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Posted on 10/01/2011 5:03:16 PM PDT by Kathy in Alaska
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Thanks, Sandy. You, too.
So, I'm posting the last update, and a little about the Celebration of Life we had at work. Sorry if the update was already posted. This narrative has a few explicit parts, so stop reading if you wish not to read of her actual crossing.
Teresa crossed over Wednesday afternoon at about 5:30 p.m. She had a peaceful afternoon, hugged friends and family, danced, along with her CCU nurse, with her hands and arms to some of her favorite music that Coree provided (she called me earlier to ask if I knew what kind of music she liked...I told her IZ. Coree is Hawaiian so that was easy). Coree even did the hula for her which caused more smiles. Coree called me about 3p and said they were ready to start pulling the life support tubes.
Teresa was even able to let her son know that she had made the decision and was ready to sign her retirement papers (if she couldn't sign them, her retirement would be lost)....Becky and another employee had talked to her the previous day about the papers, but she wanted "to think about it". Her son texted Becky, who went right over to the hospital.....getting the message about 3:15p. The sedation had already been cut back and Becky was able to get Teresa's "signature" in multiple places.
She even got animated and smiled and grabbed for a Pepsi when Coree asked her if she wanted one and told her she had left some on her desk at work for her. Coree said she was very peaceful, at peace with her decision, had family and friends with her to the end. All the tubes were removed and she relaxed. She turned a bit blue as no oxygen was circulating. Just before she crossed over, she reached up and said, "Help me, help me". I believe someone was waiting for her to help her cross. After her crossing, Coree said her color returned.
And now she is in a better place than she believed she would have been with any other choice she could have made.
God Speed, Teresa…no more pain, you can breathe, and now you are on duty as the newest Angel.
On Thursday afternoon, the whole office was invited to gather around her desk...our cubbies are only separated by a half wall...Coree had already left roses and some Pepsi and I brought more Pepsi, as did a couple other friends. Teresa's daughter, son, both grandsons, her sister and husband and niece (from Florida) all came. A dozen folks had fun stories to tell and then everyone got a can of Pepsi and we all popped the tops and toasted Teresa!! Then off to the conference room to sign balloons and outside to release them (we are in the flight path of the international airport). One pink daisy balloon and 56 white ones with messages. The daisy went first, the others followed. Many said they saw all the balloons take the shape of a butterfly as they got really high in the sky.
Back inside, everyone partook of food that had been brought in. After getting everything cleaned up and everyone had gone, Coree, Becky, and I sat around telling stories for a couple hours and listening to IZ. We all needed that time together (with Teresa watching over) just to unwind and remember.
The final Celebration of Life is Monday night with a potluck at 5p and celebration at 6p. I will be late with the Ping.
Sorry Ma.
Thanks for sharing in this moment.
HUGZ
JJ
Beautiful, Sand....a Blessed Lord’s Day to you and yours, and especially little Nate. d:o)
Lamh Foistenach Abu! Good evening, Bean Counter, and a Blessed Lord’s Day to you and yours.
I love that song by IZ. When my sisters and I were in Hawaii, we heard it almost every day.
Thank you for sharing that story, Dear Freind.
((( hugs ))) Thanks for this final update.
God Bless our military men and women who have given their all.
Thanks, unique.
October greetings, Kathy and Canteeners. We’re still in the upper 80s, but I am confident that cooler weather is on its way ~ yay!
Thank you for sharing Kathy. She is at peace.
Hey there, Perky...it sure is October...where has the year gone. Still pretty warm, but I’m betting you are looking forward to that cooler weather.
Will you be fostering any baby ducks?
Good Lord’s Day to you and hubby.
Prayers up for Teresa.
I am ill-equipped to foster baby ducks (living with a house-full of carnivore cats), so the baby ducklings are being fostered by a friend of mine (who has duck experience!)
We've passed the 1/2 way mark of my wonderful DH's deployment to Iraq, and in a few more weeks I will REALLY start counting down until he comes home. I am sure he's counting down, too.
Do you know what tomorrow midafternoon will be like? It’s the Baby Show for Nate. I know all attendees will want to hold the Guest of Honor (Nate).
All those women .... glad I’m staying home.
Do you know what tomorrow midafternoon will be like? It’s the Baby Shower for Nate. I know all attendees will want to hold the Guest of Honor (Nate).
All those women .... glad I’m staying home.
We always kept an easy listening tune radio station on in my Moms hospital room.
EVERY time I went to see her..
“Somewhere Over The Rainbow “ would play..
Thank you for sharing.
{{{Hugs}}}
You are a very wise man...LOL!
It will be a zoo...everyone wanting to hold Nate, and all the motherly and grandmotherly noises. He will be glad when it is over. d:o)
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