Treasured Moments

Sadly, my Grandpa was diagnosed with cancer this past November after months of feeling very poorly with no answer as to why.  When we finally got the sad news, we thought it may only be a matter of days we would have left with him but thankfully the Lord has given us some unexpected and wonderful time with him.  He decided soon after his diagnosis that he didn't want invasive treatment or chemotherapy and initially he wasn't strong enough to even try chemotherapy.  He is currently under the care of hospice and the wonderful nurses have been coming to my grandparents home to check in on him.

We all have been stopping in to visit as often as we can to spend time with them.  In fact, I had a wonderful, rare conversation with Grandpa about a week ago and he told me all about his 20's and how he met my Grandma.  I sadly wondered why I never attempted to have these conversations with him before now.  But I'm also so very grateful for the time we have with him and for his sweet spirit.  I'm thankful for time without the effects of chemo drugs or wires and monitors connected to him.  We can spend time with him just as he is, as the person we know him to be.

This past weekend unfortunately brought with it some unexpected complications that brought with it an admission to the hospice center.  The blessing in this was that the center is also located in the same town my family lives in, so my mom was close by and it also provided me with the opportunity to stop by more than once.  My amazing mom took her office work in with her Monday so she could be there with them.  She has gone above and beyond in caring for them both and I know they are both so grateful for the care they've received from all of their kids.  Thankfully the plan is for them to discharge my Grandpa home again tomorrow where he will continue to be followed by hospice.

Since he was only a short drive away I asked if I could bring my nieces in to see him today, hoping it would brighten their day.  He was happy to see them and they soon made themselves at home with Grandma's goody bag of snacks...and she was more than happy to feed them, something she does best.  But we had a wonderful time visiting and I promised to stop back later when the adults would be there.

And my visit paid off!  I not only got to see my grandparents again but their whole gang happened to be there, spouses and all.  And being ever mindful of a photo-op I couldn't resist this one and I'm so glad I did.  I think the picture below is one of my all time favorites.  What a blessing family is and although the situation is a sad one and we are treasuring the moments we have, we also have many blessings to be thankful for as well as the reassurance that one day we will all be reunited together in heaven.  I'm so thankful for the blessing of grandparents and the strong heritage they've passed along.  We have no idea the time we have left with one another but we cherish each day we are blessed with.  To those who have been praying, encouraging, and supporting our entire family through this, our deepest thanks and appreciation goes out to you.

I couldn't end this post without mentioning another special person...here's a special shout out to my uncle Kenny (the one in the blue shirt), who turned 50 today...Happy Birthday, Ken!  We love you!