As most of you already know, my grandpa (mom's dad) has been very ill lately. He went into the emergency room 3 and 1/2 weeks ago with a UTI. Since then, the infection has spread througout his body. He started to get a little better and was moved from ICU into a regular room. That only lasted a couple of days, then the infection was back, and worse than before. He was immediately transferred back up to ICU where he remained for the last 2 weeks. His kidneys started failing, so the doctor ordered dialasys to be done every other day. Eventually his breathing became very hard and was put on a full life support machine. After a full week of the total life support, the decision had to be made of whether to put a trach tube into his throat to keep him alive, or just simply allow him to be comfortable to live out the remainder of his days. After careful research, and many chats with Dr. Sam, the decision was made that with the trach tube, the quality of life would be very poor, and my grandpa would not want to live his life that way. Dr. Sam finally ordered my grandpa to be on a "comfort path." Which is where the nurses do everything they can to make the patient comfortable until it is their time to rest with Jesus. I saw my grandpa tonight, he looked peaceful and painless. He also looked as though he would not make it through the night. My mom and I snuck into the hospital chapel and said a silent prayer for him. We went back to his room and told him not to be afraid. He was unresponsive to us being there, but I think he heard us. I think he is ready to be at peace.

I write all this in my blog not to make anyone feel sorry for me, but to make sure that everyone knows that my family and I are at peace with this. We are aware that he is comfortable, and I think in many ways it is harder to be the family that is left behind. We told my grandpa this evening that we will be alright, and that we love him. I think in some way, he needed us to tell him that it is alright to let go now. I know that when my grandpa does pass he will look down on us from Heaven and smile because he will finally be able to walk again like he did 19 years ago before his stroke. I know in my heart that my grandpa will be just fine!

Sorry to bring such a sad blog this time, but there was just so much on my mind that I just needed to get it out. Writing my feelings always helps me through difficult times. I just ask that everyone reading prays not for my family and I, but for the peaceful passing of my grandpa.