Signs from Grandpa…
Howllo Fellow Basset Hound and Grandpa Lovers…
First off, I want to thank all of the residents for the wonderful well wishes. They have really helped to warm the ole souls. Emma would be so happy. I also wanted to let everyone know that we are all doing as well as can be expected. Chaps and I are kind of zombie like padding around the house…he has basically not left my side and I can tell he is depressed. He is probably feeling my depression as well. Let’s face it, we will all be depressed for a period of time and that is just natural. The Hospice team told us that we are to keep Chaps routine as normal as possible with many extra treats and even more attention. No problem there! Our Mayor is also eating good.
I did want to share with the residents the sign I got from Grandpa on Friday morning even though, Emma told me it was time I wanted to make double sure. I knew what I needed to do but I kept asking Grandpa to give me a sign.
I was trying to keep the morning as normal as possible for Chaps.
That morning Emma was clearing telling me she was ready (I was fighting hearing her) I asked grandpa for a sign. I had been taking to him for days and he was showing up here and there with pretty clear messages for me. I knew Emma’s time was quickly coming but I was just hoping that she would rally like she did a few times over the past several months. So…I asked grandpa again. My mind was spinning and I was hedging on calling Hospice. I was kind of rushing around getting a few things together before I called Grandma. I was getting Chaps in order, getting his breakfast together. I went into my bedroom, where I keep the dog food up on a small shelf and I asked grandpa again what to do. (The following pictures are re-creations of the actual moments).
That blue can is Chaps food. That cabinet thing is never turned in that direction. I had moved it the day looking for an old photo. If that cabinet had not been turned around I would have never noticed the book.
As I was scooping Chaps’ cup of kibble out I glanced to my left and looked at the title of the book Dad’s Hospice nurse gave to me right before his passing. It is called Final Gifts.
I never read the book but I thought to myself, “Is this the sign”? “No”, too obvious…. I told myself to open the book to a random page and see what it said. I took the book into my hand and noticed a white piece of paper that was slipped into the middle. I thought again, “well, there is the book mark for the page I am supposed to read”. I had originally placed that white slip of paper into the book never looking where I placed it originally. I opened the book and looked at the white piece of paper and it was the name and phone number of the dear Hospice nurse that helped us in our last hours with Dad. Her name is Laurie. I had forgotten it was there. I took my glasses (I use my Dad’s reading glasses) and the book over by the window to see what the page said. As I removed the white piece of paper completely out of the book the title of the passage on that page was “Emma”.
It was the story of a woman named Emma about her final journey. That part to me was not significant but I read it out of respect. Grandpa could not have been more clear. I picked up the phone and called Emma’s Hospice team. Sometimes we just need the person who had advised us our entire life to keep advising.
Hospice folks are angels.
Grandpa is an angel….He is sitting in the same chair that I was sitting in when I opened the book. Emma was about a year old in this picture.
What wonderful signs….
More feeling better now and later…..Love, Cat, Chaps and Emma ATB
(The Mayor laying in is worry bed today)
Comments(13)
i have said it many times..we should all be blessed with a grandpa. i wish i was…
Your post gave me chills, Cat. I have no doubt at all that Grandpa was watching over you, helping guide you through this. And sweet Emma is watching over you all now, always and forever. Chaps, poor darling, looks contemplative, gazing out of the window.
Soothing drool is continuing to flow your way from the boys. xo
Mary, Harley, Biggs and Leo
/..\
What a wonderful sign. Grandpa made the right decision. I cried when I saw the pic of Chaps. This is going to be so hard on him. But he’s a tough guy. I have faith that he will be ok. Time heals.
We love you so much Mayor Chaps! And we love you too Cat and Grandma.
Cat – I am so glad that your Dad is helping you through the tragic loss of Emma. I am sure it is very comforting to know that he is watching over you all. Keep us posted on more signs and be sure to take good care of Grandma and Chaps because we all know that they are suffering too. I will be over to see you soon. Hugs!
Cat, that was so touching. Bless you sweet sister for all you have gone through. It’s no doubt that it was time & Grandpa was letting you know. We will continue to lift you in prayer & keep you close in thought. Stay strong, we love you! Are y’all experiencing anymore bad weather……just worried about you, I know Chappers gets so scared.
Dear Audra – yes, we are having bad weather and on top of it loud fireworks. I feel so sorry for the Mayor. I hate that this combination of events is happening all at once. Right now it is quite and he is resting right at my feet. He is so sweet. Grandma and I are rubbing his belly non stop.
Poor Mayor – I hadn’t thought about this being the time of fireworks on top of everything else. I am sure you all need rest. How is grandma doing?
Take gentle care of each other (as I know you do).
Cat,
I tried to telephone you several times over the weekend, but there was no answer.
Again, I want to express my deep sorrow in Our Emma’s passing, but I think your Dad was a little lonely and missed Emma dearly.
This was definitely a sign.
I’m so sorry about the bad weather, & now to have to deal with the fireworks 🙁 I know Big Daddy will find comfort in those belly rubs. Love all of you so much!
Dear Cat, How wonderful your Dad guided you this way. Those we love never truely leave us. As I watched our local fireworks display last night I thought to myself: “This is for Emma , to celebrate her life.” It somehow made sense, she was so vibrant and such a colorful personality. I know Chaps has trouble with the booms though and hope he is doing better. Ours were so loud that they set off a couple of car alarms in the parking lot. Take care of yourself and your Mom too, Cat. Sending lots of love.
You are all so tremendously blessed to have one another, and to be looking out for and loving each other no matter what. Despite the pain and loss, I can tell that you know how lucky you are, and it is that understanding and wisdom that is “grace” and will sustain you.
Smiles and warm thoughts from all of us.
there is no explanation for what happened other than it was a sign from grandpa..love you Kathy
What an amazing and comforting sign of validation. Dad always knew what to do and he is still guiding you when you need him the most.
We love you so much!