There is an empty spot in our home now. In the 18 years that Aaron and I have been married, we've only been apart for about 3 years.
LouJean has had memory problems for a little over 10 years now. We first noticed it when she would repeat sentences. Then she began to stumble over her words. It was especially difficult when she began to forget names. I'm not certain, but I think LouJean even lost some hearing.
This past year, LouJean also lost her ability to walk. We believe she may have had some mini strokes. Several times when I or Megan (her cna) would wake her, we'd notice that the right side of her mouth was droopy and she had no strength in her right arm. When we would shower her, she would lean hard to the right side. Her quality of life was so poor.
LouJean slept a lot the past few months. It wasn't uncommon for her to sleep 80-90% of the day and then still sleep through the night. Wednesday morning I helped LouJean eat some breakfast. She ate a whole bowl of oatmeal. It took a lot of coaxing, but she finished all of it in about an hour. After that, she slept. We could not get her to wake up at all Thursday. Of course we were concerned, so we called Dana (LouJean's hospice nurse). Dana came and assessed LouJean. LouJean's VS were good. Her heart rate was a little elevated, but that's normal when someone is dehydrated. She told us that when someone stops eating/drinking, it's usually between 3-7 days before they pass.😔
The following day, Aaron awoke with a feeling that mom wouldn't be with us long. Phone calls were made and our house filled with family and loved ones. Everyone that lived close by and was able to visit did. Although LouJean never woke up, I believe she heard every word and felt every embrace.
Just before nine that evening, Kent offered a prayer for LouJean. All 9 of their children were present, either in person or on skype. The prayer was beautiful. I am thankful I was able to be there.
I left for work shortly after the prayer. That was the last time I saw LouJean alive. Aaron sent me a text around 10:35 stating that her O2 Sat was down to 75%. When she passed, she opened her eyes and squeezed Kent's hand. Luckily, the family of the child I was caring for was very understanding. I returned home with the family. We all held each other and cried.
Symbii was called. They notified Anderson and Sons Mortuary. It was probably about an hour before the mortuary arrived. I held LouJean's hand for a long while. Her hands were still warm. As they took LouJean, Brody made the statement, "Goodbye Grandma and Grandpa Bell." All of us were stunned. You see, Grandma and Grandpa Bell are LouJean's parents. Brody has never met them. In fact neither have I. It wasn't uncommon for LouJean to have conversations with her mom and dad. Brody is my special boy. I think he really did see LouJean's parents. ☺ What a special gift Heavenly Father gave us!
We LOVE YOU Grandma Walker!
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