Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Another day...

Not much to tell you, mom continues to fight.  She has her eyes shut most   of the time but seems to hear and understand us. She occasionally opens them. Not many words but managed to tell me she loved me when I left her tonight.  We continue to trust God's will and timing.  But I grow weary each day watching her fade away.

17 comments:

  1. Amanda, you are an amazing daughter. Thank you for sharing this difficult time with those who love your mom. Reading the wonderful comments reminds me we all have opportunities to touch others the Lord brings into our lives. From the time your mother was little, she looked out for those who were new and needed a friend. A few years ago, she warmly greeted the women at our group's welcome table. Whenever a new woman came, your mother was always so good at making others feel at ease....just being herself. It's a reminder to me to reach out to others. I pray you get a good night's sleep. May the Lord give you strength.

    ReplyDelete
  2. May hearing those words bring you comfort tonight, my friend. Thinking of you all.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Mandy,.your love for your.mom is evident and gives us all love and empathy as well as prayers for you, Tony, and your Dad while you each go through an extremely difficult time and my prayers tonight are not only for peace for your mom but.also for you as well. The story you tell is all to familiar to me as you give us a daily account of Kathys condition. I wait up each night to read how she is doing and of your endless love for her. There is nothing more precious and intimate than for you to be there and share this time with her. Cherish every moment. Love you hon. Jan Tani

    ReplyDelete
  4. It breaks my heart to read these updates everyday, but I thank you for letting us all know. I started to write something the other day, but couldn't find the words. Not sure if I can now either, but I will give it a try. I feel for you and continue to pray for all of you. Its not an easy thing to watch a loved one fade. I went through it with 2 of my grandparents. Although not easy, it was very comforting to remember and cherish that time spent with them beforehand. I hope you find the same comfort. I will be praying for God's will and timing, Auntie Kathy's peace and comfort, and for all of you for your strength and comfort. I bought a little something for Auntie Kathy before she went on hospice. I will still mail it to you shortly.

     I know Auntie Kathy means a lot to Tyler. He is saddened by it all too and has been  checking the updates and praying as well. He said to me he was glad we were able to visit last year when we were on vacation. Though short, that visit meant a lot to me. Auntie Kathy, Uncle Rick, Tyler, Gabby, and I sat there chatting. We talked about faith. I had given myself to Jesus a few years before, but Tyler was still struggling. It was an awesome and inspiring conversation and I felt God's presence. She continues to inspire me with her strength and courage during this time. I know it's been good for Tyler too. She is an amazing, loving, good woman, who continues to touch people daily.

    I feel very blessed to have had her in my life the last 12 years. We love you all!  

    Philippians 4:13 - I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.

    Christina Tani (Tyler and Gabby too)

    ReplyDelete
  5. Kathy-

    As clearly as I can hear your voice proudly announce to our table of card players that you are "walking the dog", I can see you dancing with Rick across the living room floor on a perfectly lazy weekend night on the Delta. I miss you and those wonderful times.

    But please do know that you have touched me in a much more impactful way as well, showing me the light and the way that has been at the center of my life over the past 15+ years. And I have shared that impact with others, who hopefully have continued to spread your wonderful gift of love, caring and God's presence.

    You have affected me and so many others -- and for that we are forever grateful.

    May God bless you and keep you close.

    With much love,

    Dan Yetso and Family

    ReplyDelete
  6. Our love and prayers are with you cousin Kathy. You are such an amazing example of living a life of faith and trust in our Lord, through even the most difficult trials you have endured. You have lived your journey of life with grace and dignity and truly shown the Lord's peace in your life. We love you so much, Kathy! love, cousin Lori and Doug Wright

    ReplyDelete
  7. You are all in our thoughts and prayers for strength to make it through these moments with Aunt Kathy. Thank you to ALL who are there taking care of her!

    Aunt Kathy, you have been so nice and kind and accepting over the years and your words of wisdom have always touched my heart...your smile and positive outlook is infectious. I think of you every day and pray for peace and comfort.

    Mandy, it was comforting to talk with you the other night. I know writing these blogs is hard - thank you for doing this and keeping us updated - I am sending a BIG HUG to you.

    Love from the Harper family,
    Bonnie

    ReplyDelete
  8. Kathy & family: I wish I could be there to give you a great big hug. You are a strong person and loved by all who know you. Your faith will comfort you, Rick, Tony & Mandy.
    Our thoughts & prayers are with all of you.
    Love, Dave & Lovie

    ReplyDelete
  9. Dear Kathy, we have been blessed with knowing you and Rick. We have been greatly saddened about your illness and struggles with this insidious desease. We have been praying for you and your family all year. May God bless you and your family throughout these trying times. We love you.
    Gil & Mary

    ReplyDelete
  10. Mandy, Thank you so much for sharing these days with us, I can't imagine how hard it. I love your family so much, we shared a lot of times together when we were young. I know I can speak for my brothers and sister, that it was some of the best part of our lives spending time at Uncle Ricky and Auntie Kathy's house. Thanks for your strength in sharing these times with us. Love you, Aaron

    ReplyDelete
  11. Dear Mandy,
    On my way to work today I heard my favorite song on the radio and I thought of Kathy, this will always be Kathy's song for me and I thought I would share it.
    There's a peace I've come to know
    though my heart and flesh may fail
    There's an anchor for my soul
    I can say "it is well"
    Jesus has overcome
    and the grave is overwhelmed
    The victoy is won
    He is risen from the dead.
    And I will rise when he calls my name. No more sorrow no more pain.
    I will rise on eagles wings. Before my God, fall on my knees..I will rise.

    God bless you
    Auntie Linda

    ReplyDelete
  12. Auntie Kathy,
    I will always remember the times spent at yours and Uncle Rickys house when I was little, your home was such a comfort to me and it always smelled like cookies. To this day I can honestly say when I walk into someone house and it smells like that, I think of the times spent in your home. Besides with Aaron, I haven't had much contact with the family and I just recently found out from him that you weren't well. It breaks my heart to hear this is happening and it also brings into reality how I should've been more involved in my family. You were special to me when I was little and you are to this day, you are this best Aunt someone could ever have.
    Love you,
    Byron R. Tani

    ReplyDelete
  13. Dear Tani Family,
    Thank you for these updates. Even though we can't be with you we feel close. We are praying for the peace that only comes from God.
    You are in our thoughts and prayers.
    Love Linda, and Al too.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Anonymous said
    Thank You Mandy for keeping us posted on how your mom is. Kathy I want you to know how much I really Love You! I have always Loved you, you are the sister I never had. We shared so much together. I flashed on the time you told me dad took an egg out of the refrig, and dropped it on the floor. Then took another one out and dropped that one too. Doesn't sound like much, but we sure had a good laugh about it! Dad lived with you & Ricky. So whenever I use to visit him I would hang out with you. Your house was my home away from home. I also remember one New Years when one of your brothers dipped his potatoe chip in wasabi, he thought it was guacamole. I remember the look on Ricky's face. He was "Smiling". Ricky wasn't going to say a word. Your brother's face turned really red!!!! Wow!!!! I always had so much fun at your house. We had so many Great times!!! Kathy I know it is hard, but please try to eat. If it is hard to drink, suck on some ice. Mandy you probably all ready thought of it. Just a thought,maybe you can make some kool-aid ice cubes, for flavor. Or Bachan use to like shaved ice to suck on. Or maybe Mandy can make you some okai too. Mandy all you do is take some cooked white rice, put it in a pot with water and some salt. Bring it to a boil, then lower heat, cook until the rice is really soft. You will need to add more water as it cooks. Actually by cooking the rice in water you are kind of melting it down. Make it really soupy soft. Add salt to taste. Bachan use to fix it for me when I was small, and sick. I am so glad your mom has you, your dad, Tony, your family, Kacey, Madison, Chloe, and anybody else who I might have missed. She is such a wonderful person, and Loved by so many. I wish I was there to give her a Big Hug! Maybe you can give her one for me. Stay strong we are all praying for all of you. Kathy I think of you everyday. You are always on my mind!!!
    With all my heart & prayers & Love,
    Kathy & Barry

    ReplyDelete
  15. The Wilkey family is in prayer for all of you. We have seen the faithfulness of our God. His ways are perfect.
    "The God of hope will fill me with all joy and peace as I trust in Him, so that I may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Rom. 15:13
    Holly, Dave, Justin and James

    ReplyDelete
  16. Caity (Nolan) KimballDecember 21, 2011 at 8:58 PM

    Aunt Kathy-
    ”Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some stay for awhile and leave footprints on our hearts. And we are never ever the same.”—Anonymous
    I prayed that this disease would not take you away from your family and loved ones. As you find Peace and rest comfortably, know we all love you and are praying for you. I believe everything happens for a reason but I don’t know why this horrible disease is taking away one of the most gracious, loving, and honorable women I have shared my whole life with. Thank you for great times and all that you are. I love you always. – Caity Kimball (Nolan)

    ReplyDelete
  17. I know you Sweet Cheeks, you are going to hang on for 4 more days!! I love you! Marcie

    ReplyDelete