Please lend me and my husband your prayers...

[maherwoman]

On February 2nd, Danny's wonderful, dear grandfather (his stepfather's dad) passed away. We spent Valentine's Day at his funeral...which was also their anniversary (his grandfather and grandmother).

I mentioned to Danny on the way down to their funeral that his grandmother would probably be soon to follow...and sure enough, a few days ago, we learned that she's been diagnosed with bone cancer, and is soon to pass away as well.

A little bit about Elizabeth, Danny's grandmother...

She was about twenty years younger than her husband, and BOY were they in love. It was evident the first moment I saw them together a few years ago. They were one of those perfect couples...joined at the hip and still so in love, and were married for over 50 years.

I'm not sure how long ago, but it was probably about ten years ago, Shogo (Danny's grandfather) was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. Elizabeth never batted an eye, and took care of him even during his final breaths. Her whole life was about taking care of her wonderful husband...it was what she was all about. When he passed away, Danny remarked that he'd never seen her look so small and fragile...and I knew that my words to him on the way down to Shogo's funeral were true. I knew we would lose her soon, too.

I'm so sad to be losing such a vibrant, wonderful woman. She's one of those truly amazing people...one that will be mourned for many years to come. Thankfully, she's led a full life, one full of love and happiness.

She specifically asked that we come down, that she have the time to speak with Danny. She's never viewed him as anything but family, and loves him dearly. Danny's a strong guy, but I can see that he's hurting...so please pray for him...for us.

Tomorrow will be a really tough day. I've been holding back tears all day, for Emily's sake...because she really doesn't need to see such sadness. I haven't really let her know what's going on with the two of them, since she doesn't really remember them (it being a couple Christmases ago that we last went down to see them with her), and she really doesn't need to confront something like this just yet in her life. (She's still really having a hard time dealing with losing Bun Bun, so I don't want to make it worse, poor thing.)

Just keep us in your thoughts and prayers, if you could...

Thank you so much!

 

[Bunnicula]

You are in my prayers, Rosie.

ray:

 

[trailsend]

We will absolutely keep all of you in our prayers Rosie. It's very hard. Hugs to you & your family :hug:

 

[JimD]

ray:

 

[timetowaste]

Hugs and love to your family from mine Rosie <3

Tracy

 

[AngelnSnuffy]

That's very sad and her condition must be painful as well. I'll be thinking of you guys tomorrow.

 

[Bo B Bunny]

Oh Rosie, you just can't seem to catch a break lately. I sure hope things go well and I am so very sorry to hear that Danny's grandmother is so ill.

She'll be with her beloved husband soon and that is some comfort you and Danny to hold onto.

:hug:

 

[Dwarf_Angel04]

Sending good vibes to you and your family.

I personally, really enjoyed you sharing the words about Elizabeth. It really hits close to home as the beau and I have the same age span. Withthe age span, that's AMAZING they were able to spend over 50 years together! Surely a motivator...

Best wishes to Elizabeth in her final days before returning to be with the love of her life.

~ Amanda ~

 

[mouse_chalk]

Aw Rosie, I'm sorry to hear this. Things must be tough for you and your family at the moment. I hope that the remaining time you and Danny spend with her will be special.

I'll keep you all in my thoughts :hug:

Jen xx

 

[Bassetluv]

Rosie, when you described Danny's grandparents I couldn't help but think of Chris and Dana Reeve. They were so close, and after Chris passed, Dana followed roughly a year later. Joined at the hip...soulmates...that's what I thought of when I read your post.

It certainly sounds that they led a wonderful life together. I am going to add my prayers for Danny and you and the rest of your family, as I understand how just painful it can be to lose a loved one. How blessed you all have been to have shared in their lives...:hug:

 

[Flashy]

I think my mum's parents will be like that.

I'm so sorry you are going through this. I'll be thinking of you all.

I just wanted to say that showing emotion in front of Emily is not a bad thing, it helps her see that it's ok to show emotion, so don't be afraid of doing that.

Take care of yourselves.

 

[polly]

ray:ray:

 

[cheryl]

Sending you guys lots and lots of prayers

 

[mezeta]

Your in my prayers :hug: xxxxx

 

[maherwoman]

Thank you so much, you guys.

We wound up not going down today, as we called this morning, and she just wasn't up for company, so we wound up rescheduling for tomorrow, when more people will be there. She said she would prefer to do all her visiting at once, during one day...instead of throughout more than one day.

Thank you so much for your prayers, you guys...they mean so much...and I know they're really helping...

 

[maherwoman]

I find myself at a lack for words today.

We went to see Danny's grandmother yesterday. I can't quite explain how difficult it was, for all of us...her and us both. Danny's stepfather warned us that she's feeling really bad about her appearance, so we both went down to her place wearing t-shirt and jeans...me in my $1 flip-flops. Nothing dressy...so as not to make her feel worse.

When we got there, it was quite apparent why she felt that way. She couldn't sit up at all, not even prop herself up. She could only lay down, and the picture we brought her of Emily lit up her face. We had to hold it sideways because she couldn't lift her head to adjust her line of sight to see it straight up and down, if that makes sense.

It was so hard seeing such a normally amazingly vibrant woman in so much pain that she couldn't even move. We kissed her, and held her hand, and talked with her a bit...she mostly wanted to know how we were doing. I think she wanted assurance that we were doing well and to know that we weren't suffering financially, or anything. I think she wanted that assurance before she passes.

When we got there, she could only see us for about a minute. She was just too tired. And then later on, she could manage for about ten minutes. That's all we got to see of her while we were there, but it was worth it. When she said goodbye, I could feel that she didn't mean "see you next time you visit".

After seeing her the second time, we walked around their beautiful property, that her husband worked so hard to create into a beautiful garden of Eden. The plants, though they hadn't been attended for some time, due to his illness and then passing, still had an amazing life all their own. We walked around for a good hour, taking pictures of the flowers, and our favorite views off the property...knowing it would be the last time we could do that. Once she passes, we'll be down one more time for the funeral, and then it feels like we won't be able to visit again, due to their family's dynamics and such. There aren't any arguments, or anything...just the thought of Danny not being direct family (since he's a stepson).

We went to a little diner before heading back on the road, and I broke down at the table. I asked Danny how long he thinks she has...he said about a month. Danny has a good knowledge of such things, you see. He lost his mom when he was 19 to cancer, and was her only caretaker the whole way through.

Please just keep us in your prayers. We're so sad...and we're having such a hard time thinking of her being gone soon, and seeing her in so much pain. She's such a wonderful, amazing woman...she doesn't deserve this kind of pain.

Hugs,

Rosie*

 

[Flashy]

:hug:I'm so sorry you are having to go through this. It is good though, that you all got to see each other another time, to talk, and bring some amount of peace to her (and maybe yourselves?).

It's a horrible position to be in for all of you and I will be thinking of you all.

x