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My Grandmother is Dying

Valadius Oct 10 2008 04:51 PM

I'm a mess right now. My grandmother, who I love so dearly, is on her deathbed. Truth be told, she's been on her deathbed since late August. My family and I were in Israel on vacation when we got a call early in the morning. My grandmother had been rushed to the hospital and it looked like she was going die imminently. So we cut our trip short and rushed back here. She ended up recovering somewhat, but never left the hospital. She's been slowly dying for years of emphysema caused by her smoking, which she stopped over 20 years ago. She's had to use oxygen tanks for years, and had to all but stop leaving the house. I just got a call from my mother. This time it's for real. She hasn't recovered since August. My dad is flying down to Florida to be with his father, brother, sister to say goodbye. They're going to sedate her and take her off the respirator and let her go. She will probably pass away tomorrow night. I'm flying down for the funeral Sunday morning and flying back Monday morning. She's lived a good life. She's 80 years old. We gave her a big birthday party in early August that was probably her last very happy occasion. I'll likely be a wreck when it happens and for a while after that, but I take comfort in the fact that I have so many good friends to lean on when I need to.

Kong76 Oct 10 2008 05:10 PM

Hang in there, Valad.

AG/DC Oct 10 2008 05:37 PM

So sorry about this. If you're up for it, feel free to tell us about her.

A Boy Named Seo Oct 10 2008 05:45 PM

Sorry to hear about it, man. My granny's going through about the same situation and is in a nursing home in Texas, weakened and on oxygen, and still fighting, though the docs counted her out months ago. I'm very close with her and have been my whole life. I get bummed, too, but feel good that at 85, she's lived a long life and seen plenty, and she isn't in much pain now. I have a lot of happy memories to lean on when I get down and it helps. Keep leaning on your peeps, but also remember the cool times in her life she's shared with you, and your good times with her. Hang in there.

Fman99 Oct 10 2008 06:14 PM

You and yours are in my thoughts and prayers, sir. I am lucky, though it was hard to feel that way at the time. My grandmother passed away 10 months ago, but she was just doing her thing one day and had a heart attack, died in her own apartment. Doesn't sound lucky unless you're considering alternatives.

themetfairy Oct 10 2008 10:57 PM

I'm so sorry Val. And Seo {{Hugs}}

Rockin' Doc Oct 11 2008 05:52 AM

Valad, hang in there. I know how tough it can be. All four of my grandparents are gone now, but I still cherish the memories of the times we shared together. I will keep you, your grandmother, and family in my prayers.

cooby Oct 11 2008 10:20 AM

Val, you are such a nice and caring young man and I am thinking of you. Stay close to your family now; you will all need each other. Seo, keep those good memories in mind as much as you can. I hope they will help you through the pain to come. THinking about you both.

Vince Coleman Firecracker Oct 11 2008 03:04 PM

Sorry to hear that, guys.

Valadius Oct 11 2008 03:19 PM

My grandma just passed away peacefully, surrounded by her husband and her children.

Rockin' Doc Oct 11 2008 04:04 PM

Sorry to hear of your loss. When my time comes, I hope to be fortunate enough to pass away peacefully while surrounded by family and loved ones. My thoughts and prayers are with you in these difficult times.

Benjamin Grimm Oct 11 2008 06:43 PM

My sympathies too. I went through the same thing last year. Losing a grandparent is the natural order of things (the other way around would be tragic) but that doesn't make it any easier.

themetfairy Oct 11 2008 06:44 PM

My condolences Val. I hope that the funeral and shiva go smoothly for you and your family.

metirish Oct 11 2008 06:51 PM

My condolences Val , very sorry to read this tonight.

bmfc1 Oct 11 2008 07:35 PM

My deepest condolences Val to you and your family.

metsguyinmichigan Oct 12 2008 11:39 AM

Very sorry Val. I lost my last grandparent last year. If it's any comfort, slipping away surrounded by the people who love you most is a blessing.

Fman99 Oct 12 2008 01:36 PM

I am sorry for your loss.

MFS62 Oct 13 2008 06:12 AM

Condolences to you and your family, Val. Later

RealityChuck Oct 13 2008 06:44 AM

Very sorry to hear it.

soupcan Oct 13 2008 07:21 AM

My condolences.

DocTee Oct 13 2008 08:29 AM

My condolences. I never knew my grandparents--three were dead before I was born and the other , also now deceased, was estranged-- so have tried to make my in-laws a big part of my kids' lives. Alas, my own arents are gone, too, so my kids are getting denied almost as much as I had been. Hang in there, Val

Centerfield Oct 20 2008 08:18 AM

My condolensces.