Another year gone by...

I can hardly believe it is New Year's Eve 2009. Where has time gone? This has been a long and somewhat difficult year for Mimi. Last January, she had open heart surgery because of two valves; one needing repair and one needing replacement. She healed well from that and was able to get back into her normal routine of helping others and scrapbooking and quilting and, well being busy.

As we got busy getting ready for two of her grandchildren's open houses and graduation, she started having symptoms that once prodded by Angie (my youngest stepsister), she finally agreed to see a doctor. June 7, 2009 was a day we won't forget. The neurosurgeon explained that she had a brain tumor; a gleoblastoma multiforme. The worst of all brain tumors. She wayed her options after talking with family and decided to have surgery to remove what they could. After surgery and a long recovery, she started radiation and chemotherapy medications. She had a bout of Stevens-Johnsons Syndrome which is a skin reaction to the Dilantin she was on along with the radiation she was receiving. That took quite a while to heal and was very painful and very uncomfortable for her.

Mimi just kept going; she kept trying each day to get up and around and do what she could for herself. She did quite well and even got so she could get herself showered without any help.

As you may know, Thanksgiving she and papa and JJ came to our house for dinner. She had done fine and went home and that is when things came to a head. She had a seizure that night and several more in the ambulance. Up until this point she had not had any seizures.

This cancer is awful; well any cancer is but this one just takes over so quickly and steals ones' physical life. But I must say that Mimi's spirit is strong and deep down I know she has not given up on life. She knows she has a future in God's kingdom and I am grateful she has a strong faith.

Thank you to everyone who has prayed for her healing. That is what we all want for her, however, God must have other plans for her.

She is still with us and I know that everything is in God's timing so I patiently wait for Him to call her home.

Papa has been by her side almost 24 hours a day since Sunday when JJ went to Florida. He is going to need your prayers of healing and comfort now more than ever. I know that they are good for one another and they will get each other through with God's help and our prayers.

Blessings to all and I am believing that 2010 will be a good year.

Papa by her side

The last two nights papa has stayed with mimi. He slept well, as well as he could, and she did too. It's good for him to be here because with JJ in Florida, the house is pretty quiet and no doubt lonely.

I know this is hard on each of us in a different way; it's likely the hardest on him since they have been together since 1977 (I believe) when they first met and dated. Papa has been such an inspiration to me all throughout my life and I am grateful that God allowed he and his girls into our lives.

Mom is resting quietly again today and doesn't seem in pain. That is good and she needs the rest. It also helps us to deal with our loss knowing she is not in pain and resting peacefully.

Thank you for your prayers and support. God bless each of you.

Sunday morning

Mimi is still sleeping after finally settling down early this morning. Angie and I spent the night and slept in the recliner chairs next to Mimi's bed, one on each side. We took turns looking and listening to mom and resting in between.

The blessing this has created is getting closer with my sister Angie. She and I are closer in age than the others and so we have a bond. Besides the fact that we shared a room growing up at our parents house, we have always gotten along.

Ours is a unique family in that two families united, even in the midst of teenage years, and created a beautiful couple with 5 children. Both our parents have been through some tough times and their meeting was a God-send.

Blessings to all and enjoy your family today and always....

Peaceful

Mimi was able to calm down and started resting around 1am. She is still sleeping peacefully now and that is good. She is at peace with herself and she knows what lies ahead. She is not afraid to face death. A few months ago she told me she wanted me to read this book called '90 minutes in Heaven' by Don Piper. She told me she felt like she could have written this book because what the author told about his vision of heaven is exactly what she had imagined it would be.

I do not want to lose her but I know that she will be in a beautiful and peaceful place; no worries, no stress, no tears and no pain-physical or emotional. That sounds wonderful to me.

I pray that when my time comes I can be as at peace as Mimi is. God bless her and take care of her because she is awesome. I hope he realizes that when she arrives, if any organization needs done, she will take over! She will make sure all the children are taken care of and all the Sunday School classrooms are organized and supplied.

Christmas Day was December 25th and now we await Epiphany when the Wise men arrived to see the Christchild in Bethlehem.

Peace be with each of us this holiday season....

Love one another

As I lay with mom tonight in her bed at the Hospice Home, I remember many nights her lying with me. It could have been when I was sick or had a bad dream so staying with her now seems minimal compared to all the times she took care of me. How could I ever deny that even though I have to say it is very difficult to see her confused or crying. Her emotions are jumbled because of the medications and the tumor. This kind of cancer effects so many parts of the body; from emotional to sharing a thought to short-term memory. One blessing I have found is that she shares many long ago memories such as her childhood or ours. Another blessing is that I believe this turmoil has made our family ties stronger; realizing that life is so short, we must lean on one another and not be afraid to ask for help.

I've said this before but I could not ask for a better mother. She has been there for me and my family through thick and thin, good and bad, happy and sad.

Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers. I cannot tell you enough how much your support means. I do not know what people who do not have their faith and their family to give them strength do. I guess they do without and that is sad.

God bless and Merry CHRISTmas to all, and may you sleep well tonight.....

Merry CHRISTmas to all...

Merry CHRISTmas to all our family and friends!

Today when Papa and I arrived, Mimi was sleeping quietly. She had kind of a rough night in that she wanted to get herself out to bed. She keeps telling us she needs to 'get to Kohl's' and tries to put her legs out of the bed to get up. She was probably thinking she needed to get her shopping done like she always had in the past along with wrapping until midnight. Either way, Papa made sure JJ had a nice Christmas.

Continued prayers are appreciated as we continue this journey we are all on. Thank you all for your support, love and generosity. We do notice even the little things.

Thank you to all who have visited Mimi. Blessings to all.

Christmas Eve

It's Christmas Eve and Mimi is resting quietly. She had a few visitors today. Papa as usual and I came here after work and a little shopping. Tami, Debi and Staci came today (brother Bill's girls). It means a lot to have so many visitors stopping in especially this busy holiday season. Jim and Nancy came by this afternoon too. Funny thing is, Mom said that Jim looked like a preacher today "with all that white hair".

I believe in my heart that mom knows everyone and that is a blessing especially since it's hard to see her not able to do for herself like she used to.

God bless each of you and your families. As you celebrate this wonderful Christmas season, hug your family and keep each of them close. We never know when our lives will suddenly change and not have them as near as we would like.

Blessings and prayer does work!

Restful night...

Barb Moore, mom's childhood friend, came to stay with her last night and I just got a call from her. Mom rested quite a lot and peacefully according to Barb. Thank you Barb for taking care of mom and for being such an awesome friend. Barb lives in Florida and is here in Michigan visiting her children and grandchildren and took time out of her schedule to come see and stay with mom.

We never know when we will need true friends like that so I say to myself, treat others as you yourself would want to be treated. I believe there is a bible quote that says "Love thy neighbor as thyself".

Thank you to everyone for their support and love....we sure to appreciate it. Merry CHRISTmas to all!

Visitors.....

This past weekend Mimi had several friends and family visit. I know how hard it is for people to see someone you love not presenting themselves as they normally would. When someone who always was willing to share a cup of coffee or go to lunch, now mixes their words up....it hurts. Please remember how much mom has been a wonderful part of your lives. How many times you saw her helping out at church or in the grocery store always willing to stop and chat with a smile. She is still the same person spiritually and emotionally; her flesh has been changed. God knows her heart as He knows each of our hearts. If you feel you need to see her, that is okay. If you have difficulty and find it too hard to visit, that is okay too.

Thank you to everyone for prayers and cards....we appreciate all that has been done for our family in support. God be with each of you this holiday season.

Keep your focus on time you can spend with loved ones; the time goes way too fast.

School friends from long ago....

Mom's friend Barb Moore is here from Florida and came by to see her tonight! What a wonderful surprise for mom as she and Barb have known each other what seems forever! Mom use to babysit for Barb's daughter Patty and absolutely loved her! She even told me she would cry when Barb would come get her because she wanted to keep her!

It is always good to have friends from our childhood that we keep in touch with. I believe mom would say to stay in touch with those friends and someday when you least expect it you may need their support or just a hand to hold. Thanks Barb!

Darlene Hammond, another of mom's childhood buddies, is coming to stay with her tonight. I know that mom will appreciate her coming and staying with her. For safety reasons, we are having someone stay with her each evening and throughout the night.

Thank you to everyone; family and friends, who have provided the wonderful support for our family to work through this life event....although I realize it has been a challenge, I know it will make us stronger. God bless everyone!

CHRISTmas week...

Well when I arrived today, Mimi is up with Papa reading over her CHRISTmas cards. She just finished her lunch (ate about 1/3) and is going to be getting cleaned up soon. Papa told them that would be good since she will likely have lots of company today. (Today is the Dilworth CHRISTmas and plans are, I believe, to come over in shifts to visit her).

Mimi looks rested today. I spoke with the nurse early this morning and she said that she did better last night as far as resting and comfort is concerned. Prayers for comfort are most appreciated at this time.

As we approach CHRISTmas day, I know Mimi would want you all to enjoy your families, treasure the noise and the messes made, eat those treats and feel blessed that you have one another.

Blessings to all of you and updates will be made as much as possible....thanks to everyone for your support and love!

Resting still...

I came to visit Mimi and decided I was going to stay the night. Mimi was a little aggitated throughout the evening but finally about 1:30am, she fell asleep and is still sleeping! Wow! So glad she is finally resting peacefully......thank you God for that.

Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers for Mimi.

Resting and watching turkeys...

Mimi had a few visitors before I arrived today. Diane Brown had been here and of course Chuck. Aunt Gloria and Uncle Steve are here from Arizona and they were visiting with Mimi when some turkeys came out....of course they had to take some pictures so they could send to their daughter Stephanie in Arizona. Mom seems pretty good; a little tired.

We appreciate your continued thoughts and prayers. Mom needs prayers for rest and comfort. It is also hard to see her so confused although we are so very grateful she recognizes each of us. That is truly a blessing!

Take care and will update you again tomorrow.

Weekend activities

Yesterday we held our annual Tilden cookie decorating....Mimi always had lots of frosting, candies and different cookie shapes to decorate growing up and even in our later years (like last year!) It was quite an event! Jeff, Angie, JJ, Carissa, Danny, Danielle, John (Danielle's friend), Papa and myself were here for the event. We brought all the fixings and the cookies to decorate. We even had some crackers and cheese to munch on while we celebrated.

Mom has had lots of visitors and it seems to do her some good. If you would like to visit, please feel free. She looks good and is well taken care of here at the Hospice Home. The home is located on Kingsbrooke Drive which is just across from Vista Grande Villa off Springport Road near airport Meijer/down the road from Baker College in Jackson.

Lots of friends and family have come by and made Christmas cards, helped decorate her tree and visit with her. Thank you all for your support, love, thoughts and prayers. We do appreciate the love you show us through caring about Mimi.

Hoping you are all understanding the true meaning of Christmas; not just about gifts or cards but of giving of yourself to those who need it most. And most of all, sharing with your family the love of the Christ child whose birth is soon upon us.

Prayers and blessings to all!

Pray for rest...

Please pray that Mimi could rest more at night and be awake more during the day....perhaps she has them mixed up. The nurses are trying to get her acclimated to a schedule, but perhaps Mimi has too much on her mind to sleep at night!

Aunt Gloria and Uncle Steve (Rainey) from Tucson, AZ are here and will visit Mimi today. Also, Aunt Joyce (Drake) had her 80th birthday yesterday! Happy Birthday Aunt Joyce! She does not look 80....and she doesn't act it either. I mean that in a good way!

Friends Leo and Sandy are here from Florida for a visit and will likely be seeing Mimi today also. She will definitely be tired tonight.

Thanks again for your prayers.

Christmastime visitors...

Today Mimi had a couple visitors when I was here; besides her usual Papa. Her friend Diane Brown was here and then Uncle Mike Horning came by to visit. Diane brought her an ornament for her Christmas Tree....thanks Diane!

Apparently Mimi had a long night and didn't sleep much so she was sleepy when we were here. Papa gave both of them a tour of the Hospice Home facility which is beautiful by the way.

More updates as we have them....keep her in your prayers please. Thank you and God bless!

Getting settled...

Well, Mimi is all moved in and trying to settle in with her new surroundings. Yesterday, several of us met at her room to put up and decorate a Christmas Tree for her. The tree is a tabletop but is just perfect for her room. She enjoyed seeing everyone and although we were noisy, I believe it did her heart good to hear the sounds and see the children putting the ornaments on the tree one-by-one.

Shari went back home to Florida today. Angie is here until Thursday. Aunt Gloria and Uncle Steve (Chuck's sister & brother-in-law) will be flying in on Wednesday for a week. It will be nice to see them. Sister Connie (Bristow) will be here on the 16th. It has been good for Chuck to have the support from them all.

Thank you for your continued thoughts and prayers. Will try to keep everyone updated as much as I can. I went back to work today and thankfully I am able to work part-time for now.

Thanks again! Blessings to one and all this holiday season.

Moving to Hospice Home today...

Mimi is being moved to the Hospice Home this morning at 10am. She seems to have had a restful night after a very long day of being up and talking about many things. Thank you for your continued prayers for her comfort. We believe this is the best move for her at this point. She will have 24-hour care and will be kept comfortable.

God bless you all....

Prayer for Mimi

I ask dear Lord, for peace and grace,
To fall upon moms' soul and face.

Your love and comfort, may it come now
I pray that she can rest somehow.

I know you care and understand,
So please lead her with open hand.

She needs you now, more than ever before,
She loves you so, your life she adores.

If now is her time to be with you,
Then let it be, and see her through.

She has endured so much pain,
I ask for your mercy, again and again.

God be with my mom and keep her comfortable and at peace until she reaches those pearly gates of heaven.

Love, Tina

Watching and waiting

Mimi is resting generally comfortably. Sister Shari came here from Florida early Wednesday morning. Mimi knows her and was glad to see her. Mimi has been communicating with us about her wishes and people she wanted to see. Yesterday she asked for Darlene and Berta, her grade school buddies, and they came up to see her. Uncle Mike, mom's brother in law, came to see her too. Her brother Jim came by quite a few times to see her and she is always glad to see him.

It is always tough to see her knowing what is happening to her physical body but we all know that her spirit is strong and she is not afraid of what will happen to her body. She is at peace with God and knows that sometime soon she will be with other family members in heaven.

Thank you for your continued thoughts and prayers for her comfort and peace. I believe if she stays comfortable over the next day, she will be moved over to the Hospice House in Jackson, MI.

Blessings to all and remember to hug your family members every chance you get. Love to all, Tina for Ruthann's family

Letting go....

It has been a long journey since June; knowing Mimi has a brain tumor, seeing her go through surgery after having had heart surgery in January it was scary. The radiation and chemotherapy treatments have been challenging in many ways; physically and emotionally for her and for her family.

Thank you all for your support; whether you've taken time to think about her, prayed a special prayer for her, sent one card or many, brought over meals, called to check on how everyone is doing....it has all been appreciated. I don't think anyone can know just how much it means to have friends and family until the time comes when you feel helpless and someone comes along with just the right thing to say or do to help you make it through another day.

God bless each of you and I will keep you posted here. She has rested most of the day although she has been awake a few times to visit with some of her family members. She doesn't seem to be in pain but when she gets fidgety or agitated, she is able to receive a medication that calms her and helps her to rest. That is what she needs to do; rest and be comfortable.

We asked for no visitors because she needs her rest. Mimi would say to you, remember her when you saw her at church or at scrap-booking or watching JJ play football or at a family gathering. She would want you to keep that image in your mind and know that she loves each of you.

I could not ask for a better mom in the world and she has loved each of her family so very much. Family and togetherness is so important to her. If she were writing this, I believe she would say; spend as much time with your family as possible...we never know when such a challenging event can occur. Love your friends and have faith in God that He will watch over you.

Goodnight for now and I will post something in the morning......love, Tina for Mimi's family