"I know God will not give me anything I can't handle. I just wish he wouldn't trust me so much" -Mother Theresa
Oh how right Momma Theresa was. Goodbye Pollyanna (Thanks Mom), and hello reality. I'm still stewing over the events of the past couple of weeks. I'll start by filling you in on what happened one Saturday morning... more later.
MONDAY, JULY 28, 2008 10:49 PM, PDT
I made the decision to go home from Denver on Saturday morning as my Grandmother was being moved into the Hospice Unit at Methodist Hospital. I was back in Minnesota by Saturday night. I feel such relief that I got to see Mere again, yet saddened that I don't know when I'll see her again. I headed straight to the hospital to be with her. It was very hard to see her as she was so completely different from the last time I saw her, but she had just moved to the floors and the move was pretty difficult for her. She needed rest. Despite everything, she recognized me right away as she does all "the grands." As hard as this process is for us all... I feel so blessed to have been given so much in the short 24 hours that I was there. As everyone has said, she is talking non-stop... talking so fast it's often hard to make out the words. But, when you do realize what she is saying, she makes perfect sense. It is just so neat that we are able to share in these moments together and to squeeze it all in. I feel so blessed that even during this time, Mere's loving, kind and positive spirit is so extremely evident.
When Uncle Gary came in, she said fairly clearly, "Hi Gary." She even said something about coke and lemonade... I think she was still trying to be the perfect hostess! Papa is so sweet to her... when he came in yesterday, he said, "You look so beautiful Granny." Her reply, "I thought you'd never notice!" Oh Mere, you are beautiful in every way... Your spirit, your love, your faith and yes, even your nails are polished in perfect Pink. ;) You are the sweetest, kindest most honorable person I know. We are ALL so lucky... we have learned so much about loving, living and life from you.
One of the most amazing things to see this weekend was no matter who it was or how many times she saw you in a day, Mere's face would light up when she saw you come in the room and she would greet everyone by name. Mere is giving us all that she has right now... so much strength and love.
My time with Mere was soft and sweet, but I left with a heavy heart not knowing when and how quickly this would all progress. I got to spend a few minutes alone with her before I left. I told her how much I love her... she played with my hair, held my face in her hands and told me "Oh Katie, I love you more and more each day." I told her I had to go home now and that I would see her soon. She said, "You promise?" Of course Mere, your spirit is strong and we'll be together forever in my heart. xo, Kate
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