One thing that I find extremely hard to deal with, especially right now, is the anticipation and knowing that someone you love is about to pass away and the other thing that is quite hard is the fact that you feel so helpless about the whole situation.
My Aunt Jamie has terminal colo/rectal cancer and has been sent home from the hospital to essentially die. What I found startling and angered me greatly was the fact that her physician told her and her husband that the most humane thing for her would be for a blood clot to dislodge and end her suffering early.
Wow! What a shock to me... the doctor just said that out loud to my Aunt and Uncle. Emotionless, with no hope, no prayer, nothing else we can do... we'll put you on Hospice and they'll help make sure you're comfortable and pain free till you die at home.
To compound matters, one month ago, their Father, my Grandfather (the one who raised me) passed away while on Hospice care. He was 83 and had pulmonary edema, a recend mild heart attack and the end stages of Alzheimer's disease. It was hard to see him suffer... he was a wonderful man and I love him dearly. He was a Christian and it gave me great hope to know where he was going when he passed. I'm glad he's not suffering any longer and in a better place.
So, all of this (Oh, forgot to mention, that my Mother also had a Massive heart attack 3 weeks ago along with my Ailing Aunt and they were both rushed to the hospital the same day) then released one day before their Father's funeral. Really upset the whole family, it's been a whole lotta grief and heaviness to bear. So, back to what I was about to say, all of this has just happened within the last 6 weeks. And, let's not forget to mention that My Grandmother (76 year old Ann) was attempting to tote a lawn chair out to a neighborhood gathering and fell on the side walk on her head. Multiple contusions and abrasions and a fractured collarbone. (she just got out last week from 1 week stint in the hospital) This is my Grandfather's widow. It's been one of the hardest things to deal with for me.
I've been attempting to deal with grief, not only for my Grandfather but the impending departure of my Aunt Jamie. I have to say the later is much harder to wrap my mind and emotions around than the former. I just think her life is being cut short and it's so sad for me to see this happening and I feel to helpless at this point as to what to do??
One thing that has saved me, is my faith and trust in the Lord. Wow, I can't even imagine attempting to deal with this stuff without the assurance of hope through our Savior Jesus Christ. It's really helped me tremendously to know Him and the peace that He offers.
But, I'd like to hear from some other folks out there about how you deal with Grief? I'm open to all comments, suggestions and notations on the subject.
My Aunt Jamie has terminal colo/rectal cancer and has been sent home from the hospital to essentially die. What I found startling and angered me greatly was the fact that her physician told her and her husband that the most humane thing for her would be for a blood clot to dislodge and end her suffering early.
Wow! What a shock to me... the doctor just said that out loud to my Aunt and Uncle. Emotionless, with no hope, no prayer, nothing else we can do... we'll put you on Hospice and they'll help make sure you're comfortable and pain free till you die at home.
To compound matters, one month ago, their Father, my Grandfather (the one who raised me) passed away while on Hospice care. He was 83 and had pulmonary edema, a recend mild heart attack and the end stages of Alzheimer's disease. It was hard to see him suffer... he was a wonderful man and I love him dearly. He was a Christian and it gave me great hope to know where he was going when he passed. I'm glad he's not suffering any longer and in a better place.
So, all of this (Oh, forgot to mention, that my Mother also had a Massive heart attack 3 weeks ago along with my Ailing Aunt and they were both rushed to the hospital the same day) then released one day before their Father's funeral. Really upset the whole family, it's been a whole lotta grief and heaviness to bear. So, back to what I was about to say, all of this has just happened within the last 6 weeks. And, let's not forget to mention that My Grandmother (76 year old Ann) was attempting to tote a lawn chair out to a neighborhood gathering and fell on the side walk on her head. Multiple contusions and abrasions and a fractured collarbone. (she just got out last week from 1 week stint in the hospital) This is my Grandfather's widow. It's been one of the hardest things to deal with for me.
I've been attempting to deal with grief, not only for my Grandfather but the impending departure of my Aunt Jamie. I have to say the later is much harder to wrap my mind and emotions around than the former. I just think her life is being cut short and it's so sad for me to see this happening and I feel to helpless at this point as to what to do??
One thing that has saved me, is my faith and trust in the Lord. Wow, I can't even imagine attempting to deal with this stuff without the assurance of hope through our Savior Jesus Christ. It's really helped me tremendously to know Him and the peace that He offers.
But, I'd like to hear from some other folks out there about how you deal with Grief? I'm open to all comments, suggestions and notations on the subject.
