Tag Archives: hospice

Be Saying Goodnight to Nana and Papa

Nana and Papa are having a sleepover at Hospice tonight.

The boys had to drive by twice so that they could say goodbye and I love you.

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Now, I have popped back to say my own goodbye and drop off my mom’s favourite Anne Murray CD.

With a hug for dad and a kiss on the forehead for mom, and a couple of I Love You’s, I am off to see if my giggling boys are tucked in and snuggled up in their beds.

Merry Christmas everyone. May God’s light shine for you on Jesus’s birthday. May you know His love, His peace and His miraculous ways.

Be Sharing Your Story – Bev & Darryl

My dad’s “other brother Darryl” and his beautiful Bev came to visit today.

Here is their journey:

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They share a beautiful gift that children give us and the love of family. I wrote how butterflies seem to be a theme for us right now here.

And then I got this note:

Dear Jenkins Family,

It was so nice to see you all yesterday, and especially to be able to see Gwen and hold her hand for a few moments. We are all thinking about you so much and following your journey . It was such a coincidence today that our granddaughter , Isla, insisted on putting on her summer butterfly dress ( she made her Mom dig it out of the summer clothes box) and drew a butterfly picture for us. We truly feel the connection to everything you shared with us about butterflies and your Mom. We will think of her always when we see a beautiful butterfly. Our love and prayers are with you tonight.
Love to All
Darryl, Bev,Kristi, Shannon and Trinity

December 24th
Dear Joanna,

Words cannot express how saddened I am that your family must take this journey so early in your mother’s life. As has been said many times, her beautiful smile and infectious laugh will be missed by many. Her legacy will be the inner strength she has passed on to her two beautiful daughters. From the moment of birth we have to complete many journeys that God has asked us to do. This journey is one that your mother’s teaching will see you through. Let it be known that Steve (aka sexy neck) and Craig are blessed to have the Jenkins girls and families in their lives. When your Mom moves on to a new world your Dad will continue to help guide his family through these journeys. When I am travelling through the woods or at one of my favourite fishing haunts and a beautiful butterfly arrives I will be sure to know its significance. May you and your family find peace in your inner strength.

God bless.

Hugs to all.

Coach Darryl.

Be Going Inward

Transition.

Only a beautiful hi from mom this morning.

Down the path.

Moving forward.

Packed her bags.

Going Inward.

My Spirit sits with my mom.

I sit with my mom.

The scarf she knit around my neck.

My tear catcher and prayer shawl.

My Sexy Neck, my boys, my dad, my sister, C, Rea, Jamie, Marnie and Ron at my side.

Going Inward.

Waiting to see how this journey will be.

Knowing your love is holding us up.

Knowing mom is our guide.

She will do it her beautiful, thoughtful way.

Thank you world.

Thank you peeps.

Thank you for holding us close.

Thank you to my beautiful mom for letting me journey with her.

This is such an honour and privilege to be at her side.

I LOVE YOU MOM!

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Be Having Something About Butterflies

A butterfly metamorphosis painting sits on a table at a retreat two weeks ago.

Our retreat leader points it out to me.

My sister talks to mom about flying away like a butterfly.

My dad says the same.

The children talk about butterflies.

It is winter. There is snow on the ground.

Then I see this on the hospice fireplace:

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And then this note arrives from my mom and dad’s beautiful neighbour:

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The children draw some pictures:

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Yup, more butterflies. I just arrived home to mom and dad’s and guess what I saw on the fridge for the first time ever….

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I think either S and A drew it, but I am not sure when or how it got there.

Yup, butterflies everywhere in the middle on winter.

Beautiful butterflies.

Fly Mama Fly.

Be Having Chinese Food From Temptasian’s

Thank you to our dear friend from PG that I went to high school with. Her family has provided so many meals for our family over many many years.

Tonight, she provided some Chinese soul food at Hospice for our entire family. Here are Marnie and I at the kid table:

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Look at this wonderful food:

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If any of our peeps in PG can let Gloria know how grateful we are for her journeying with us, please send her an email, give her a call or a hug!

Be Having A Sunday Morning Update

Mom is having a deep rest this morning after her sleepover with M. She had her morning wash, tooth brush and massage. She loves having her back rubbed. She was even able to swing her legs over the edge of the bed and even had a sip of boost. Her first bit of nourishment in a week.

She was so happy to see her nephew Jamie and niece Marnie. She was waiting for them. She had the biggest smile when she saw Jamie and Marnie. She said, “Ahhhhh, Jamie!”

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We are just awaiting M’s girls and C to arrive.

Today, Wendy heads back up to PG to be our angel up there and spend time with her family. She was able to get to us first and help us in the hospital. She was a huge support and I couldn’t have made it through the last night in the hospital without her.

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Auntie Gail heads back to the Lower Mainland to be our angel down there. Her son, Dave, drove through the snow to get her here! Gail is the most incredibly caring sister i have seen. The respect and love she has for my mom is priceless. We are so grateful for them both.

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Uncle Bill also heads back to the Island. He is a pillar of strength for our family. My dad’s old business partner, confidante and just incredible man.

Gail and Bill saying goodbye:

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We couldn’t do this alone.

The strength you see in us is a reflection of God’s love, my mom’s and all of you back in the world who are holding us up in prayer and thought. My sister is a prayer warrior and she has literally held us up in prayer these last months. Her and C have done amazing feats to physically be here as well. What a pair!

This is a rich, beautiful, peaceful time. Mom is in no pain. We are enjoying sharing time as a family.

There is no fear in death. This is an incredible family time filled with tears, laughter, peace and sadness.

WE ARE PROUD TO BE MOM’S MIDWIVES THROUGH THIS PROCESS.