These last few days for me have been an extreme challenge and ordeal to cope with. On Monday afternoon my family and I drove up to Choctaw, Oklahoma to spend time with family. Within the last year and certainly these last few months my grandmother has become the full-time care-taker of my great-grandma, her mother. Unfortunately, though, within these last few weeks she has experienced a significant decline in health. So much in fact that my grandma began 24/7 care for my great-grandmother.
Therefore, we were prepared for a declined state in her appearance when we arrived Monday evening. However, we didn't completely understand the severity of her condition. From the appearance we think that she had potentially suffered a stroke late last week and because of that was unable to communicate as frequently as before. Combined with that she also was unable to use the right side of her body.
Thankfully, although she was limited in communication and not very receptive, we have all been able to experience special moments with her earlier this week. Monday night though, her breathing became strained and it looked as though the end was near. However, she rallied and made it through the night. Her stamina continually surprised us all. Tuesday, though, her condition continued to worsen. She breathing became more labored, she ran a high fever and began to form bed sores due to her bed confinement and limited movement. However, her incredible strength kept her going. Tuesday night though, at 10:57, my great-grandmother, Vina Constance (Connie) Andrew went on to meet Jesus.
During her last few months on earth, my grandma read her the book Heaven is for Real. She really enjoyed hearing the documentation of a young boy, Colton's journey to Heaven and back. She loved hearing the description of Heaven and all of those that will be there. However her favorite line, that she continually repeated was, "that little boy said that when you get to Heaven the first person you see is Jesus!!" For my great-grandma this was true on Tuesday niht. She got to see Jesus (first)!!
Although I miss her so very much, I am excited that she is finally home.
