This week we had an afternoon that we thought we were going to lose Jolene. She was very weak and her breathing became very erratic. That was not that unusual. What was unusual was that she told us it was her time to go and that she was going to die. Our hospice nurse, (Sandra) said it is common for patients to know when they are going to die. We took this very seriously. We had some Relief Society ladies from the neighborhood here. I called Marie home from school and Savanna from work so they could be here when she died. But she didn’t die. It turns out that when she woke up and saw everyone gathered around her bed, Jolene thought we were gathered around because we knew something she didn’t know. She assumed we were here because we knew she was going to die. So Jolene was convinced it was her time. We had a good laugh about it later, but during that time we got to experience some very tender moments with Jolene.
She is not always coherent. She has said a lot of interesting and sometimes funny things, but during that special time she was very clear that she is at peace. She is comfortable, and she is ready to go. She is not afraid to die. We expressed love for each other. We had a special family prayer with her. The spirit was very strong in the room and we felt the arms of the Lord Jesus Christ around us, as well as the love of the Relief Society ladies. We are grateful they were able to be with us.We don’t know how much time Jolene has left in this life, but we believe her time is short.
Jolene’s parents are here with us now to help take care of Jolene. We are happy to have them here. No one can take care of you like your Mom. We are ever grateful for the continued support from our ward, and generosity of the kind friends from Skyline. All the cards and letters that we receive we read to Jolene, she expresses appreciation for the loving words from her friends. Thank you for the all prayers that are in our behalf. We appreciate and can feel them constantly. Thank you also for the service that is given to our family, it helps out a lot and we are very grateful for it.
vic-tastic!
16 years ago
8 comments:
Ron, Jolene and Family,
I am another one who includes all of you in my prayers at all times. I have thought of you constantly this past week and want you to know that I love you and even though I am quite a ways away, I would drop everything if there was anything I could do to help you at this time. I enjoy reading the blog and being uplifted by your testimonies and strength. You have always been, and continue to be, a special family. Jolene, thanks for being such a wonderful wife for Ron and a terrific mother. You truly will be missed - but your influence will live on in your family and those who you have touched. Know that I love you. Be at peace that our Savior is by your side. I am certainly glad for the faith and knowledge that I have.
All my love, Beth
We love you and are praying for you constantly during this time. Please give Jolene a hug from Tony, Heather and I. Please tell her that we love her. We went on a hike today that Jolene would have loved. She's all I thought about during that hike . . . well, and also not falling. ;-)
Dear Jolene, What an amazing journey you have been on these last few months. In fact, what an amazing journey your life has been. Thank you for comforting me with the words that you are comfortable, at peace and ready to go. Also, for including a little humor when you're standing at heaven's door. I'm so very, very grateful that our paths crossed in Peach Blossom neighborhood. Thanks for teaching me and our children. Thanks for being so supportive of Ron in his commitment and fun for many of the YM in the ward. He played a big part in getting many of them on missions including Lance. Prayers continue and I send our love..... Siri
Jolene,
I just wanted to write to let you know of the love I have for you as a neighbor and a friend. I honestly think you are an amazing person and have endured this trial with such grace and dignity. You are such a wonderful example of how we all should live. It must be a comforting feeling to know that you have lived your life in such a way that you are ready to face your maker. You have passed this test with flying colors! You have lived a Christ-Like life, caring for and serving others. Well done Jolene, WELL DONE!
I love you and pray for your family.
Tanya
We, too, have felt Jolene's time is very near. When we saw her parents walk into Church yesterday, we both knew the time for her passing was near. Gary and I have talked about that because of Jolene's enthusiasm, happiness, and excitement for the Gospel, and her worthiness, she will be so excited when she does get on the other side and see all the things she has wondered bout. She has tried so hard to be an example of a righteous woman and now she will have "first-hand" knowledge of things we have accepted on faith. We are going to miss her so much, but know this is part of "life" and it really isn't a frightening thing. Yes, she is ready and so we too must be ready for her to go. We love your whole family so much and you are such examples of "The Gospel in Action." Thank you for sharing this special, tender moement with all of us.
I am so amazed at the strength of your family and am comforted that Jolene feels peace. It is those of us who love her and are left behind who will suffer, but it is so calming to know that she will no longer be in pain. You are such a testament to the importance of family and faith.
Ron,
I want to let you know that you and your precious family are in my prayers every night. I check the blog for the latest update on a daily basis. The messages are both uplifting and hard to read at the same time. There are a lot of memories coming back from when my father passed away. I read the updates to mom as well, she sends her love, hugs and prayers as well. Please let us know if there is anything at all we can do for you and your family.
Valerie ...
Ron:
Thank you for sharing your feelings; I have often wondered how you were doing and have prayed for you and the girls; I know nothing will take this pain away, only the Savior through the atonement will. I miss her too, I have thought many times on the life she lived and I have thought many times how she would have resolved certain things that I have been faced with... I only know that she was wanted in the other side, perhaps because of her testimony she would touch many in the other side; however, what i think the most is the peace and love she must be feeling right now in the other side. Please forgive me for talking so much about the other side of the veil; it just happens to be a subject i have loved as long as I can remember, i have read many books that describe the other side and the association of the rightheous there; I know she is in good company!
Love,
Yvette
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