Jordan Powers

Last Friday, the 18th, I got a call from my sister saying my Grandma wasn’t doing well, and was being taken to ICU after being brought to the emergency room the previous evening.  I talked to my Grandma on the phone shortly after, and she was very hard to understand, but the one thing I heard was “When are you coming?”.  My Grandma always asked when I was coming home - only this time, I knew it might by the last time she asked me that.  I left at 630pm and drove through the night - arriving in Toledo at 8am sharp.  I slept for a few hours and then headed up to the hospital.  It was hard seeing my Grandma tired and unable to speak clearly.  She knew what was going on, and was in good spirits.  She was even joking with people as she normally did.  That was good to see.  

On Sunday, she wasn’t doing any better.  In fact, they started talking about bringing her home and getting Hospice care to help transition.  My Grandma was raised and was a devout Catholic.  I wanted to be sure she understood that Jesus was her Lord and Savior - and why.  I read her some passages that my friend sent to me and asked her if she understood - and accepted Jesus into her heart.  She did, and then said “I always thought Catholicism was the only religion, but I changed my mind”.  This was a huge shocker - and a good thing.  

Luckily, we were able to bring her home from the hospital so that she could pass, while in her own bed and surrounded by her children and grandchildren.  Two hours later, she was gone - peaceful and painless.  It was surreal.  My last Grandparent by blood.  There are so many more details that went into the events before and after her death, but I will leave them to memory.  Nothing but goodness.  

I came back home changed, and thankful for so many things that I have always been thankful for, but now there is more meaning behind it all.  I didn’t think her passing would have such an impact on me, and maybe it is just that I have finally been able to settle down and reflect on it after a week of running around, celebrating her life, my Mom’s birthday, and traveling back and forth.  

Here are some more random thoughts in regards to this that I can’t squeeze into the story:

• I listened to “Heaven” By Randy Alcorn.  11 hour book that could have been shortened into an hour or two - but good nonetheless.  Recommend it to anyone. 
• Twitter and Facebook seem useless, although I am probably just using them wrong.  I am taking the apps off of my phone, and doing a spring cleaning to my lists. 
• I am sad, but thankful that my Grandma confirmed her stance with Big J.  I know I will see her again.  
• I did not want to leave home. Being around family was amazing, and exactly what I needed.  I always appreciate them, but I am especially grateful for this last week.  There is a small part of me that is wanting to just move back.
• I am not a crier.  It is very rare.  I felt tears pushing against the back of my eyes several times this week, but I just couldn’t let them go.