My Grandfather is in Hospice and is not going to make it.
Josh just booked Annie and I on the earliest flight out of here, which is 8pm and with three connecting flights, we should be there by 10am tomorrow morning.
His daughter is there with him and she told him (although he is not awake or responding to voices) that Annie and I are on our way.
And as crazy and/or selfish as it might sound, I feel like he will wait for us.
I owe so many emails and I'm sorry that I still haven't gotten to them. I'm scheduled to be back on Monday depending upon how things go.
my prayers are with you and your family. God Bless, Stephanie
Posted by: Stephanie | March 28, 2007 at 03:40 PM
my prayers are with you. have a safe flight.
Posted by: candi | March 28, 2007 at 03:58 PM
my prayers are with you and your precious family. god bless.
Posted by: Sarah | March 28, 2007 at 04:06 PM
My prayers are you, Annie and your Grandfather. I think you are right, he is going to wait for you and Annie. Have a safe trip as I know you will have many prayers heading your way.
Posted by: Jen | March 28, 2007 at 04:07 PM
You are in my prayers. Fly safe.
Posted by: Cheryl Sullivan | March 28, 2007 at 04:22 PM
have a safe flight... you will be in many thoughts and prayers!
Posted by: kristy | March 28, 2007 at 04:30 PM
Oh Karen-
I hope you and Annie have safe travels. My thoughts, wishes & prayers are with you.
Posted by: Amy | March 28, 2007 at 04:34 PM
Karen, I am so so sorry for your difficult time. I will send you good thoughts and prayers. Hang in there and if I can do anything for you or your family send me an email.
Beckywed
Posted by: Becky (beckywed) | March 28, 2007 at 04:38 PM
Have a safe trip and take care, we will all keep you in our thoughts...
Posted by: CLaudine | March 28, 2007 at 04:41 PM
Oh Karen, I'm so sorry. I'm sure he is waiting for you. Have a safe trip.
Posted by: Addie | March 28, 2007 at 04:51 PM
I am sorry to hear about your grandfather. I enjoy your blog on a daily basis. I'm in Dallas, if you'll be close and need anything please feel free to e-mail me. I'd be happy to help you with transportation.
Posted by: Meredith | March 28, 2007 at 05:06 PM
He knew that you had found Mr. Right, and it was time for him to go! How sacred to be able to be there for those last times. Blessings to you and your family!
Posted by: janel | March 28, 2007 at 06:33 PM
Karen, I am so very sorry to hear about your grandfather. Please know I am thinking of you all as you go through this difficult time. Take care.
Posted by: Terri Barton | March 28, 2007 at 06:34 PM
Karen, I'm so sorry. I have prayed for you and your Grandfather. Your Grandfather is going where he wants to be - with his beloved wife. He has wished for it for a long time. He has been waiting for this. It is difficult, but be happy for him, in your heart know that this is his journey to freedom. Be joyous that you got spend time and get to know him. He live a long, fruitful life. He will go with peace in his heart, and joy in his soul knowing what's in store for him. God bless you. Be strong.
Posted by: Penny | March 28, 2007 at 06:39 PM
Dear Karen,
My Prayers are with you, for you a safe trip with Annie and for the chance to see your Grandfather , even if it is for the last time.
So So Sorry.
laura P
Posted by: | March 28, 2007 at 07:03 PM
You & your family will be in my prayers. Have a safe trip!
Posted by: Denise | March 28, 2007 at 07:07 PM
Karen.. I'm so sorry, my prayer are with you and your family. Have a safe trip.
Posted by: Teresa Brown | March 28, 2007 at 07:10 PM
Trust me, I've been in your shoes before. He'll wait for you and all of those emails are nothing compared to what you're dealing with so they can wait. :)
Jen
Posted by: Jennifer | March 28, 2007 at 07:27 PM
Saying a prayer that you get to say goodbye, even though he undoubtedly already knows how much you love him. Even though you don't know me, I'm sending huge hugs. I adored my grandfather too, and I'm so sad that my kids didn't get the privilege of knowing him.
Posted by: Cyndi | March 28, 2007 at 07:46 PM
I will be thinking of you all. Be safe, and try to have a calm heart.
Posted by: JoAnn | March 28, 2007 at 07:56 PM
Karen, it's so hard. I'm so sorry. I'm sending positive thoughts and prayers.
Posted by: Lori Hudson | March 28, 2007 at 08:13 PM
oh my i am so sorry.
i hope he waits for you.
prayers. sweet story below also.
tara
Posted by: tara pollard pakosta | March 28, 2007 at 08:42 PM
Karen,
I'm so sorry. ((hugs)) to you and your family.
Melissa
Posted by: melissa | March 28, 2007 at 08:47 PM
My dear - I would love to share my Grandpa story with you - so many similarities - but I know right now you just need prayer, and a hug. You are in my thoughts & prayers, really. Travel safe and trust that he knows you love him dearly forever & ever. Peace to you.
Posted by: Anna-Marie Still | March 28, 2007 at 08:59 PM
K,
Hoping God blesses you with clear skies and safe flights on your way to your Grandpa. I know the journey will be a sad one but try to think of all that is good that you want to cherish and my prayers to you and your family. May they find peace to celebrate the life of your Gramps.
Tammy
p.s.-You have his smile
Posted by: Tam | March 28, 2007 at 09:11 PM
I'm so sorry. What a beautiful photo of you and him. I hope you feel comfort and peace during this time.
Posted by: Ashley Schultz | March 28, 2007 at 09:18 PM
More prayers are going up for you and your family... so glad you're on your way to see him.
Posted by: jen | March 28, 2007 at 09:29 PM
I am in tears for you. I am so sorry that your grandfather is making his way Home, but it is exciting to know that he is looking forward to it. Do not be scared......I'm sure his Beloved has made a safe place for him to land.
Prayers being lifted up for you.
Posted by: Lindsay | March 28, 2007 at 09:58 PM
Hospice is such a blessing that wasn't really available until quite recently. I hope it blesses you the way it has me.
And having learned what I have about the process of dying, I think he will wait for you too....
Posted by: em | March 28, 2007 at 10:58 PM
Hold tight to everything good you have, especially the love of everybody you have around you. But some things are just too hard, and letting go must be the hardest. I'm sending you my most positive vibes and my tears ...
Posted by: Lily | March 28, 2007 at 11:29 PM
I'm so very sorry to hear this. God bless you all and I send you a big hug.
Posted by: Barbara | March 29, 2007 at 12:06 AM
Karen, i have faced a similar situation in this past month with my Gran taking a fall on her head and not waking up again.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, i hope your Grandfather does wait for you.
Hugs xxx
Posted by: laura_p3@hotmail.co.uk | March 29, 2007 at 01:11 AM
I'm so sorry to hear this news Karen. I hope you and Annie have a safe flight and get to have some time with your Grandad. I'm thinking of you all ...
Posted by: Katy | March 29, 2007 at 01:41 AM
my thoughts and prayers are with you...
have a safe trip
Posted by: Aja | March 29, 2007 at 05:41 AM
my thoughts and prayers are with you..
fly safe
Laurie Laudati
Posted by: Laurie | March 29, 2007 at 06:13 AM
My grandfather died two weeks ago. And similiarly, we've also strained relationships which made it a bit uncomfortable to come together as a family- which is what my grandmother really needed. In the end, he was able to pass peacefully at home with all the people who loved him nearby, leaving his long battle with Parkinson's disease behind him. I hope that you and Annie make it in time, so that you can say what needs to be said and so that he can feel Annie's love in abundance.
Posted by: shabbyVTchic | March 29, 2007 at 06:14 AM
Karen, I a so sorry, my grandfather is 94 years old and in a home. He does not know anyone and I keep expecting that call any day. I know how hard this can be. I am so glad that you will be able to see him and say good bye. I know he will wait. Peace to you and your family.
Kim
Posted by: kim bolyard | March 29, 2007 at 06:49 AM
Prayers going up for your Grandfather, Karen. May you and Annie have a safe trip. Thinking of you...
Posted by: kristina | March 29, 2007 at 07:27 AM
Karen, I am so sorry. My prayers for you and your family.
Posted by: Mary | March 29, 2007 at 07:33 AM
Karen,
I am so sorry you are going through this. I will be praying for you and your family. If he knows you and Annie are coming he will hang on for you. People rebound just for the fact that they know there is something to wait for.
My Grandma waited until we were all there and did rebound before she got much worse and passed away. Thank God for hospice. They were absolutely wonderful. They told us, " A lady always knows when to leave." That still strikes me today as such an amazing thing.
Anyway I will be thinking of you.
Jamie
Posted by: Jamie | March 29, 2007 at 07:51 AM
Karen,
You and your family will be in my prayers. Have a safe trip..
Mary
Posted by: mary | March 29, 2007 at 08:22 AM
safe travels, Karen, and I'm so sorry to hear about your grandfather.
Posted by: kah-mei | March 29, 2007 at 08:52 AM
I am sending you the thoughts your family needs to get safely to his bedside. That "call" is the toughest thing to wait for. I am waiting for my own.....
Posted by: Tamara | March 29, 2007 at 09:30 AM
Hi Karen,
Hope you get there on time!! Good luck!!
PJ
Posted by: PJ | March 29, 2007 at 09:36 AM
I know this will be a tough time for you....know that you have so many people praying for you and and your family.
Kristy
Posted by: Kristy | March 29, 2007 at 09:43 AM
You and your grandfather are in my prayers. May the Peace of the Lord be with you. AMEN
Posted by: Janet | March 29, 2007 at 09:44 AM
Much love and good thoughts for your trip...
Posted by: Jenna | March 29, 2007 at 10:08 AM
My thoughts are with you and your family. m
Posted by: Michelle M | March 29, 2007 at 10:11 AM
Prayers and hugs for you Karen.- Alisa
Posted by: Alisa Logue | March 29, 2007 at 10:42 AM
Hospice workers are angels on Earth. I hope your journey is safe. And I will pray for you.
Posted by: suzanne | March 29, 2007 at 10:55 AM
Karen,
You, your family and grandfather are in my prayers.
Posted by: Jackie Fisher | March 29, 2007 at 11:24 AM
god blss you hunny x
Posted by: Becki | March 29, 2007 at 01:10 PM
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. I truly hope you will get to spend some time with your Grandfather. Please take care and God bless you.
Posted by: Stefanie | March 29, 2007 at 01:50 PM
Hope you get to spends some time with him and he gets to meet your little Annie. Thinking of you and your family.
x
Posted by: Zoe | March 29, 2007 at 02:16 PM
both of my grandfathers "waited" for me, and while it was horrible both times, I wouldnt trade those last minutes with them for anything in the world. You will be in my prayers. Please be careful.
Posted by: april | March 29, 2007 at 05:38 PM
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Posted by: susan | March 29, 2007 at 09:05 PM
Prayers for you and Annie's safety and that you get to see him before....and he holds Annie...hugs too!
Posted by: tammygraves | March 29, 2007 at 09:46 PM
Karen,
Thinking of you and saying a prayer for you and your family. I lost my beloved grandma around this time last year. I know exactly how you are feeling. (((HUGS)))
Posted by: Cathy | March 29, 2007 at 10:55 PM
oh no - i am so sorry. :( i hope you get down their safely. (((hugs)))
Posted by: laura | March 29, 2007 at 11:15 PM
Oh Karen I am so so sorry. I will put you and family in my prayers. (((HUGS)))
Posted by: Dolly | March 30, 2007 at 05:50 AM
{{HUGS}} So sorry Karen...my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Posted by: Sherri | March 30, 2007 at 07:05 AM
I'm so sorry I didn't check your blog sooner :(
I'll be praying for you and your family (((hugs)))
Posted by: Sandra | March 30, 2007 at 07:29 AM
prayers to you and your grandfather. Praying for a safe flight for you and Annie!
Posted by: jenn | March 30, 2007 at 10:34 AM
I am so sorry to hear about your grandfather. You and Annie have a safe trip. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Posted by: Mary Lou Fordyce | March 30, 2007 at 11:14 AM
Prayers and safe travels to you and Annie.
Keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers that grandpa will wait for you.
Fran Heupel
Posted by: fran heupel | March 30, 2007 at 11:50 AM
Thinking of you all.
Posted by: Kathy(kathyb) | March 30, 2007 at 12:00 PM
I'm so sorry Karen. I'm sure he will wait for you. My dad was in hospice care and as sad as it is, they are amazing.
Hope you have a stress free flight. Good luck.
Posted by: kim in Camas - ScrapToMyLu | March 30, 2007 at 03:22 PM
Thanks for sharing the story of your grandfather. Sounds like you have been an incredibly blessing in his life. Safe travels to you & Annie.
Posted by: Deirdre | March 30, 2007 at 07:13 PM
You and your family are in my thoughts!
Posted by: Missy_G | March 30, 2007 at 07:53 PM
You are all in my thoughts. Hold all those special memories close to your heart. Be safe.
Posted by: Trish | March 30, 2007 at 08:26 PM
Thinking of you at this sad time, safe travels and take care...
Posted by: sarah the kiwigirl | March 30, 2007 at 09:12 PM
lots of love, lots of prayer, and lots of strength to you my friend...i have no words that feel even worthy at this time but wanted you to know i'll be praying...take care sweetie.
Posted by: Tanya Webster | March 31, 2007 at 12:23 AM
My thoughts and prayers are with you and you're family. Fly fast ... fly safe.
Posted by: Donna | March 31, 2007 at 03:57 PM
just stopping by to send prayers and hugs.
peace.
Angi b
Posted by: angib | March 31, 2007 at 06:35 PM
My thoughts are with you and your family. I hope that Annie got to meet her great-grandfather.
Posted by: Barbara Zea | March 31, 2007 at 06:53 PM
Karen, I am so so sorry to hear of this. What a beautiful relationship you and your grandfather shared. As a "grandpa's girl" myself - I lost mine at age 16 - I feel your loss. I know that you will cherish these moments with him and I wish you Godspeed in your travels. Prayers going up for you and your family.
Posted by: Melissa S-E | March 31, 2007 at 07:16 PM
Karen,
Just wanted to send some prayers and thoughts your way. Loss is difficult, especially when it's someone we love and care about so much. Take care of yourself!
Posted by: Dawn M. | March 31, 2007 at 10:14 PM
Karen, hugs. I'm so sorry and you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Posted by: Lori Gentile | April 01, 2007 at 04:02 PM
Karen, your grandfather knows you love him and will remember the good times you shared - even after his passing. I do hope you get to say goodbye, but he loves you. Don't worry.
Blessings,
Kris
Posted by: kris | April 01, 2007 at 08:57 PM
Dear Karen-
It was such a blessing to get to meet you last week at Scrapbook Oasis. I was heartbroken to hear your news about your grandfather. Life can be such a roller coaster at times, the ups and the downs. I wish you much comfort in your grief...knowing that even the very low moments will bring gifts to you later...
Best to you-
tracy
Posted by: Tracy Blanton | April 01, 2007 at 10:09 PM
So sorry to hear about your grandfather - you and your family are in my prayers.
Posted by: Kelly Miller | April 01, 2007 at 11:39 PM
thinking of you at this time, my prayers are with you xx
Posted by: Kate | April 02, 2007 at 02:13 PM
i hope he was able to wait for you and annie. bless you for making the trip.
Posted by: sara | April 02, 2007 at 06:30 PM
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your Grandfather. Safe travels. God bless, Jamie.
Posted by: Jamie | April 02, 2007 at 08:17 PM
I am praying that you put your trust in God and he will give you the strength and serenity to make it through this.
Posted by: Kia Gregory | April 02, 2007 at 09:04 PM