Click HERE to go right to the FARM HUSSY GIVEAWAY !

Monday, January 12, 2009

My Princess



This is "My Princess" on her 80th Birthday (10/4/08)

Anyone that actually "knows" me knows that "my princess" was my nickname for my wonderful grandmother. I moved her from NY to PA in June of 2007. She was 78 at the time & was unable to care for herself anymore. Early signs of dementia were rearing their ugly heads & I begged her to come live with me. She finally broke down & aggreed & I high-tailed it to NY to pack her up & move her here before she had a chance to change her mind. My grandfather had been in a nursing home for several years at that point & there was no way I would be able to care for him at home, so I was making arrangements to transfer him to a nursing home in PA. On June 16th of 2007 my grandmother & I (along with my uncle & my kids) made the 6 hour drive from NY to my house. When my husband & I bought our home it came with a seperate smaller house on the property & this is where my grandmother would live. She wanted to have her own place & that was ok with me since I was right next door & could check on her several times a day. I never realized the process & all the paperwork that goes in to transferring a patient in a nursing home from one state to another & a month later we were still no closer to getting my grandfather here with us. I kept in touch with the administrator of the nursing home in NY & on the 24th of July she called to tell me that my grandfather was not doing well. The morning (very early) of the 25th ~ I once again packed up my grandmother & headed back to NY (picked my mother up along the way). We spent 7 hours with my grandfather ~ thanking him for everything, recalling fond memories, etc, etc. I'm sure the nurses all thought I was a bit looney when I climbed into bed with my "Poppy" & held him in my arms for the last hour of his life, but I knew it was what he would have done if the shoe had been on the other foot (I've worked in Nursing for 18 years & never saw anyone climb into the bed with their loved one). I guess this is a good place to tell you that I was raised by my grandparents & they were my world. So, funeral in NY ~ had my grandfather brought back to PA , another funeral here... in February of 2008 I called 911 for my grandmother (I thought she had taken a stroke). She spent 20 days in the hospital ~ no stroke on admittance , but her coratid artery on the left was 98% blocked! Surgery on March 5th (my mothers birthday) ~ she had a stroke on the operating table & after fighting with hospital staff that I could provide MUCH better care for her at home I was finally able to take her home on the 16th of March. My husband (although he sometimes drives me crazy) is an amazing man ! I basically had to move out of my house & into my grandmothers because she now required 24 hour care. Our days were NOT easy & I struggled with the fact that she no longer knew who I was most days. On one of her "good" days we came up with a code, so that even if she couldn't remember my name she would know that she was loved by me & that she was somewhere safe. When she would get that far away look in her eyes, I would hug her & call her "My Princess" & she would say "thank-you for loving me, whoever you are". "My Princess" was our code & it worked until the day she died. My Princess went to be with her Prince (aka my grandfather) on November 13th 2008 (& yes ~ I climbed into bed with her & held her in my arms) & I miss her like crazy ! Tomorrow will be 2 months & I've been thinking of her all day, so I thought I would share a little bit of "our story" with all of you. Somehow, I feel better now ~ not great, but better...

20 comments:

Nicole O'Dell said...

That was so beautiful. You're a beautiful person--a better person than I am. God bless you for your loving and caring heart.

TuTu's Bliss said...

Hugs. Thank you so much for sharing. Jen

* said...

Stopping by from sits and added to your blog followers. Thank you for sharing this touching post. The photo is a loving tribute to your loved one.

Ann said...

What a touching story. Big hugs for you. Im adding to your followers.

Elizabeth said...

This made me cry! Thank you for sharing. What a blessing to be able to be there for your grandparents! I am praying for you and asking God to comfort you today!

The Blonde Duck said...

That's so touching. I hope I have a granddaughter that feels like that about me.

And a tiara.

Celine said...

That is such an inspiring story you shared with us.
I'm thinking of you today!

Trappeurs Lodge said...

Oh Heather, just know that your grandmother, "Your Princess" is right by your side right now and always will be....That was so touching what you wrote....And know you are who you are today because of the wonderful life you had with your grandmother..

I hope your having a better day today...Think of all the the things you and your Princess used to talk about and all the things you used to do and think happy.

Suzanne

Jen Sue Wild said...

This was such a touching post.
I am just in tears. You wrote so lovingly about your grandma.

Diana said...

Aww, that was so beautiful to read, it made me cry..People like you are what makes the world a better place...What a lovely family you belong to..Hugs, and Smiles, Diana

Anonymous said...

Oh dear, you've made me cry.

Beautiful post and I love her response when you would say 'my princess'.

Anonymous said...

(((Hugs)))

Unknown said...

That was so touching. You are such a wonderful person to take care of your grandparents like that. Hoping the pain eases but the memories last forever as time goes by for you!

Blessings,
Michelle

Unknown said...

what a great story... you are so lucky to have had so many wonderful memories of your grandmother. stopping in from SITS to wish you tons of luck on your job interview today! :)

mommytoalot said...

Very beautiful.
She looks like a princess..
..
stopping by from SITS to wish you luck on your job interview

Astrid in Bristling Acres said...

Oh my! What a beautiful story! Thank you for sharing!!!!

Thanks for visiting my blog. :)

Preston said...

What a wonderful memory. She looks like a sweetheart to.

Star Forbis said...

Thank you so much for visiting my Blog today & Laughing with me.
Come back anytime.

Anonymous said...

What a touching and heartfelt story~ Thanks so much sharing your special princess with us.

Anonymous said...

That was such a beautiful and inspiring post. Thank you for sharing this part of your world. You are an amazing person!

 
ss_blog_claim=fe98c64213616648408f9fa550b16d2f