The past 2 weeks have been very trying for me, my family, and my husband’s family.

As I wrote earlier, my grandmother passed away last week. While this was not a shock, it certainly was very sad. My grandma had been ill for a very long time, and I knew she wouldn’t be with us very much longer. But, you always think you’re going to have more time. So, when my little sister called me at work to tell me she had died, I cried for a very long time.

Luckily, those tears did not contain any regret. I visited my grandmother whenever I could, and I always told her I loved her. I know I did not leave anything unsaid. I’m glad about that. I’ll miss my grandma something awful, but I know that she knew how much I loved her. I was honored to have my family ask me to deliver the eulogy at the funeral service. It was probably one of the hardest things I’ve ever done in my life, but I was glad I had the opportunity to share memories of Grandma with a room full of people who loved her like I did.

Sadly, my grandfather (her husband) had been in the hospital for about a week when my grandma died. My dad and uncles went to his hospital room to tell him the news, and he took it very hard. The next morning, his doctor told my dad that he didn’t expect him to survive the day. We all thought we would be planning a double funeral that week.

Astonishingly, Papa rallied around 10:00am – I was sitting in the room, crying, when he woke up and declared that he had to use the bathroom. Then he wanted a bowl of cornflakes. We couldn’t believe our eyes. Since then, he’s been awake, more or less lucid, but not any healthier. We know it’s only a matter of time. He’ll likely never come home again.

While this was all going on, we received word that my brother-in-law suffered a ruptured aortic aneurysm, while traveling for his work. He’s only 47 years old, so this news was mind-blowing. But, miracle of all miracles, he did not die. He endured 2 lengthy surgeries to repair the damage, and spent nearly a week in an induced coma. Just yesterday, he was brought out of the coma, and is now out of bed and doing okay. We are receiving daily updates from my sister-in-law (his wife), detailing his incredible progress. It’s unbelievable.

I’m having a hard time processing all of the events of the past week. Some days it just seems too much to handle. Other days I marvel at the miracles of life and modern medicine.

I do know, though, that I’ve learned a few things from this whole experience, which is far from over:

  • Sometimes, your Dad needs a hug from you more than you need a hug from him.
  • Never take anything for granted – it can be taken from you at any time.
  • If you love someone you need to tell them. Now. It can’t wait.

Good thoughts, cosmic waves, prayers – whatever it is you do, I’d love it if you could send some our way.