9 May 2018 

Update, although there hasn't been any change. Her body is swelling more, which is the only real change, but normal.

I have heard people over the years say, "They died peacefully in their sleep." Well, I understand that now. She has basically been asleep since Friday evening. No movement except she is breathing and her heart is beating.

I've had people ask, "How are you so strong?" Well, I'm not. I have my moments. But I do have great faith and I know what happens when we die. I know there are angels surrounding us; some are those we see wherever we are, and others we can't see. I know the ones we can't see are those who have "left the building" over the years; parents, grandparents, siblings, aunts/uncles, cousins, etc. as well as those who will join the family in the future. She has asked many times, "Why am I the only one left?" She had one sister and six brothers. Besides her, she has one brother left. Her dad had six sisters and three brothers, SO she had a LOT of cousins. Not to mention all the in-laws and many, many friends from all over the world. Yes, there are many waiting for her on the other side.

I could be wrong, BUT I think her greatest friendship was with her sister. They had such a love for each other, maybe because they were the only girls with 6 brothers. But I know she didn't understand much a year ago when Doreen died, and kept calling up there. Then she didn't use the phone much anymore as there wasn't anyone to call...and finally quit all together because she didn't understand what a phone was.

Tomorrow, 10 May 2018, it will be a week since she has eaten or had anything to drink. The timeline is sketchy and I firmly believe that God is the only one who knows when we will arrive and when we will leave. I believe we all have a specific time and it won't be less than what it is. I trust God.

Besides the angels on the other side, I have, it seems, countless angels in my life. I have my incredible family; immediate and extended. AND I have ALL of you! I feel your prayers, your thoughts and receive strength from all of you. I'm thankful to everyone who has reached out and lifted me in many ways. There are those who are having a hard time reading these updates as it reminds them of things they went through. I receive calls and love. I love you too! This is hard. I'm so thankful for the full life she has had. Last Wednesday mom was playing catch with the others at the care home, racing around with her walker, taking walks up and down the street, teasing, laughing and the light was bright. The light is almost gone here. I know that it is shining brighter on the other side, and when it is out here, will be full and luminous on the other side. She will be greeted by a multitude of family and friends...I will be happy for her. She has been waiting for this reunion.

I told her when I left tonight that everyone was waiting; my dad, her mom and dad, Doreen, her grandparents...and the plane. She has been waiting for this last plane ride...I'm sure it will be soon.

Thank you ALL again for sharing your love, thoughts, prayers and strength.