The good the miracle...
My grandfather was diagnosed over 5 years ago with Alzheimer's Disease. It got bad fast. By this year he was in a wheelchair, couldn't read, or talk more than a couple non-understandable words, and he had no memory of me or anyone else he loved.
Then one day my aunt saw something on TV and found out they could be wrong. It took about 3 months and he got checked with a doctor that knew about what else it could be. He was scheduled for surgery and within hours he was becoming his old self. (I am being a bit vague since I don't remember the name and how it all specifically happened)
So I was on the phone yesterday with a man that I never thought I would talk to or remember my name again. My grandfather, in a coherent conversation, told me he loves me!
Acceptance of how life can be...
Threw all this time, the one person that was there and was strong and cared for him and loved him... My grandmother. A month ago got her husband back. (yes it took a month before I got to talk with him again)
Earlier this week he looked at her and she didnt look well. He knew he couldn't take care of himself so he call the police. They came with an ambulance and took her to the emergency room where she ended up having 2 heart attacks. The first was mild, but the 2nd hit her hard.
Now my mother is with them and they have done all they can. They did a brain scan and it shows sever brain damage. She cannot focus, I am told it is like she cannot wake up from sleeping. (I am in Norway and cannot get to the states to be with them)
My grandmother has never shown fear and has always excepted that she would leave us someday. One of her request has always been to let her go when it is her time, meaning no machines.
So yesterday after talking to the doctors, the family was called and a priest. She has been given her last rights and all the family has had a chance to talk to her and say what they would like to her.
I have spoken to my mother and asked her to talk to her for me. To tell her what is in my heart and how I love her.
So today I am making a Pork roast, a dish she taught me and at 4pm (Norway time) I am lighting a candle and celebrating the life she had and that I had the privilage of being a part of it, being her grandaughter.
That is when they will take her off life support.
I love you mi Abuela! always and forever!
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So much for machines Sep. 5th, 2005 @ 11:59 am
Just an update to what happend yesterday.
I got on the phone with my mom. She sounded a lot better. She said she as happy that she has honored my grandmothers wishes and she is no longer hooked to machines.
So I asked her what happen. She said that once the machines were taken off my grandmother started breathing better then when on it! Go figure, she has always been as strong as a bull.
So her breathing is better and her vital signs are better. My mom says it is now a waiting game. The doctor told her that the body can't live without the mind, so soon her vital signs will start to drop. If not (for some odd reason) my mom will ask for another brain scan to conferm what they already know.
I guess with everything else working perfectly, it is hard to get rid of the hope that the doctors are wrong about the brain damage.
I miss her so much and everyone else in my family. I wish I could just hop on a plane to Florida!
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She is free Sep. 5th, 2005 @ 10:05 pm
At about midnight in Florida (6am Norway).
She is free! No longer trapped on earth in her body. She's free!
