Hello friends,
Several of you have expressed that you are waiting for updates about Grandma Sally. For those who are not aware, Grandma Sally has been in hospital for almost 3 months. Many different medical interventions have been needed during that time and it has been an emotional roller coaster for those involved in overseeing her care since they do not live in the town where Grandma Sally is admitted to hospital.
Grandma Sally has been in ICU for almost all of the 3 months she has been a patient. She has also been unable to speak for much of that time and most recently had some growths (tumours) on her lungs. Doctors recommended surgery but the family was reluctant due to Grandma Sally's advanced age.
After discussion with doctors, the course of treatment was changed to some powerful medication. It seems to have worked but in the recent week or so, Grandma's health deteriorated and she has been on life support. The family's goal has been to keep Grandma as comfortable as possible and not do anything that would jeopardize her comfort. They would like to see a more natural transition for her rather than more medical interventions. Among other things, I've been guiding the caregivers during the various courses of treatment and helping them with questions to ask the doctors and so on. The hospital and it's doctors do everything to prolong life and assist Grandma Sally but they conclude that Grandma Sally is transitioning from this life. No one knows how long it might take.
Interestingly in today's news, an elderly man of 104 years travelled from Australia to Switzerland to get medically assisted suicide. Grandma Sally is more or less than same age, but she does not fit the category of someone unhappy with life. Nor is she, or the family seeking euthanasia. In fact everything possible has been done to treat her symptoms and give Grandma Sally the best possible life for as long as she is alive.
Grandma Sally is a very faith filled woman and also a very physically strong woman. The family got the doctors to remove life supports except for oxygen. They are now working to get medical assistance and transport Grandma to her home where she can see out her last hours and days. They think this is how Grandma would want it and I agree.
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| Grandma's house in the village |
It has been difficult for family and friends near and far. Many have traveled long distances to say their goodbyes. Having no funds for good or lodging it is difficult to remain in the local area for a funeral that no one knows when it will occur. They all travelled when it seemed Grandma Sally was slipping away fast and they have been patiently awaiting her transition.
Pray for everyone involved; for the dear ones that need to say goodbye and are grieving. Most do not understand the end of life process. Pray also for strength for the family and loved ones, especially those overseeing Grandma Sally's peaceful and comfortable transition. It is a stress for them as they also do not live in the town where Grandma is getting care.
All in all we trust that God is in control. When Grandma Sally was first admitted to hospital almost 3 months ago it wasn't long before she lost her ability to talk. At the time it was evident her mind was still working.
She was always smiling at hospital staff and family carers making motions about praying and praising God. While she could still talk she was encouraging family members to walk the path of faith and to ensure they did not deviate from reliance upon God. She is truly an inspiration to me and to her family members. She is well loved and though she is not my biological Grandma, I am pleased to call her Grandma Sally. I love her as if she were my own dear Grandma. May she move over to a new life free of pain and struggle and hear the words "well done, my good and faithful servant".
#miracles #GrandmaSally #Godisgood #prayer #KenyaMissionsofHope #Kenyamedicalmercymissions
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