The final two days were peaceful, and seemingly without pain. Thursday morning I began to feed her breakfast. She opened her mouth just barely enough to convince me that she would take something. I gave her a small bite, but I'm not sure she swallowed much of it...then she went to sleep. That turned out to be her last waking moment.Whether this was a deep sleep or a coma, I don't know. It doesn't matter, does it? During the next 44 hours, she was changed and moved multiple times, with little recognition of anything.
The experts tell us that hearing is the last system to shut down. With that assurance, she "heard" the whole family express their gratitude for what she has meant to them over the years. I'm the lucky one...I got to have two nights with her in this state. So she heard a lot from me. When it was time, (3:43 am Saturday, January 2nd) she gave a deep sigh, and finished her challenge.
God bless you and your SUPER supportive family. I love you guys.
ReplyDeleteBrother Jim
The world is a sadder place for me now. I kept hoping for a miracle. I can only imagine the loss you and your family feel. Know that my thoughts and prayers are with you. I am so lucky that I met Bettie. I know she is at peace and that Heaven is a better place because she is there. Sandy Henderson
ReplyDeleteDick,
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry for you and all of your loving and supportive family for your loss. But, I acknowledge, as you and I discussed a few weeks ago, that Bettie is now out of pain and with God. So, my heart goes out to you with lots of love and support. If there is anything I can do, just say the word. Until I see you in person, just know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Your friend,
Barry Knott
Dear Dick,
ReplyDeleteWe want to extend our heartfelt condolescences to you and the family on this BIG loss!
We pray that your faith, family and friends will sustain you during your grieving time.
Warmest regards,
Rawlie & Gina
So sorry for your loss, Dick. I know you all are quite numb today and your stages of grief will continue to bounce back and forth. Bettie was an incredible woman who gave herself to her entire family without anything expected in return. She loved you all dearly, and that clearly showed...
ReplyDeleteI am sorry she had to go through this -- so sorry you ALL had to go through this -- but now she is no longer in any pain, and is in a much better place...I know you will all find comfort in that eventually.
Our love and prayers to you and your family.
Vivien & Sean Mitchell
Dear Dick and family,
ReplyDeleteWe just learned today, 1-2-10, of dear Bettie's passing and illnesses, and we were very shocked and saddened.
Our prayers and thoughts are with you and the entire family.
We read the entire blog and were greatly impressed with the family and medical
team (and the many friends) that supported Bettie over the last several months.
She was geatly loved by all, including us. Now she has found her rest in God.
Bob and Katherine Roos
We love you Dick. Your family will be in my prayers as we patiently await the chance to see our loved ones again on the other side.
ReplyDeleteDick
ReplyDeleteBettie has found solace from her struggles and has freed you, too. Rejoice in her new life and the one you shared so willingly.
Bless you for sharing with us.
Jay
I have such joy for Aunt Bettie, yet at the same time such sadness. My prayers continue.
ReplyDelete(that last post was actually from Shana)
ReplyDeleteMy dear brother Dick,
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to read what has really been important to you in the last months, and the trial it has been.
How comforting to know there is more in the future, but that only cushions the grief.
May the Lord give you comfort. You will be in our prayers.
YBIC, Garvin
How we deal with life, and how we deal with death is something we each handle differently. I have been honored to have known you both. Not so much personally, but the love you have shown has made this world better.
ReplyDeleteI applaud you Dick for your resolve and your love.
Thank you for being such a grand example of how we all shold be.
Fergie
I'm so sorry for all the family, Bettie was a wonderful Aunt that was always there for you if you needed her. Please now that I'm there in love & support for you.
ReplyDeleteNancy
Dick, Tim, Veronica, Jordan, & John:
ReplyDeletePlease know that Trisha and I grieve with you over the loss of your beloved wife, mother, and grandmother. We also rejoice with you knowing that Bettie is with Jesus and there will one day be a wonderful reunion with her there.
Please know that Trisha and I are available to help you in any way we can.
In Christ
John & Trisha LeProhon
Your blog keeps getting better and better! Your older articles are not as good as newer ones you have a lot more creativity and originality now keep it up!
ReplyDeleteDick,
ReplyDeleteI think you two were the coolest couple. though you were going through a hard battle, you were still so much in love and shared that love with all of us. Thank you for that. I have only been married 9 years, but I know that I want to stay and be as close and loving and warm hearted as you two are in the years to come. I am so sorry we lost part of your magnificent duo. But I believe she is in the best place now. Thank you again for sharing your journey.
Jennifer, MA
(Dr. A. Heide's office staff member)
Our hearts are heavy with the passing of Bettie, but we rejoice knowing she is with our Lord. Bettie was always special to us, as she was a walking example of her belief.
ReplyDeleteUp until yesterday we were planning to be at the memorial service for our dear friend, but the cold and flu bug is keeping us close to home. However, our thoughts and prayers will be with your entire family.
Wayne and Mary Ann Sorenson
Tucson, AZ.