Last Breaths. (JFG 1935-2013)

I've never seen a person take their last breath.

My maternal grandmother died when I was 5.

My brother and brother-in-law both passed away while I was at work.

Numerous other family members and friends have gone before, taking their last breaths alone or with loved ones close by.

Today, I watched my dear Grandpa Jay take his last breaths.

It wasn't by accident that my sister texted me this morning to let me know Grandpa wasn't doing well.

A phrase I have been familiar with for a few years as Grandpa's health has been slowly declining.

Without much more thought we agreed to go and visit Grandma when my sister got done with school in case tonight was Grandpa's last night.

I had plans to run more errands with Hunter today.

I pulled into the Target parking lot and without even recognizing it, had dialed grandmas number.

She sounded happy.

She asked me about Hunter and my growing baby.

I asked if I could bring her lunch. 

She agreed.

I met her at Sam's Club where she was running a morning errand.

I followed her from Provo to Elk Ridge.

My heart and mind were both full as I watched this woman I love so dearly drive herself home.

We pulled into the driveway where Grandma immediately filled me in on what Hospice had told her at this mornings visit with Grandpa.

His breathing was labored and he was given some medications to calm his lungs.

I went in to see him.

I knew right away these would be my last moments with my Grandfather.

His breathing was quick and raspy.

It was clear he was trying so hard.

He stared blankly into the corner of the room.

It broke my heart.

It seemed as if his spirit has already left his body.

Grandma seemed flustered as she called the nurse and was told to give him more medication.

She then sweetly took the water to wet his dry mouth.

I am sure I have never seen anything more incredible in my life.

My heart swelled as I watched my Grandmother "care" for her husband in those last minutes of his life.

I swear I saw his lips try to say her name. 

"Carol"

I felt with one raspy breath he mouthed the words

"I Love You"

A husbands last breaths for his sweet wife to let her know how much he really loved her.

How much he appreciated her efforts to care for him.

How grateful he was for 53 years on earth together and the knowledge that their marriage is eternal.

I told him I loved him.

Told him there were people waiting for him.

Made my sweet son blow him one last kiss.

Moments later as my Grandmother and I sat at her kitchen table eating soup for lunch I thought I heard a noise.

Grandma said she would go check.

He was gone.

His color had quickly faded. 

He still stared blankly at the same corner of the room.

I watched my Grandmother in those next few moments say goodbye to her eternal companion.

She held his hand, softly brushed his cheek and cried out the words "Oh, Jay!"

I will forever be grateful that I could be with Grandma today.

For the example of love I witnessed.

For the knowledge that families are forever and that this time apart is but a temporary time.

I am grateful for my father and his brothers. 

For the incredible strong men that they are.

I am so blessed to have been born into this AMAZING family. 

I am grateful for the example my Grandfather was.

For the woman my Grandmother is.

For the incredible posterity they created.

God Be With You Til We Meet Again Grandpa.

I love You.

Kevin & I were Married on March 18th, 2011 -
My Grandparents Celebrated their 51st Wedding Anniversary that Day.

We Honored my Grandparents at our wedding by giving them the Garter & Bouquet to celebrate their anniversary.

We shared our First Dance with them.