There are many times I've been amazed at my children. The first time Breena wrote her name or Eli drew a stick person or Toby finally started to speak to name a few. But the last time I brought Breena & Eli to see my grandma I was left both amazed and proud of their grace.
After receiving the call from my mom that grandma was likely within a day of passing I sat down Breena & Eli and explained that Great Grandma's body was dying. Instinctively Breena said, "well can I see her before she leaves for Heaven?". I was a bit hesitant to bring them but I couldn't live with the thought of not allowing them to have their final moment with Great Grandma. I prepared them the best I knew how before we went in to see her. She was laying in bed, pretty restless. Occasionally she tried to mumble something that we couldn't understand. I bent over her so my mouth was near her ear & told her I had Breena & Eli here. Breena & Eli ran to her bedside to give her the mother's day cards they had made for her. Breena had taken the time to carefully write "Great Grandma" on her card which is no easy task for a new writer! They were fearless, it didn't seem to faze them that grandma looked different laying in bed wearing a simple hospital gown.. Her dentures were not in, she was not in control of her arms but my children didn't care. Breena wanted to give her a kiss so I plopped her on the bed beside grandma. At that moment, my grandmother who had been fairly unresponsive for a day opened her eyes to look at Bree & said "Hi! How are you?". Grandma then puckered up and Bree gave her a smooch. It was Eli's turn. She was able to acknowledge him too and he gave her a kiss. As I was standing next to grandma's bedside I held her hand. Eli noticed this. He reached up and took hold of her fingers, lightly stroking his thumb against the top of her hand. The image of my three year old son holding the hand of my 87 year old grandma is a picture my mind will never erase. What a blessing for me to witness these last moments. When it was time for us to leave I asked the kids if they'd like to give grandma one last kiss; of course they did. They really love her. At this point Grandma was non responsive again. But my kids didn't care. Breena smooched her forehead and Eli gently planted one last kiss on the tip of her nose. And together (with a hot lump in my throat) we left. When we got in the car Bree said to me, "That's the last time I will see my Great Grandma until I see her in Heaven".
Our kids have such faith, especially Breena. She just seems to "get it". We've been answering a lot of questions about death & heaven the past few days. We've had many discussions about Angels and God. I sometimes wonder who is teaching who...I am thankful that they're encouraging me to have a little more faith too.
No comments:
Post a Comment