Hospice

My Grandma was admitted into the hospice house here in Johnston Friday night. We wanted to keep her out of there for as long as possible, but it became evident that she needed more care than the nursing home could provide her.

The hospice house is located on Merle Hay Road, right next to the post office, and I remember driving by it countless times, always thankful that I never had to step foot inside and my heart going out to all those that did. Little did I know that my turn would come, and all too soon....

Last night, Matt, the kids and I went up the my parents house for dinner, and then after that, my parents, Laurie and I went up to visit my Grandma, while Matt took the kids home.

I have to admit, that amidst all the sadness and heart break, it's a very peaceful and beautiful place. It has a wonderful "healing garden" in the middle courtyard, and it's lush and colorful. Her suite is very cozy and homey -- a great bathroom with a whirlpool, a fireplace in her bedroom, a patio/deck that leads outside, great big and bright windows, a side room complete with fridge and pull out bed for family to stay... I found it amazing that something so heartbreaking was also something so warm and comforting. It's so much better than the nursing home.

At first I hesitated to bring the kids with me, because I was so unsure what it'd be like.... It's nothing like I expected -- no IV's, no "hospital feel", not really medical at all. There's a playroom for the kids and all pets are welcome.

So after I dropped Katherine off at preschool, Caleb and I went and picked her up some flowers and brought them by before story time. Grandma loved having him there, and Caleb must have given her about 50 high 5's. And then, he found the buttons on her bed. Thankfully she wasn't in it!

We didn't stay long -- only about 30 minutes, but it's good to have her close. This way, I can see her every day, if only for a few minutes....