Dana , thru the pain of your words , there is still a beauty in your families spirit. I wish I could reach out and give you and the kids a hug,,,,,, can't do it so here are a few(((((((((((hugs))))))))))))).
When I read about your daughter holding her grandmother's hand it reminded me of when my beloved Granny was passing away. We knew it was getting close , and she was tired. I would go in , just like your daughter , and hold her dear , sweet , soft hand, holding on just as long as I could. I was older than your daughter , 17, but I knew even then that my grandmother was exceptional. She had 36 grandchildren and each one of us held a special place in her huge loving heart.
I was actually honored to be one one of the last to be with my grandmother as she passed on. It was hard to watch her go, but somehow, she took comfort in me being there. She and I always had a close bond,,,,,,,, when she came to visit , she slept in my bed, watched movies with me, and just let me lay my head on her lap as we sat doing nothing. She was a person I could find comfort in as a child and I am so glad that I was there when she fell asleep , for the last time with a small smile on her face.
She left this world , giving me a valuable lesson, that even as a JW , I always wondered about her visions of things she saw on the other side before she died. I know what she told me and I hope she did make it to the place she was ready to go to. She made me not afraid.
Dana,,,,,,,,,,, I hope that you and the kids know that you are very much loved, and tell them all about this thread, talk , talk and talk to them . Tell them they are wonderful kids and that we are all so proud of their courage and that we are so sorry about their Grandmother . I am sure she is taking great comfort in all of you right now.
Much love , Dede