When the sun rises

It's been sometime since I've been able to visit you. The past six days have been very difficult for my family and I. Not sure where to start, but I probably should set the stage for you to understand.

This post revolves around the life of my maternal Grandma.

She was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease at least two, possibly three years ago. She has been strong and positive this whole journey long. She lost her husband in 2008 and continues to struggle with life as a Parkinson's patient with the help from my mom.

Thursday she had a stroke.

It has effected her for the worst. She spent the whole weekend up in the hospital and then on Sunday she was transferred to Faith Hospice Trillium Center. If you're familiar with what hospice means, it means it's a center where patients stay until they pass away. She came out of her "stroke-sleep-state" on and off during the weekend but ever since they transferred her to Trillium Woods, she has been unresponsive. During her stay in the hospital, I was able to feed her, talk to her and arm-dance with her (her and I danced alot together). Because of the weak care that she received in the hospital, I was put in a position along with my mother and sister, to bath her and get her up to the commode. Not the memories that I want to have of my Grandma, but knowing she was being taken care of means more to me than my uncomfortableness. I've spent the night with her so my mom and aunt would have time to rest and take care of themselves.

Everyday we get the "update" from nurses that it's down to a matter of hours that she'll be with us. It saddens my family a great deal to see her in her final moments in such a condition. We feel helpless and tired. My heart is heavy. Heavy especially for my mom who is not only her daughter but her caretaker for many years now. Every moment I can, I'm there with my Grandma and to support my mom. My Grandma is strong and though she's unresponsive, she continues to remain with us regardless what the nurses say.

I've titled this post "When the sun rises" because although Grandma is struggling from her stroke and Parkinson's, when the sun rises she continues to be with us despite what the previous day brought.

She is strong. She continues to surprise us. She continues to give us hope.

Our hope is found in the Lord who will not be rushed in taking my Grandma. He has had this planned before the foundations of the earth and He is our strength.

Please pray for my Grandma Dolores.

Please pray for the extended family. Many thanks to you! !

Picture of my mom and Grandma taken May 15, 2010