FA+
Shop
Sad news
16 years ago
Well, I just got back from visiting my grandma in Virginia. I was able to see the extent of her stroke. It was BAD.
To paraphrase the situation: It all started when she fell down in my uncle's driveway (which is really steep). She fractured her skull, but she was able to get up and talk just fine. Then, new years eve morning, she had a stoke. The MRI showed that 2/3 of her brain was damaged and her right side is paralyzed. It affected her sleep center so she sleeps 99% of the time. The only good news is that she's not in pain. Unfortunately, she's not going to recover.
She was placed in hospice yesterday. For those who don't know; hospice is a place where those who are going to die are put and made as comfortable as possible while they wait to die. It basically means that she's on her death bed (almost literally).
She was sleeping soundly when we visited her. She didn't move much at all. It was painful to see her like that, even if she wasn't in pain. It made my throat clench tight to the point where I had trouble breathing. We all knew this wasn't what she wanted. My mom mentioned that she "had ordered a heart attack."
My parents told me I had to say goodbye. It was hard for me to do it. I really didn't want to. If I said goodbye to her as she is now, it would be forever stuck in my memory every time I remembered her. It would be impossible to remember how she was before the stroke. They wouldn't back down, saying I would regret it if I didn't do it.
Considering her condition, it's hard to tell if she can even comprehend what she hears. So in the end, I kissed her forehead and brushed her hair back.
There's nothing left to do but wait until she passes on. When she does, we'll head back to Virginia for the funeral.
It's hard for me to be next to her as she is now. If she knew what we were doing, grieving over her, she would have gotten really upset. I have to stay strong, for her sake. But one of the most difficult things to do is be strong when facing death.
I am just upset that this is how she's going to die...
I just hope I don't go the same way...
To paraphrase the situation: It all started when she fell down in my uncle's driveway (which is really steep). She fractured her skull, but she was able to get up and talk just fine. Then, new years eve morning, she had a stoke. The MRI showed that 2/3 of her brain was damaged and her right side is paralyzed. It affected her sleep center so she sleeps 99% of the time. The only good news is that she's not in pain. Unfortunately, she's not going to recover.
She was placed in hospice yesterday. For those who don't know; hospice is a place where those who are going to die are put and made as comfortable as possible while they wait to die. It basically means that she's on her death bed (almost literally).
She was sleeping soundly when we visited her. She didn't move much at all. It was painful to see her like that, even if she wasn't in pain. It made my throat clench tight to the point where I had trouble breathing. We all knew this wasn't what she wanted. My mom mentioned that she "had ordered a heart attack."
My parents told me I had to say goodbye. It was hard for me to do it. I really didn't want to. If I said goodbye to her as she is now, it would be forever stuck in my memory every time I remembered her. It would be impossible to remember how she was before the stroke. They wouldn't back down, saying I would regret it if I didn't do it.
Considering her condition, it's hard to tell if she can even comprehend what she hears. So in the end, I kissed her forehead and brushed her hair back.
There's nothing left to do but wait until she passes on. When she does, we'll head back to Virginia for the funeral.
It's hard for me to be next to her as she is now. If she knew what we were doing, grieving over her, she would have gotten really upset. I have to stay strong, for her sake. But one of the most difficult things to do is be strong when facing death.
I am just upset that this is how she's going to die...
I just hope I don't go the same way...
Nothing will make it any easier... I've lost both parents, although not quite as badly as this... but I can suggest two things that might help. First, try to distract yourself from the situation; it won't help to dwell on it and it will be just as big a shock when she does pass on either way. Try comedies, laughter really is good medicine. Second, I see that you draw pretty well; when you can't help thinking of your grandmother, try to draw her as you remember her in better days. Art is also good therapy, I think you'll find it settles your mind a bit, although you might have to concentrate rather hard to begin.
I hope that the end comes quickly when it comes and whatever follows life, may it be kind to her.
-- Dee
As for art, I'm having problems with traditional work, so I've been working on my animations and to round out my portfolio. I'm trying to learn facial rigging and animation so that should keep my mind busy enough.
I can only hope that she goes quickly and painlessly. I hate for her to remain in this condition.
I really appreciate the comment. Thanks.