Thursday, April 23, 2015

A Tender Mercy

Recap:
Monday, April 13 2015 during dinner GG aspirated on her drink. She was having a difficult time breathing and started to turn blue. An ambulance was called and was taken to the hospital. At the hospital a chest x-ray was taken and it showed that her lungs were clear despite the nasty cough and wheezing she had had for several days. Doctor's tentatively diagnosed her with bronchitis but gave her an antibiotic just in case. During her hospital visit GG was un-responsive. She acted as if she were in a very deep sleep and remained un-responsive despite many attempts to wake her up. Due to her recent illness and not being awake an IV was put in to keep her hydrated.  The following morning a meeting was held between doctors, social workers, hospice, GG Pa and Heather. It was decided that GG was going to be put back on hospice and it was time to bring her home. We all thought that our time with GG was coming to a sudden end. We were told very specifically that if GG remained un-responsive we were not to force her to eat or drink. We didn't want her to aspirate again or have her inhaling food into her lungs.    

Her 1st day home, Wednesday, she began to be more responsive. Still sleeping a lot but more waking moments. On Thursday our family was given a tender mercy. Not only was GG awake but she seemed to be aware of herself and her surroundings. The best part was that she could communicate with us in a way that we could understand. Something that hadn't been done in over a year! 

The following video is just one of the many conversation's had that day. She wasn't always very clear, sometimes we had to guess at what she was saying, our conversation's jumped around quite a bit but we thoroughly enjoyed this time with her. Thank you Heavenly Father for giving us these new memories. 




Christmas Time 2014

Christmas weekend Travis, (Heather's son) brought his family for a visit.
Travis & Christina with foster daughter AniLu (13) and daughter Elena (5).

Grandma showing Elena how to help GG get a drink.

Elena really enjoyed holding GG's cup for her.

Hopefully Elena being so young will remember the great service she offered her Great Grandma. 

A Popcorn Treat

Back in September of last year.....
Tina's two youngest children Brayden (5) and Kylie (2) was able to spend some time with GG.
They arrived just in time for snack time.
Everyone loves popcorn!

One for you....

One for me....

Popcorn can sure make us thirsty. 

Everyone's got to have a turn helping GG. 

We love you GG!

Tuesday, April 14, 2015

Hospice

This lovely lady was placed on hospice after a nasty reaction to some medication. 

She is back home tonight and doing better after a night in the hospital. 
She'd had quite the decline since her previous hospice experience. The next couple of days will give us a better time frame as to how long we may have left with Grandma. Mom, Heather, said that she wasn't fully awake this afternoon but was starting to mumble- good signs that we may have a bit more time. 


The baby featured is the newest addition so the family, Sheri's son Jesse. 
Congratulations to Cheyenne as well on her baby girl Journey.  Billy also had a little boy- Ryker. We hope Grandma can meet these babies soon. 

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

She's still got it

A few weeks ago Mom went over to get GG up and dressed for the day. Mom usually talks to her and sings silly songs as they go along. Mom started singing, "It's time to get up. It's time to get up" Mom paused to listen to GGpa real quick and clear as day GG finished the song, "It's early in the morning." Shocked speechless.


Another time when Mom was helping GG get up and dressed, I guess she thought Mom pulled her pants up a bit to hard.
GG looked straight at Mom and muttered to herself, "Good Grief!"


GG's still in there...

Happy Birthday

Guess who had a birthday!
Mark, Robin, and Tamra came down for the big day.
We had an awesome visit.

GG always loves visits from Brionney.

Happy Birthday to you!
Happy Birthday to you!
Happy Birthday, dear GG!
Happy Birthday to you!

Tuesday, May 13, 2014

Spring

Not much has happened the last few months.
Brionney still loves to rub lotion on GGs hands. 
They try and communicate; they jabber back and forth as Grandma is rarely able to form words.
GG seems to enjoy Brionney's company when she crawls into her lap. 

GG has had many visitors. Tina and her family have come often the last few months. Each of GG's great-grandchildren take a moment with her during their visits. This is Maddie taking her turn to help GG eat her lunch.

Grandma has declined in these last weeks. She is no longer able to communicate. Every now and then a word will get through but she mainly babbles. She is also sleeping more often. On a good note she is well cared for. She is loved. She is surrounded by family and loved ones.