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A Heavenly Reunion For Jim and Our Boys

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    A Heavenly Reunion For Jim and Our Boys

    ((((((Hugs to All)))))) ~

    At 1:30 this morning, Jim passed. He is now pain-free, at peace and reunited with Jonathan and Michael.

    I did everything I could to help him, and in my heart, I knew that his journey would soon be completed. He was restless, grabbing at his blankets, everything around him. He pulled off the O2 cannula. He said he couldn’t see. His voice began to fade.

    I kept kissing him and telling him how much I adore him, how thankful I am that God brought us together and for all he has done for our boys and me. His last words to me ~ “I love you honey.”

    I called the mortuary and was told that I had to call the police. I called the police, and I was patched to the fire department, as paramedics had to pronounce him deceased. The 5 paramedics arrived within minutes. They were all very kind and compassionate.

    The police then arrived, 4 of them, and one of the officers is the same officer, who was here for Jonathan. He remembered everything about us, every detail and conversation. I know Jonathan and Michael must have timed it so he would be the officer to see me through this tragedy.

    A CSI officer arrived later and took photos. I had to line up his medication bottles on his tray for her to photograph.

    They all asked me the same questions, and I told them the history of our family. They looked at Jon’s and Michael’s photos, and they were all amazed by our family.

    “Our” officer called the coroner, and I didn’t need to speak to her. He took care of everything for me.

    While waiting for the mortuary attendants, I bathed Jim and anointed him with my tears. I didn’t know what to put on him for clothing. I chose one of Jon’s gowns; in fact, the same pattern as the one I placed on Jonathan.

    The mortuary attendants couldn’t have been more caring. Our officer stayed with me until the mortuary van drove away. Then he stood on the driveway and told me that he’s seen a lot in his short time on the police force, but our family is the first time that he has felt overwhelmed with emotion. He said the love in our family and my devotion to our children and Jim inspired him.

    That was a little after 4 a.m., and it’s now 5 a.m.

    In a couple of hours, I will call John and Nancy. I need to get some rest. I haven’t slept at all, and I’ve been on my feet for many hours.

    Writing this now is sort of a debriefing for me. I’m going to lay down on the futon with my heating pad, and at least try to rest a little, if not sleep.

    I’ll probably finish this later in the day.

    ***********************

    I slept for about an hour. My first call was to Nancy. We cried and shared our memories. She is calling Dr. K for me.

    I will wait until this afternoon, when John is finished with work, to call him.

    The mortuary called, the same wonderful gentleman, who took care of Jonathan’s arrangements. Because of COVID-19, all arrangements are made on the phone now, with emailing the documents. He was very kind. I asked him if I could call him tomorrow, as I’m just spent today.

    For now, I’m going to try to eat something and get some rest.

    I love you all and thank you so much for walking beside us every step of our journey. Jim loved you all too, and he knew all of your stories and prayed for you.

    God Bless You ~

    Love & Light,



    Rose
    Mom to Jon, 49, & Michael, 32, born with an undiagnosed progressive neuromuscular disease. Angel Michael received his wings in 2003. Angel Jon received his wings in 2019. In 2020, Jim, their Dad, joined them.

    #2
    God rest Jim and give him peace and a happy reunion with Michael and Jonathan.

    You did an exceptional job, Rose. Now you rest a bit.

    God bless you.
    ANN
    There comes a time when silence is betrayal.- MLK

    Comment


      #3
      Jim's painful journey is over now but I'm sure it's very sad for you, Rose, and for everyone who knew him.

      He always managed to squeeze something good out of every day, didn't he? Even though so many of his days in recent years were filled with suffering and the frustration of not being able to do basic tasks, added to the extreme discomfort of the disease and its treatments, he found time for some moments of peace and enjoyment of life.

      You and he together were a working team to the end.

      I'm so very sorry for your loss, Rose.
      SPMS diagnosed 1980. Avonex 2001-2004. Copaxone 2006-2009. Glatopa (glatiramer acetate = Copaxone) since December 2020.

      Comment


        #4
        Originally posted by Earth Mother 2 Angels View Post
        His last words to me ~ “I love you honey.”
        ...may memories of that love carry you through until you reunite again.

        my (((hugs))) and sympathy, rose

        jeannie
        Last edited by tic chick; 04-21-2020, 09:28 AM.
        WE ARE BT!
        "The world is a better place when you're barefoot." Mark
        "Don't go there unless you know the way back." TC
        "...there will be an answer. Let it be." Paul McCartney

        Comment


          #5
          I’m so sorry to hear the news Rose. You must truly be exhausted. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
          grandmother of Tyler (27): Ohtahara Syndrome/SCN2a gene mutation, cortically visually impaired, quadriplegic, severely developmentally delayed, no speech, severe intractable seizures, frontal and temporal lobe atrophy, progressive scoliosis/kyphosis, chronic kidney stones & UTI's, gastroparesis, 100% tube fed, autonomic dysreflexia, but what a precious gift from God. "Lord, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change."

          Comment


            #6
            Dear Rose,

            My deepest condolences to you during this most difficult time. The love you and Jim shared was exceptional. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

            Love,
            Marcie

            Comment


              #7
              Rose I am so sorry Jim died. I am thankful his last words to you were so great.

              You have been a wonderful caretaker for your family. Now you have three angels looking out for you.

              Get some rest and let everyone help you so you can get your strength back. With love, Jeanie :)

              Comment


                #8
                Oh, Rose, I am so incredibly sorry for your loss. You and Jim demonstrated such a remarkable bond of resilience and strength. Jim, we came to know through your words, as a man of absolute optimism and lighthearted humor. Your love affair was evident and unmatched. I have never seen such a fighting spirit.

                Thank you for sharing your journey together with your family with us.

                Jim is at peace now, and, while the adjustment and loss probably still feel acute, and your home far too quiet, I hope you find some solace knowing he was welcomed by his sons and they can introduce him to this next chapter of his journey and he can fill them in on all the crazy stuff this earth has been throwing at us lately, if they aren't too busy playing hoops with Kobe. You knew he was okay leaving so long as you would be okay, he gave you that gift of clarity.

                I would just like to say how perfect that Jonathan left on Jesus' death, while Jim, on the weekday of his Resurrection, on a Monday.

                And given this auspicious day being 4/20, you know that Grassman was there to greet Jim with a real tribute about how this day should be honored, for how far society has come in respecting his med of choice. Grassman will be so happy to hear how far CBD has come and how it helped Jim in his journey. He will keep Jim company and thank him for his wife spending time and giving support to his old MS pals on BT. I imagine they are both laughing and enjoying themselves right now. They are both free of their bodily limitations now.

                Rose, you rest. You were the ultimate partner and caregiver, it was an absolute privilege to be a spectator as you opened up and shared your journey through love and loss here. It is time for you to rest your sore muscles for a while. Please listen to some beautiful music to fill your spirit and your home with those beautiful feelings that music can evoke that you talked about only recently as you listened to the covid concert and the Les Miz singing family. You have given of yourself to enrich the lives of others, I hope you will take some time to do nothing but quiet yourself so you can feel those strings that will always connect you to Jim and your sons, and feel their love that will always surround you.

                (((Rose)))
                Please Note that my posts may have been arbitrarily altered by a Moderator and may not reflect my original content.

                Per Mike Weins: "...the admin/mod team doesn't have to provide a forewarning/warning/mention about altering a members post. It doesn't matter if they fix a link, remove a link, fix a typo, or whatever...."

                Comment


                  #9
                  So sorry. I pray for a restful night. Just so sorry.

                  Comment


                    #10


                    Remember Us This Way


                    ((((((Hugs to All)))))) ~

                    I am overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and prayers, and the many kind thoughts about Jim and our family. The tears are just flowing as I read your tributes and condolences. It has been an honor to share our journey with you. We are so grateful for the blessing you are in our lives.

                    I called John, and he was devastated by the news of course. He said he knew, when he was here last week to repair the mattress, that Jimmy did not have much longer to be on Earth with us. He held onto hope that Jim would once again rally. But he told his family that night that he didn’t think Jim had much longer. He also said that Jim is the fourth person he has lost to Stage IV cancer. However, the other 3 died within 6 months of diagnosis. “Jimmy lived for over 3 years. That’s just amazing.”

                    He couldn’t stop asking me what I needed, listing off anything he could think of, reassuring me that he was always going to be here for me for anything and everything. Any construction project, he’ll be here to make sure that it’s done properly and that I don’t get gouged. I mentioned a couple of things I felt a need for in the near future, and he said, “I’m on it.”

                    Then, he said, “Rose, like my mother’s passing, I think of her being reunited with my dad and how wonderful that is for her. She is not suffering, confused, in pain any more, and she’s with her soul mate. I think that way about Jim. You know that he and Jon and Michael are together now. Let that be your comfort. And, please know that you did more than anyone could have ever done for Jim, and Jon and Michael.”

                    The unanimous urging of me to rest was echoed by John. “We have a lot to do,” he said, “and we’ll take our time getting it all done. But I need you to be strong and healthy, so we can do it. I know you don’t really know what rest is, but please learn how to do that for yourself now.”

                    So, I rested in Jon’s recliner and watched old movies on TCM, ones Jim and I have watched together dozens of times, and which we probably would have watched today. I found myself speaking comments out loud to Jim. “Man! That guy is tall!” “Uh oh, here it comes …” It’s just a natural reaction for me. But I felt Jim near me, and I know he was chuckling.

                    The day lilies under our giant tree were Jim’s favorite floral display in our backyard. They haven’t bloomed for too many months to count. They are blooming today. Some buds for tomorrow, and some fully open. I exclaimed to Jim, “Honey, look at your lilies! They’re beautiful!"

                    This is the area, where I want to create Jim’s memory garden, next to the flowers he loved so much.

                    Dr. K called, but I missed his call, as I was on the phone with someone else. So he emailed me through the portal with his condolences. He said that Jim had had a very difficult year, “and you did a remarkable job of taking care of him.”

                    Nancy told me that Dr. K’s assistant burst into tears, when she told her that Jim had passed. “We will miss him so much! What a lovely, sweet, jovial, friendly man.” Jim was very well known and popular, as I discovered among the cancer community. Every time we went to the hospital or the medical center, people would stop by and greet Jim, and he’d ask how they were, and it was like he was Norm on “Cheers.” The valets knew him and loved him. It was really amazing for me to observe, after being unable to be with him for so long.

                    As I mentioned, we are surrounded by love, and I am so comforted and strengthened by that love right now. I really need it, of course, and I’ve never failed to receive it through all of these years of crises, triumphs, and tragedies. You have all been here for us. Thank you so much.

                    I ordered Jim’s urn today. Some months ago, when Jim was still ambulatory and walking to the bathroom, we stopped in our boys’ sanctuary by their urns. Jim said he loved both of the urns and that they truly represented our boys. I asked which one he wanted for his ashes, and he chose Jon’s urn. A Warrior Urn crafted by Sioux for my three Warriors. It shipped immediately and is on its way.

                    John said that he would take the urn to the mortuary and pick it up for me.

                    I’m expecting a delivery of isolation gowns, so that John or Nancy or anyone, who might visit, can have a gown, mask and gloves. If I got COVID-19 now, I’m sure I would have a very difficult time and probably wouldn’t survive. I have to live long enough to get a will in place at the very least.

                    As I said to Our Officer as he walked me to the front door this morning, “I used to be young, fit, and I had a great posture. Now, as you can see, I’m old, and I can’t stand up straight. But I made it this far, and I saw my beloveds through to their final destination in God’s Arms, so this is definitely worth it.”

                    Now, I will endeavor to take care of myself and our dilapidated home.

                    The t-shirt I wore yesterday and today is black with silver letters: I BELIEVE! I’ve had this shirt almost 17 years in May, after Michael passed. The letters are beginning to wear off. But it was the shirt I chose for Jim to send him on his journey to God.

                    For now, I leave you with my everlasting love for you all, and this song for my Angels ~ Michael, Jonathan and Jim ~

                    Only registered and activated users can see links., Click Here To Register...

                    Love & Light,



                    Rose
                    Mom to Jon, 49, & Michael, 32, born with an undiagnosed progressive neuromuscular disease. Angel Michael received his wings in 2003. Angel Jon received his wings in 2019. In 2020, Jim, their Dad, joined them.

                    Comment


                      #11
                      There are no words to express my sorrow. I could tell that Jim was getting worse quite fast now, but then I would tell myself that Rose had pulled him out before and maybe it would just happen again.

                      I am so sorry you have lost your third love, but as you said there is much to be done. We will count on John and Nancy to be there with you and we will be here for you.

                      I am deeply sorry.

                      I am praying for rest for you Rose. You are in my prayers.
                      Virginia

                      Comment


                        #12
                        I have no doubt you will receive many messages of comfort and contact like you did today with the flowers blooming, you are intuitively in touch with both worlds I've noticed.

                        I feel your care, strength and devotion allowed Jim's very sweet and caring disposition to continue to shine through, even during his later and most challenging appointments when he was feeling weak, tired and in pain as you shouldered part of the weight and never let him walk his path alone. You were quite the team.

                        A love story.

                        That song is simply stunning and reaches in to that vulnerable and emotional spot that needs to be touched and healed. Tears here!

                        Thank you, I will listen to it again and again.
                        Please Note that my posts may have been arbitrarily altered by a Moderator and may not reflect my original content.

                        Per Mike Weins: "...the admin/mod team doesn't have to provide a forewarning/warning/mention about altering a members post. It doesn't matter if they fix a link, remove a link, fix a typo, or whatever...."

                        Comment


                          #13
                          My dear sweet friend, I'm so very sorry to read of Jim's passing. My heart hurts for you and I know you must feel lost right now. I'll keep you in my prayers. It took me a bit to recall my user name and password to get here.

                          Love,
                          Lisa

                          Comment


                            #14
                            Oh dear Rose, I am so sorry to hear of this heartbreaking loss. Through your writing, many of us have witnessed such incredible love and devotion you have shown for both Jim and your boys. Jim was blessed to have such loving care provided and managed by you, Rose, as I'm sure he knew and appreciated, and you were blessed to have found such a kind and loving man and father for your sons. It was obvious he loved you all deeply.
                            Please take time for your body and heart to heal now, and allow yourself to feel joy and happiness again. I'm sure Jim and your sons would want that for you and you certainly deserve it.
                            You're not alone, we're all here for you to support you.

                            Many, many hugs to you, Rose.
                            Joan, aka nuthatch

                            Comment


                              #15
                              Rose, I'm so so sorry for this tremendous loss. You have been a rock through this journey. I am blessed to have been a witness to such love and devotion you have shown for your family and anyone who comes here looking for support or advice. I can't imagine how deep the sadness goes for you. I'm glad you have some support nearby and hope you can lean on them. I pray that you will get some much needed rest and that you will take as good a care of yourself as you have done for your family. Your life has been that of a caregiver now you need to focus all that beautiful care and goodness on yourself. Your family has inspired and touched so many people I hope you can feel the love and be proud of all you do. The miracle of your wonderful care for Jim and the life you gave him throughout is something you will always carry with you knowing it was the best possible life together. Love, hugs, and many prayers for you.
                              Mary Grace

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