December 16, 2011

Meemaw

I've got sad news to report.  My grandma is actively dying now.  Her hospice nurse told my mom that it will likely happen before Christmas.  As I'm sure you remember, Meemaw is naturally a feisty lady, quick to threaten to shoot you in the foot if you get on her nerves.  This geriatric badassness was still present a week ago.  She was getting physically weaker, but still had that essential sass that Meemaw is known for.

Not anymore.

She can barely talk or open her eyes now.  She has trouble eating and drinking.  A few days ago I told her I love her and she was able to say, "I love you too."  At that time, I knew that it was likely the last time I would hear her say it.  But I will always feel it.

When her husband, my Poppy, was dying in 2008, his hospice nurse told me that hearing is the last sense to go in a dying person.  Even when a person is in a coma-like state, he or she can still hear us.  I know that Meemaw knows I love her and am grateful for all that she's done for me.  But I'm going to continue to tell her every time I visit her.  I'm going to continue to share funny stories with her, so that even if she can't laugh, she'll be cracking up on the inside.  I'm going to talk to her about her husband.  Her husband who is waiting for her in Heaven.  The husband that she can't wait to be reunited with.

She's been saying, "I'm ready to go whenever the good Lord takes me," for the past few years.  I know she is ready.  And that does make it easier to accept that it's happening.  But it's still a shock.  It's still painful. 

I can't imagine a world without Meemaw in it.


9 comments:

  1. I know she will be so happy to be reunited with Poppy. He will be standing at the gates waiting for her I can bet u that!! She has had a long,fulfilled life. I'm so glad, thankful,your mom is there taking care of her and that u cared for her as well. Please tell Memaw that we here love her so much. And someday we shall meet again!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Oh, Danielle...I am so sorry.
    No matter what, we're never prepared for this. It's never easier or less painful.
    My heart goes out to you and your family.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Dani,

    I am so, so sorry to hear this....Your Meemaw is an amazing woman and has been so blessed to have you in her life....You will all be in my prayers and I'm just a phone call away if you need anything sweetie...

    ReplyDelete
  4. So sorry to hear this Danielle:( Hugs to you and your family.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I'm sorry for this time. I haven't yet lost anyone very near to me; so I guess that's probably why I don't know what to say.

    A good friend of mine just lost her mother. Her mom was in a hospice center and my friend was sort of concerned about being right there when her mom died. However, she was right there, along with her other immediate family. My friend and everyone in the room said that the moment her mother died and for several minutes afterward that there was an indescribable, palpable, tremendous peace like which she has never felt. It lasted a number of minutes and my friend and her family think that the room was filled with angels or Jesus or some other heavenly presence to take her mom to heaven.

    My gran and I have always been two peas in a pod and I know what that's like.
    I pray for your comfort as you comfort your meemaw.
    -Mama

    ReplyDelete
  6. I will miss her too. We will all be together in Heaven. I can't wait! Beautiful picture. Sherry

    ReplyDelete
  7. I'm so sorry Danielle. Wouldn't it be wonderful if no one we loved ever grew old and/or died? Praying for you and Meemaw. I know she's meant so much to you and you to her. Saying goodbye is one of the hardest things we do.

    ReplyDelete
  8. This brought tear to my eyes--I'm so sorry. I know you have such a special relationship with your feisty meemaw, though I think it's wonderful she'll get to see her husband again.

    Sending prayers for you all during this time.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Dani - your meemaw inspires me, and many others, I'm sure, to be myself without apologies. Thank you for writing about her. I'll keep her, you, and your family in my prayers. Sending some love your way right now!

    ReplyDelete