09/04/09: As we come to a close for PatsPlace I wanted to share some information on the arrangements that have been made.
Viewing Open Casket- Tues Sept 8, 2009 4:00pm - 7:00pm
Hastings Funeral Home
19 S Main St
Selbyville, DE 19975
302-436-8421 or 410-352-3638
www.hastingsfuneralhome.net website is available for directions and to sign the guest
book or send private condolences

Funeral Service: Wed Sept 9, 2009 4:00pm - Reception to follow at the church
Holy Trinity Cathedral
11021 Worcester Hwy
Berlin, Md 21811
410-641-4882

At a later date, to be announced, there will be a memorial service at Holy Trinity Cathedral for the burial of her ashes in their memory garden.

The family has asked that in lieu of sending flowers to please send donations to either of the following two:

1) Holy Trinity Cathedral - address above
2) Childrens House - PO Box 3627, Ocean City, MD 21843 or 13 66th St, Ocean City, MD
21842

The obituary will be in 3 papers. The Frostproof News-Frostproof, Fl.; The Intelligencer Journal-Lancaster, Pa; The Daily Times-Salisbury, Md.

Note for family: If you are planning to attend the Funeral please let us know so we can have seats reserved for you. Also, if you need help in making accommodations please let us know and we will assist where we can. There have been several people from the church that have offered available bedrooms in their homes.

Again, I want to thank you all for your support, help and prayers throughout this very difficult period. We also appreciate having yesterday during the last few hours to have as family time. This was a very intimate special time and such a vital part of our grieving process. Your generosity, encouragement and assistance has been such a significant part in helping us to endure during of these devastating circumstances. May God Bless each one of you.

09/03/09: At 6:45 tonight mama passed away. She was not in any pain. Each of us were able to have a few minutes individually to spend with her before she passed. Then we all surrounded her and we had the opportunity to be with her as she took her last breaths. Shortly after, the priest and his wife came over and led us in prayer. Decisions will be made tomorrow as far as details for the viewing and service. I will update tomorrow with the information.

09/03/09: At this time please continue prayers for mama. She is in her last hours now. Her breathing is very labored but she is resting comfortably and it appears she is not in pain. We would ask that this time be for family so we can spend each moment with her. Thank you and I will update with more information later.

09/01/09: There are noticeable changes occurring daily now. Drinking through a straw is not possible anymore and swallowing her pills has become unmanageable. The only way at this point to give her the pills is to crush them, mix them with a little bit of baby food and water and draw it up into a syringe. Small amounts of water are given to her from a spoon and she seems able to handle these latest methods well. We experiment in finding new ways of taking care of her and making her comfortable since she is not able to verbally respond to us now. I know she can hear us though, as she still responds with a weak but noticeable grasp when taking her hand. We have spent a bit of time going through some pictures and doing some reminiscing. Although they are wonderful memories, sorrow pierces our hearts as we look over into the living room where she lays in the hospital bed with her eyes closed. The hospice nurse will be here to evaluate her tomorrow morning. Good nite and God Bless.

08/30/09: Tonight I write as I am sitting up in a bed near mama's, watching over her. Sleep will not come easily tonight for either of us. She is increasingly restless and it seems the last hour or so she has not been able to settle in. She is less and less responsive each day. Sadness fills our hearts as she moves away from us and we light up at each slightest recognition or reaction she offers us. She was able to hear the prayers of her great grandchildren tonight. We coordinated the time and used speaker phones as the triplets said their prayers. They said they loved their "gigi" and "prayers for gigi" as mama listened without response except a single tear that rolled down her cheek. Although she doesn't respond much of the time she hears us. We continue to let her know how much she is loved, not only by us but by God, try to make her comfortable, let her know we are ok, not to worry and that she is safe. Again, thank you to all who continue to pray and offer compassion.

08/25/09: Yesterday was a really hard day for me as I had to leave OC and head back home to work. I'll be going back down on Thurs and am anxious to get back to mama. She is still sleeping quite a bit but she has awareness when visitors stopover though she can only visit for a short time. She says she is not in much pain and we are so grateful for that. Her best times are in the morning. Seems she has a bit more energy and is able to talk to us a tad longer. We have had a few great and meaningful chats. As wonderful as they are, they are also emotional and usually end tearfully. She is still being mama, worrying about us and how we are all doing, not wanting to cause us any upset or hardships. What we try to convey and trust that she understands is that we have so much love and dedication that it is a privilege to be there to care for her and support her. We have had an opportunity to witness the kindness of everyone who has rallied around her and those acts of kindness have filled us with such gratitude. To have the ability to see her not just as our mother but as a friend and a christian woman, dedicated to using her talents to help others, assist with charities and do "Gods work" is a wonderful gift to us. She is receiving communion daily and we are so thankful for the church clergy and their devotion. Her church family has set up 30 minute increments around the clock to pray for her. This is in addition to those praying daily, praying all day and during their daily devotions. Listed among the prayers are: 2 Samuel 22:17-37 and Zephaniah 3:17. I am in awe of this generosity.

8/23/09: It is a very difficult time right now. Mama has decided to stop all treatments and is currently under Hospice care. She is sleeping longer and more frequently. We try to catch her in between to have a few moments to talk with her, read to her and pray with her. Those moments don't last for long though. She has had some agitation and restlessness and then sometimes she falls into a very peaceful sleep. I can only say at this time that we are continuing to ask God for a miracle because it is never too late. Thank you again for all the support. If your heart calls you to visit her I would suggest that arrangements be made fairly soon. God Bless each of you.