all around.
And most especially, for my sweet Granny Goose. They have been married for 67 years. They are truly "one", and she is dependent on him in so many ways. None of us are quite sure how she will cope and go on if indeed this is "his time". Please, please think of her in the coming days. My heart is aching for her.
I really do appreciate the prayers of my family and friends more than I can say. I know that you all have your burdens, too, and that in the grand scheme of things, he may seem like just another 87-year old grandpa who's time has come. I know there are "bigger" things to be praying for. But this is MY heart right now, and not just another grandpa. He means so much to me and frankly, I'm afraid of what my world would be like without him and Grandma. Their unconditional love and pride and support is a rare thing, something I cling to.
Anyway...thank you. Luke and Laurie are their names.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Evan is crawling!
It doesn't seem like he should be old enough to crawl! Still lots faster with the army crawl, but here's one of his first attempts at "real" crawling.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Christmas tree cutting 2009
One of my favorite Christmas traditions...going to find the tree! We joined up with some friends, found our trees and enjoyed the rest of the tree farm, then went out for pizza. A great way to kick off the season! (this was Thanksgiving weekend).
Travis "helping" carry the tree :)
Evan's in there somewhere!
The whole group (minus Steve and Jayna). A much smaller group than usual, but we still had lots of fun!
Riding on the wagon out to the trees.
I forgot about the Santa outfit (Travis wore it when he was this age) until after we got home...of course. So we posed him at home after we got the tree up. What a fun day!!
Travis "helping" carry the tree :)
Evan's in there somewhere!
The whole group (minus Steve and Jayna). A much smaller group than usual, but we still had lots of fun!
Riding on the wagon out to the trees.I forgot about the Santa outfit (Travis wore it when he was this age) until after we got home...of course. So we posed him at home after we got the tree up. What a fun day!!The good that can come...
I feel the need to follow up on the last post... so much could be said, but I have just a couple of thoughts I want to share.
I think we all know that it can be really hard to see good come of the bad. This is especially true of something as senseless, shocking, and heartbreaking as the events of last week. Seriously, what good could possibly come of something so evil?
And yet, there HAVE been good...even beautiful...things that have happened in response to all of this. First, there has been a definite increase in public appreciation of law enforcement. Granted, the price was WAY too high, and I know that ANY officer out there would, in a heartbeat, go back to not being appreciated if it meant having those four officers back. Nevertheless, this is a group that has perhaps the most thankless job we can think of. As with members of the military, these people put their lives on the line every day that they work in order to protect my freedom and well-being, as well as yours. And yet most of us, when we think of cops, just think about that one jerk who gave us the ticket we didn't deserve. I'm not just saying this because I'm a cop's wife...they deserve our thanks!
Early last week, Steve was assigned to work security at the Lakewood police station. It was a night shift, but despite the late hours and the freezing cold, Steve said that the flow of people coming to pay their respects and grieve was constant. And of all those people, dozens stopped and gave him a hug and said "thank you". I went to Wal-Mart last week, and as I was loading my groceries in the car there was an officer in the parking lot. He couldn't even move his car for all the people rolling down their windows to say "thank you". And the number of people lining the streets for the procession to the memorial service was impressive...there, of course, to honor the fallen, but also there, I believe, simply to stand in support of law enforcement. I hope that even in years to come, people in our area will remember this time, and will remember to again say "thank you".
The "beautiful" that I referred to earlier has been the incredible outpouring of love shown by our greater community in all of this. And I know that I've only seen glimpses of this; I'm sure people closer to the situation could speak in much greater detail on this. I think it was the Lakewood chief who, at the memorial service, talked about how it was difficult to be truly angry when everywhere he looked, he saw people expressing love. Yes, we got a shocking glimpse last week of the pure evil that exists in our world. But as a result, we've seen so much good and so much love that many of us didn't know existed, either. And that brings tears to my eyes even more quickly than when I think of the sadness. Some of the "glimpses" I've seen...
As I mentioned before, Steve witnessed endless numbers of people coming to the station to leave flowers, remembrances, and prayers. From pictures, I've gathered that the flow of people continued all the way through yesterday (and probably even beyond?) Also on that night, baristas from Starbucks and elsewhere came on a nearly hourly basis to distribute free drinks to working and non-working officers. Restaurants and businesses brought mountains of food for them. Later in the week I visited the memorial at the site of the shooting, and again, people everywhere, coming together to honor the officers, some praying, many shedding tears. As the days went on, countless prayer vigils were set up throughout the area to pray for all affected. Benefit concerts and programs were set up by groups and businesses everywhere to help ensure the families will be taken care of. And God only knows how many prayers were lifted up. It's like everyone just wanted to help, and if they could think of a way to help, they did! Maybe most impressive of all was the memorial service and the number of people who showed up. Hundreds of officers each from New York, Boston, Chicago (maybe others?), and over a thousand from Canada! Over 20,000 in attendance, the vast majority being law enforcement from all over the country. It was amazing! Anyway, as much as this whole ordeal just plain sucks, I have been truly blessed and encouraged to see such showings of love and support, and how people have really come together.
Even though most of us are now beginning the process of moving on, my prayers will be with the families of the four officers in the coming months. Their grief has only just barely begun.
Oh, one more thought (that's not from me, but from Pastor Matt last Sunday). Many, including myself, have asked, "Why did it have to be at Christmastime?" with the concern that now the holidays will just bring sadness and reminders of the pain for the families. Matt's comments were more along the lines of "What better time than Christmas to help begin the healing process?" After all, Christmas is a celebration of Jesus coming to earth to save us from sin and brokenness. Can you imagine where we'd be if He hadn't?
With that...on to some Christmas cheer :)
I think we all know that it can be really hard to see good come of the bad. This is especially true of something as senseless, shocking, and heartbreaking as the events of last week. Seriously, what good could possibly come of something so evil?
And yet, there HAVE been good...even beautiful...things that have happened in response to all of this. First, there has been a definite increase in public appreciation of law enforcement. Granted, the price was WAY too high, and I know that ANY officer out there would, in a heartbeat, go back to not being appreciated if it meant having those four officers back. Nevertheless, this is a group that has perhaps the most thankless job we can think of. As with members of the military, these people put their lives on the line every day that they work in order to protect my freedom and well-being, as well as yours. And yet most of us, when we think of cops, just think about that one jerk who gave us the ticket we didn't deserve. I'm not just saying this because I'm a cop's wife...they deserve our thanks!
Early last week, Steve was assigned to work security at the Lakewood police station. It was a night shift, but despite the late hours and the freezing cold, Steve said that the flow of people coming to pay their respects and grieve was constant. And of all those people, dozens stopped and gave him a hug and said "thank you". I went to Wal-Mart last week, and as I was loading my groceries in the car there was an officer in the parking lot. He couldn't even move his car for all the people rolling down their windows to say "thank you". And the number of people lining the streets for the procession to the memorial service was impressive...there, of course, to honor the fallen, but also there, I believe, simply to stand in support of law enforcement. I hope that even in years to come, people in our area will remember this time, and will remember to again say "thank you".
The "beautiful" that I referred to earlier has been the incredible outpouring of love shown by our greater community in all of this. And I know that I've only seen glimpses of this; I'm sure people closer to the situation could speak in much greater detail on this. I think it was the Lakewood chief who, at the memorial service, talked about how it was difficult to be truly angry when everywhere he looked, he saw people expressing love. Yes, we got a shocking glimpse last week of the pure evil that exists in our world. But as a result, we've seen so much good and so much love that many of us didn't know existed, either. And that brings tears to my eyes even more quickly than when I think of the sadness. Some of the "glimpses" I've seen...
As I mentioned before, Steve witnessed endless numbers of people coming to the station to leave flowers, remembrances, and prayers. From pictures, I've gathered that the flow of people continued all the way through yesterday (and probably even beyond?) Also on that night, baristas from Starbucks and elsewhere came on a nearly hourly basis to distribute free drinks to working and non-working officers. Restaurants and businesses brought mountains of food for them. Later in the week I visited the memorial at the site of the shooting, and again, people everywhere, coming together to honor the officers, some praying, many shedding tears. As the days went on, countless prayer vigils were set up throughout the area to pray for all affected. Benefit concerts and programs were set up by groups and businesses everywhere to help ensure the families will be taken care of. And God only knows how many prayers were lifted up. It's like everyone just wanted to help, and if they could think of a way to help, they did! Maybe most impressive of all was the memorial service and the number of people who showed up. Hundreds of officers each from New York, Boston, Chicago (maybe others?), and over a thousand from Canada! Over 20,000 in attendance, the vast majority being law enforcement from all over the country. It was amazing! Anyway, as much as this whole ordeal just plain sucks, I have been truly blessed and encouraged to see such showings of love and support, and how people have really come together.
Even though most of us are now beginning the process of moving on, my prayers will be with the families of the four officers in the coming months. Their grief has only just barely begun.
Oh, one more thought (that's not from me, but from Pastor Matt last Sunday). Many, including myself, have asked, "Why did it have to be at Christmastime?" with the concern that now the holidays will just bring sadness and reminders of the pain for the families. Matt's comments were more along the lines of "What better time than Christmas to help begin the healing process?" After all, Christmas is a celebration of Jesus coming to earth to save us from sin and brokenness. Can you imagine where we'd be if He hadn't?
With that...on to some Christmas cheer :)
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