Its almost 10am on Saturday (Dec 17). She continues to fight this battle. She is about the same as yesterday, a bit weaker but talks to us when she isn't sleeping.
Mom had a pretty good day yesterday. We met with the hospice team (nurse, social worker and chaplain). It was very emotional, but a special time. We were able to listen to mom talk about her diagnosis, memories, what she wants most now, how she feels physically and emotionally. The chaplain also led us in a very special prayer, then mom prayed which was so poignant and meaningful to hear her talk to God and thank Him for her family and all He has done for her.
She is still eating small amounts of food and drinking too. She has some discomfort from the bleeding behind her eyes so we are managing that with pain medication. That seems to really help her rest and sleep.
She is very aware and conscious.
I spent this morning reading all of your comments to her! I loved seeing her smile and cry tears of joy and sadness all at the same time. If you haven't had a chance to read the comments, there is a consistent theme about my mom....that she has always been so kind and loving to everyone. I told her that that is her legacy (along with so much more!). This world needs more Kathys! More kindess. Less judgmentalness. More unconditional love. We can all learn from my mom.
Oh how true your words are. I remember many times talking to her when I was living with guys after high school and she never had a bad word about anyone. She was always good at showing me the good side of people. When I was a kid, I felt she was more of a mom to me then an aunt. I went running this morning, thinking of all the times I talked to her, and hoped I can have just a little of her kindness.
ReplyDeleteMandy,
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like your mom is surrounded by her family and feels your love. I loved that we had that opportunity with Jim earlier this year before he passed. I treasure those last few days with him. I pray for all of you Mandy- you sound so strong in your posts. Looks like that strength runs in the family. Just looking at the picture of your mom on here makes me smile. There is no way to prepare ourselves for what you are facing but you are a remarkable woman. Just know that all of us are praying for you and I hope you can feel our love. As difficult as it is, try to treasure these days.. they will mean so much in the future. Love you my dear friend! Stacey
Kathy, I thank the Lord for bringing you into my life these past 5+ years and I thank you for the lessons you taught me as I observed your life. 1)always love; 2)God has not called me to do everything...don't be afraid to say "no". And thank you for calling me your "precious friend."
ReplyDeleteGood Mornin', Kathy, and all the rest your special family! Uncle Vern, Diane and I enjoy sharing memories of special times with special people...and, you and Rick come up in our conversations frequently! We got together for breakfast this morning at 'Tommy's'...(you may remember that place from your visits to Oregon).
ReplyDeleteMore loving memories were shared there and now we're joining with other family and friends in sending our love to you, along with prayers for His Peace to surround you all.
Kathy, you are in my thoughts and prayers practically 24/7. I wonder if you can feel it. I can only wish you all the peace that you desire. I know the love for you that we all feel as you have always loved us. You have been a critical and integral part of my life and so many others. You are truely loved my dear Sis. My heart is with you
ReplyDeleteLove forever
Terry
You Said That so right! That is Kathy!Kind,Loving, Gental all what God calls us to be. I Love your Gift to see That in your Mom. She has Always been such a blessing to Bill and me when we talk about Kathy we feel her Love all over us.Kathy we Love you soooo Much! Cindy
ReplyDeleteDear Kathy and Mandy and you Too Rick,
ReplyDeleteYou all are in our thoughts. I think of you all often these days and want to say good-by. I could have been walking in your journey 14 years ago. I had you with me then and many years before. I barely knew you at that baby shower of Paul’s when we lived in the old neighborhood some 36 years ago. And Mandy you baby sat for me in later days. Kathy, you helped so much when Paul had that awful accident at three years. That is dating us but so does the grey hair and vintage body. I think of you when I play golf, Our Hole in Ones. I opened my Christmas boxes and so many “I remember Kathy’s” jump out. You entered my life and have always been there. We love you very much… Eve and Jim
Hi all on this blog. Mandy you are a lot like your mother and that is great! Eve is crying and wrote the above comment. Your folks are special and I love Rick and Kathy too! they are great people and have had a special life and a special family. Ohh, how sad this blog has become, but also how great for the family and all of us who care. Jim
ReplyDeleteDear Kathy,
ReplyDeleteIt's me, Dyanne. I just figured out how to reach out to you via the blog site. I am missing our daily phone calls but know I completely understand this time is for Rick and your wonderful family. Please know my heart is filled with love for you and every time I think of you I stop and say a pray for you, your wonderful husband and precious family.
You definitely have created a legacy in your children and they are teaching their children how to be like you. Kind, thoughtful, sweet-spirited, patient, gentle, filled with unconditional love.
Thank you for the support and encouragement you provided during my cancer journey. it is 1-year today that it all began and you were there in words and prayers and I love you more than words can say for all you did so unselfishly for me.
I wish I had reached out sooner so we could have had decades and decades of memories. The memories I have from the time we did reunite will sustain me. And, I have all your cards which I read all the time. Thank you for loving me.
Hi Kathy,
ReplyDeleteYou've been in my thoughts and prayers all day today.
I remember when I came to visit you and Mom at your house and both of you were eating McFlurry's. Mom felt bad that you both were eating Icecream and she asked you to get me some Icecream from your fridge. Everytime I go to McDonalds I think of you and Mom when I'm having one.
Spent the day with your wonderful family today and we all wished you and your family could be there.
I love you BIG TIME!!!! Michele
Hi Kathy,
ReplyDeleteWe are sending you loving thoughts and prayers each day. And wanted you to know what an important example you have set for us all through the years. You have always exemplified grace, contentment, selflessness and peace (and some awesome crafting skills!). I think back to when you so kindly offered to make Reagan's accessories for her crib... and what a job you did! And then those Bashan's chips. You set the bar high right out of the gate.
Bryan is quite blessed to have such wonderful inlaws as the two of you! Thank you for treating him as one of your children. And for doing such a great job with Amanda that she is such a thoughtful and caring wife, mother and sister-in-law.
Wishing you peaceful moments and comfort in knowing all the lives you have touched.
Love, Angie
Auntie Kathy,
ReplyDeleteYou are the strongest and courageous woman. Growing
Up you taught me so much. I believe that you will move on in
Your path with grace. I want you to know that I love you and have such
Beautiful memories of you and our family.
May there be peace in our hearts and in the world.
Love,
Michelle
Dear Kathy & Rick, Dick and I have been talking about the good old days. When you and Rick got married, the ups and downs, the Christmas eves at Red & Roses, the madhouse and love of family. Thanks for enriching our lives. We never want to let go. Sad today from Dick & Betsy
ReplyDeleteHello Family,
ReplyDeleteMandy: Uncle Al and I enjoyed talking with you last night. Your faith and strength are evidence of God's abundant grace. He gives hope even when we may see that our circumstances seem so far from hope. He is providing the peace that all of you are experiencing. Praise to Him!
To my wonderful sister Kathy... You are in my thoughts and I send my love to you. Last night after I spoke with Mandy. I was arranging some flowers I had bought. As I arranged them it brought back memories of you, Kathy. It was you who taught me about the art and creativity of making a beautiful arrangement. You always have a way of passing on your talents to others. God gave you alot of creative talents and you didn't keep them to yourself. You blessed others with them.
You are so much like the description in the saying, "Like Mother...Like daughter". You remind me of our wonderful Mom. And everyone in our family knows that this is the highest compliment. We all want to be more like Mom.
Me and Al were recalling a time when we came to Calif. for a visit. On the phone from Colorado, Al had arranged with you to cook a meal at your house for the whole family. You invited the whole Nolan gang. But one "small" thing happened. In the busy schedule of out trip Al completely forgot about his plans to cook. When we showed up at your house everyone was there but no dinner. I remember how you were so gracious. No panic, no worry. You switched into that hostess mode and pulled out the frozen chicken breasts. You made a wonderful meal in what seemed like minutes. And you made it seem so effortless. Another one of the many talents God gave you. It was God's grace in action.
That night me and Al stayed the night at your house. I remember how me, Al, you, and Rick spent the night talking into the wee hours of the morning. (Back in the day when we all used to be able to stay up that long!) We laughed and joked with Al about forgetting the plans to cook and showing up with only a bag of avocados for the dinner!!! We will always have good memories of the times you shared with us in opening your heart and home to all of us Nolan family.
So, Kathy, I am awaiting the day that we will be together again. God has already planned that day for us. And the best part is.... Rick and Al will be there too. We will all stay up as long as we want. Talking into the wee hours. And we will bring the avocados!!!
In God's grace and his never ending love.
Our love to you always and forever,
Your sis Linda, and Al too.
My dearest Kathy - In the words of some hippie rock singer "what a long strange trip its been". I am grateful that I have had you as a friend for all these years. You are a warm and loving person and created a wonderful home for Rick and your now growing family. Thank you for letting me share some time with you in the past weeks. Hugs & kisses to you, Rick, and your family. Dave & Lovie
ReplyDeleteMy Dear Kathy,
ReplyDeleteI attempted to write on your blog yesterday. I didn't know where to stop, the memories just kept coming. I also didn't know how to say good bye so I walked away and left the unsent message on my monitor. Needless to say, this morning it was gone and now I have to try to put all of my thoughts, feelings and memories in a nutshell and you know I can never put anything in a "nutshell."
I have you on my mind when I go to sleep, when I wake in the middle of the night and you are my first thought in the morning.
How can I express all that is in my heart? You are the sister I never had, the sister I always dreamed of, you were always there for me.
The memories I have of taking classes together, flower arranging, Adult ed. Remember when we took that pottery class. I started out planning on making a set of canisters and ended up with a weird looking bowl about 2" thick because I got tired of trying to hold it on the wheel? You successfully taught me how to hang wallpaper and I became a wallpaper hanging fool! It was what I carried on the plane with me when we moved to Maui so I could wallpaper my new home there and I swear I almost wallpapered the back of the toilet I was so out of control! You name it, If you did it I tried it but I never could conquer any of the crafts it like you did and with such ease!
By far, the most precious gift for me was when you became my sister in "Christ". Nothing could compare with the joy of realizing that my "sister" would be with me forever in heaven. You have been a beautiful example of a life committed to serving God. Even in sickness you have been an inspiration to me and ministered to me in a way that has made me a more caring person and more determined to live and share my faith, like you, Kathy
I will keep you in my prayers and be happy that you are able to spend this quality time with your family.
Kathy, you may leave physically but your spirit and the very essence of you will be carried in not only my life and heart but in everyone who ever had the blessing of knowing you. You are living part of everyone of us and we will carry you with us every day of our lives.
And when the day comes for me to leave this earth Kathy, it is you who I will look for to be waiting with my mom to take me home.
I love you dear sister. I'll keep in touch.
Your other sister, Linda