Its a warm beautiful day, and the sun is shining.
Leni returned to her beloved little California bungalow this afternoon around noon. The departure from the hospital was emotional - many of her former co-workers were the staff who attended to us over the past few days, and several came by today to share a few words of support and to share anecdotes of how she cared for them, nurtured them, supported them. We were honored to know that she touched so many people at Mercy General. And we were honored to know that as we were leaving, some of those co-workers were going to mass to pray for her.
As we wheeled Mom to the waiting ambulance, I leaned in close to her and said, "Mom, we're going home."
"Hurray...!" she replied with a feeble voice - she was so happy! Please realize that she is peaceful and content with her decsion to return home and enter hospice. We, too are ready to face what lies ahead for us. She told us yesterday that things are in God's hands - and we know things will be OK.
My brothers and I, our families and Mom's family have gathered at her house. It feels good to be together.
5 comments:
Leni - I can hear you saying "hurray" in that I have heard you say that before. That saying has over time been a gift. In truth, you are a gift to me and to so many. I am glad that you are surrounded by family and loved ones. May you feel their love and the love of those who are not present. You are easy to love. You are a wonderful friend and great mentor. Your strength, courage and ability to connect are evident. In this time, may you have moments of rest and glimpses of laughter.
Much Love,
Dana
As my eyes are filled with tears reading of the events that have happened since last visiting the blog, there is a sense of calm that transcends through your postings. Leni is an amazing woman and I think of her and can not help but smile. I feel honored and blessed to have my life touched in a very special way by her spirit. I believe that we are all spiritual beings and our spirits are what drives us. I believe that my spirit and Leni's spirit connected. We did not see each other very often over the past couple years but when we did, my spirit smiled to be in her presence once again. I'm sad but still amazed by the power of faith because just because we don't always get what we want, real faith doesn't change, it doesn't fade, it's not questioned but it just continues to be the only thing that we can really hang on to. God is still God, even in our sadness and our pain. I am so thankful to have that unwavering faith because that is what sustains me. I hope that you all have such a faith and can be sustained and comforted by that. You all remain in my prayers.
Dear Leni
I am so glad you are home with your wonderful sons and their wives...my father (Uncle George) and I remember so fondly the lobster rolls you brought us to Norwich so many years ago when the boys were so young and you visited .....what a rare treat for us .. my parents' photo album still contains the annual photos of the boys you sent us each year .. what a handsome group ! you are loved by us and by so many and that is a wonderful thing and the mark of a life well lived.....God BLess you from Norwich .... your Cousin Maureen and Uncle George ...
Leni and Family,
Hi Everyone! You are all in our thoughts and prayers. We lit a candle for you and to be with you last Sunday. Thanks for making us part of the family for a time when we lived in San Diego. May the peace you've given continue to surround you now. How small words seem when standing next to such mystery. May your gathering be a sanctuary for all who enter.
Reverent Love
Barbara and Meghan
We are all holding you in love, Leni. You were included in the meeting Monday night. You are in our hearts. Zoie
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