I'm not exactly sure how to start this post. As most of you know, we said good-bye to Jacob's grandmother, Sharon Joy Rose Sexton, on July 31. We just got home and I'm trying to sit down and write this while everything is still fresh in my mind. I want to remember this sweet time that we had with her before she passed. And I want to remember just how faithful and all-knowing our God is!
Jacob's grandmother was diagnosed with cancer, just a few short months ago. Without going into much detail, she had terminal cancer and chemo was just too much for her, and would not do anything.
We knew we wanted to get to Pennsylvania so she could meet Campbell this summer. Over a month ago, we booked our flights and were ready to go! The week before we went, Elizabeth, Jacob's sister, took her two boys, and also his brother, Aaron from California made it out to spend a few days with her.
By the time we got to Pennsylvania Thursday afternoon, Suzanne, Jacob's mom, noticed significant changes in Grandma's status. She was weaker, and could not do things on her own. But she still sat in the chair, talked with us for hours, and had a huge smile when she first met Campbell.
She slept a lot, but was always aware of when Campbell was at her bedside! I would constantly apologize when C would squeal or make lots of noise, and she would tell me not to be sorry. She enjoyed the noise, and I'm so thankful that she could hear the sound of my sweet girl before she died.
On Saturday, the last day Grandma Sharon got in her chair in the living room, she decided to feed Campbell the jello that she was going to try to eat. She didn't know it, but Suzanne got my phone and snapped this sweet pic. I'm so incredibly thankful for that picture now, as it is the only one we have of the two of them together.
Over the rest of the weekend, Grandma Sharon went in and out of consciousness and deteriorated really fast. Her pain was well controlled and she appeared to be peaceful.
Now, I tell you the rest of this, not because of ME, but because of the greatness of our Lord. He knew exactly when we needed to be there. Because I'm a nurse, I've had experience with moving, changing, and comforting bed ridden patients. With my experience and the help of each of Grandma Sharon's children, as well as Jacob, we were able to let her stay in her own home and die peacefully.
We didn't know when she would pass, and each of the hospice nurses felt like it would be days, so Jacob and I packed up on Monday night for our return flight on Tuesday morning. We got Grandma Sharon positioned in what we felt like was a really comfortable position. Ray, Jacob's dad, got in late, around 11 pm from Texas, and Suzanne just felt like he should go in and say hi to Grandma Sharon. She was a little more alert, and was able to open her eyes and acknowledge that he was there. Chris, Jacob's uncle, gave her her final dose of pain medicine at midnight and the house went to sleep. Before I closed my eyes, I prayed that God would take her home sooner than later, that she would not suffer, and that if He wanted us to be there for the funeral, then we would know.
I was woken up at 4am on Tuesday morning with Chris asking me to double check, but he thought she was gone. I remember walking downstairs, into her room, and just knowing. She was so peaceful, and even in the midst of our sorrow, I knew that she was dancing in heaven, with her late husband Tom. She was now happy and not hurting.
God answers prayers, and I would have never thought that my last time with Grandma Sharon would have been how it was, but I'm so thankful that I could be there and help like I did. I'm thankful that through my nursing experience, we were able to completely care for her in the comfort of her own home. The last time I spoke to her, I told her she did awesome…it was after turning from one side to the other and getting her ready for bed. She grinned at me, and that reassured me that she was completely aware that I was there helping her. We all constantly told her we loved her. We prayed the Lord's prayer multiple times throughout each day when things were getting hard, or she was anxious, and it was so calming to her. She felt the Lord's peace and comfort during her final hours, and we all have peace knowing we will see her again one day.
I'm still overwhelmed at how faithful God is. He knew when I booked our flight, just what our trip would hold. He knew that Grandma Sharon would need me/my knowledge exactly on the day we arrived until she died. He knew that she would pass the morning we were supposed to leave. He was so present while we were there. We read scripture, prayed, and listened to music. Campbell brought joy and a great distraction, that only a child could bring. He knew we would need that.
We had so much family time, and I'm so thankful for that too. Campbell got to meet cousins and Great Aunts and Uncles. We don't get to travel out there all that often, and even though it wasn't the best reason, we enjoyed the time we had there. We needed it. Jacob got to give his grandma lots of kisses and hugs. He was able to tell her he loved her and ultimately she got to meet our girl. It was a blessing all around.
Rest in peace and enjoy those streets of gold, Grandma Sharon. We will miss you!
Since we were gone for so long, I have to make up a few posts. We missed Duke's birthday, and Mom & Dad's birthdays…oh and Campbell Grace is 15 months old tomorrow, stay tuned for a post on that too!
