My grandfather is dying.
He is 86 and has cancer that has spread throughout his body. It is in his bones, his organs, his brain.
He's an old-time preacher, has retired a few times, none of them lasting very long - the last was when he was 83. He has affected the world we live in many times over by touching the lives of individuals and his legacy is profound. His crown in heaven will be richly jeweled and he longs to join my grandmother who passed away a few years ago now.
He's in pain, lots of it. Hospice says that he'll be gone tomorrow, but they have said that every day for the last couple of weeks as he continues to wither away in front of our eyes.
I've had the opportunity to encourage him to make the most of every day. If God allows him to wake up, then God must have a purpose in it. Maybe there is one more life to invest in, one more seed to plant, one more soul to convert. I don't know what it is, neither does he. We don't know what the day will hold, but we can look to take every opportunity God gives us.
I will go visit him again tomorrow if he is still here, and as I leave, I will once again leave him with this thought - "If you wake up tomorrow, may you find your purpose in the day and finish strong, if not, say hello to grandma for me - either way I love you."
Maybe that's a good thought for all of us...
Chris,
Thanks for the post. Clearly each day is a gift and the best way to show our appreciation, is to use the day to the fullest, while helping someone along the way. Your time with your Grandfather is very special. Helping to provide him with comfort, is a wonderful way to show your appreciation for the gift of another day, bestowed upon both of you.
<sigh> - I wish you and your grandfather the best. Sounds like you've been a wonderful supportive grandson. I miss my grandparents all the time. They've been gone for years and sometimes it feels like yesterday. Hospice is a great group of people. Without them I wouldn't have made it through.
Chris,
Call me tomorrow, there is Metastron therapy that relieves pain in these circumstances. I worked as Director of Nuclear Medicine/Radiology for 25 years..A good Oncologist can order and a bigger hospitals Nuclear Medicine Physician and nuclear medicine staff can administer it...usually take 3 days or so for it to work...but it definitely will help alleviate the pain...not the cancer, but atleast the quality of the rest of his life...my prayers are with you. Check out my profile...you will understand.
Best to you and your family...Karen 954-464-4194
BTW...I have an apt. from 1:30 to 3:30, but the rest of the day I will make time for you if you need to talk...
K
Chris,
What lovely sentiments, no doubt you would make your grandfather proud. When I lost my own Mom at 82 (almost 2 years ago) it was a life event, she was surrounded by those who loved her. It gave us all profound love, peace and comfort, more than I could have ever imagined.
And I echo Desiree about hospice, those folks are a true gift from God, for the patient and the loved ones. I'll be praying for you and your family tonight.
Chris,
I just lost my aunt about a month or so ago the same way. My heart is with you and your grandfather at this time.
As hard as it is to see a loved one wither away from cancer, I can't help but see that even in a slow death, there is a gift: the ability to say goodbye. The ability to tell him and hear from him how much you mean to eachother. That one last chance for him to impart the wisdom of his lifetime upon those who came after.
My aunt actually chose not to have a funeral - she conducted her own "service" live and in person with the stream of visitors who came to say goodbye in the last couple weeks. Truly, that must be a gift.
Chris,
You are truly Blessed to have each and every moment with your Grandfather.
My Wife just lost her Father (my Father in law) in September. After a 7 week struggle....the first 4+ in ICU (not a great experience), however the last 2+ in home hospice....a great experience. He was great for 14 of the 16 days we had him at home.....and each day we counted our blessings we had them. This was a man battling lung and prostrate cancer for the last 7 years.....what Courage!
In my Prayers.....
Tomorrow will be one year since my 86 year old father went to heaven! I'm remembering my feelings and know what you are going through.
My prayers are with you. The loss is hard but the prayers we receive on our behalf sustain us through it all. Hope my dad and your grandfather have a wonderful time together as they celebrate living with no pain in their new home!
Chris........ "Precious is the death of Gods Saints......."
I will be praying for a peaceful, painless passage into the Kingdom for your grandfather......
I know he has lived a long, fruitful life, from what you have said here........
May he enter into the Kingdom looking for the One he so loves......
=-)
I had to see my mother go as your are seeing your grandfather go: cancer, and every visit could have been out last. I never felt closer.
You're both in my prayers!!
Soon he'll meet the Lord, unimaginable JOY he will find!
All he needs now is to be surrounded by his loved ones, as you are doing!
Chris,
I just returned from Church just now were the message was the heavenly tresures that await those who serve GOD.
I was amazed that the first time I logged into your blog and see your Grand Father is ill. I see that you are a or a Grand PK. You obviously love your grand father very much and know even though losing your Grand father in this life you will one day rejoin he and your Grand mother in Heaven. Your post is sad yet joyful knowing he will meet his Lord soon. My prayers are with you and your family. Maybe one of these days I will see you in a Coffee shop in San Clemente. It would be nice to meet you.
Stay strong in the Lord and he will bless thee.
btw I am now at Distinctive Coast Properties in San Clemente at 209 Avenida Del Mar.
Stop by sometime and have a cup of our coffee. On the House.
Take care and God Bless
Doug Pemberton
Chris,
It has been many, many years since my beloved grandfather went to be with the Lord and with my grandmother. I still think of him every day and so will you. God bless.
Shirley Parks
I just wanted to thank everyone - He passed away two weeks ago and is now out of pain and dancing with my grandmother.
God bless and thank you for your care concern and love,
Chris