Family

Over the last couple of weeks I've been in and out of the palliative care unit visiting with my dying grandmother. As sad as it is to know her life with us is coming to an end, there's something great that has come out of this whole experience.  For whatever reason, I feel a real sense of peace and comfort when I'm at the hospital.  Although my grandmother is weak, in a way she's at her strongest, bearing what I'm sure must be physcially painful with barely a complaint. Her faith in God shines through as she has expressed numerous times that she is ready to leave her life here on earth.

This whole experience has awakened the kind spirit in all of us family members. We are taking time out of our busy personal and work schedules round the clock to ensure my grandmother is never alone. We are taking the time to express our gratefulness for the hard work of others.  Everyone has kindness in their minds and in their hearts and everyone wants to help in their own way.

I come from a fairly large extended family. While this can pose it's own challenges with so many people and so many opinions, it is a great thing. The amount of support your family can provide when someone is in need is tenfold. We have been pooling our resources to gather old photos, letters and memories of family here and gone. For some, this whole experience is pulling us out of our regular routines and bringing us truly closer together as a family. During our many extended visits at the hospital we are given the time to have meaningful conversations with each other, share meals, share sorrow and happiness.

Today I feel so grateful to have an amazing family and despite the circumstances, I am grateful for this whole experience.


“Other things may change us, but we start and end with family” --Anthony Brandt