Bridge Bible Church

Well, it's been close to 2 months now that I have been attending Bridge Bible Church. I am really enjoying it. I started a women's bible study a little over a month ago, which is a great way to meet new people, as well as learn more about the bible.

The church has been very kind to me through my grandfather's death. I didn't realize how much his death would impact me. I knew he was 89 and had a good life and that it wouldn't be long, but guess you never understand it until they are gone.

My biggest fear is growing old alone. I don't have brothers or sisters, nor do I currently have a husband and kids. Thank goodness, I still have my mother. Hopefully, it is for many, many more years.

Grandpa Thomas

Grandpa Charles Thomas passed away on Wednesday, March 4, 2009 at approximately 9:17 a.m. at the Harbor Hospice. He had a massive heart attack last Saturday, Feb. 28th, and was admitted into Hospice. The day before, he wasn't feeling well, but went to get a haircut at his home at Dayspring Assisted Living.

Each of the family members took turns visiting him in his last days. I stayed Tuesday night until 1 a.m. with my mom, Debra Buys, and my aunt Charlene. We sang songs and read the bible to grandpa. By then, he was in a deep sleep. I am glad I had a couple of hours alone with him Tuesday night. I talked to Jeff who worked there that said that the rasping sound from his lungs was the death rattle which I have heard about. My grandmother died in 2009 and I wasn't there to be with her, as I was living in Chicago. So, I wanted to be here with him in his final hours.

Charlene called us back this morning as the signs were shown that he was in his final stages. We came around 7 a.m. The blotches were on his skin and his breathing was a constant and not like the night before. His skin was getting more purple in color.

My mom and I went to McDonalds to get us breakfast and came back and his body had changed to a deeper purple. His eyes opened up and you could see the most gorgeous blue eyes staring up. We yelled for my aunt to come. All of a sudden, he lunged upwards and I could see/hear the final gasp and he was gone. Then, when we thought he was gone, a second and final gasp occurred. That part kind of freaked me out. The nurse came in and checked his heart rate and pronounced him dead. It was nice to see him at peace and not breathing so heavily, which he had done for the past 5 days.

I have always been fearful of death, but after experiencing this, I realize that it isn't to be feared as the Lord is with us. Also, the dying person is in a comotose stage, where they are not fully aware of what is going on. It is probably harder on the loved ones to watch the person. Even though, your hearing is the last to go before death, you are at peace. We all gave him a kiss and let him know that he is now in heaven with his mom, dad, brothers/sisters, grandma, my dad, and Beulah.



I am glad I was able to be here with the family.

Death & Dying

I thought I would write about death & dying, as I am experiencing the death of my grandfather. He had a massive heart attack this weekend and was sent to Harbor Hospice. Even though, I knew he had past heart problems and alzheimers, I really didn't realize that his death would be coming, until he doctor said he has maybe a week or so to live. She said he was in the dying process, as the blood tests showed this increased level of this one type of acid. Plus, the other tests verified it.

He has been at Hospice for 2 days now and I have sat with him and watched his breathing, his facial expressions, etc, and wonder what is going on in his head.

I read the little book that Hospice gave us that explains the dying process. It first talks about the losing interest in food. Then, it says the breathing gets heavier, along with periods of no breaths. But, one of the last things that is left before you are actually gone, is your hearing. It is amazing.

When you ask my grandfather how he is feeling, he says "feeling with both hands" which is something he always used to joke about.

He looks so at peace while sleeping. You don't actually think about death until you go through it with a loved one.

I wasn't able to be there when my grandmother passed away in 2000, as I was living in Chicago. So, being able to be here with my grandfather in his last days is extra special to me. It is also helping me to realize that death isn't scary, but full of peace.