Early this morning, my Oma (my German grandma) peacefully passed away at St. Mark's Hospital. Even though we are sad and will miss her dearly, we are so grateful she is not sick or hurting anymore and now she is finally reunited with my Opa. Opa died a little over 7 years ago and she has had a broken heart ever since. Then 3 years ago, we thought we were going to lose Oma when my aunt, Gerlinda, found her lying facedown in her home. She was in a coma for a short while (they're not quite sure what the problem was), we all said our goodbyes, but for some reason, only the Lord knows why, she was able to stay with us for a little bit longer. She's struggled with some other illnesses and a broken heart. She really wanted to be with Opa. This past weekend, after being sick all week, they discovered she had cancer in all over her lungs and kidneys. Her kidneys started shutting down and so did everything else. We were able to go up to the hospital yesterday, knowing it would probably be the last time we were able to see her. She looked so tired and sick. She was awake, but seemed a little confused. She started talking to Dan in German. We took one last picture with her before we left. Then my mom called this morning to stay she'd passed away. We are going to miss her but I know she is so HAPPY to be with Opa, her parents and her brothers and sister. Oma, you have been an amazing example of strength and courage to us. We love you so much! God be with you 'til we meet again!
This was taken this past Christmas.
Our kids colored these pictures to give to Oma yesterday at the hospital. Lindsay's is the top portion. It is a picture of Oma and Opa coming to America in a boat and the green person is the Statue of Liberty. She came up with this idea all by herself. She told me she wanted to color a picture of something a long time ago, like when Oma and Opa came to America. That girl doesn't forget anything! Zane's is the middle picture. He drew a flower and on the right side is a treehouse and boat for Oma. Gavin's is the bottom which is just a bunch a cute scribbles.
This is the our last picture with Oma yesterday. She was so tired and sick, but I'm glad we got to see her.
7 comments:
Heather,
Your Oma sounds like a neat person. I'm sorry for your family's loss and happy for her being with her sweetheart again. I'm sure the reunion was glorious. Your kids' pictures are adorable. How wonderful that they were able to get to know their great-grandma! Take Care,
Em
Heather-We are so sorry for your lost.But we know that she is happy were she is?Our thoughts &prayers are with you & your family.Please take care!
Death is so bittersweet, isn't it? I'm sorry for your loss, but thank heavens for the Gospel and for the knowledge that you'll see her again, huh? I remember when my Grandma and Grandpa passed away, we felt the same way. So sad to see them go, but so happy for the reunion going on on the other side of the veil! My thoughts and prayers are with you guys.
Heather, your sweet comments about your Oma brought me to tears. What a great lady she is! Death is so fragile...especially when you know she's about to pass to the other side. I'm so glad she's in no more pain and doesn't have to deal with all the hardships this world can bring. Especially without Opa.
Hope you're doing well.
Love you!
Deb-T
Heather..I saw someone at the hospital the other day that looked like you..so I decided to see if you had a blog..and lo and behold.. you do! (I thought you probably would, you're a creative girl like that :) ANYWHO, I just wanted to say hi..your little family looks wondeful and you look absolutely beautiful, btw!
And I meant to tell you, I'm really sorry about your Oma, I'm sure it's a bitter sweet experience..let me know if there's anything I can do for you
Heather & Dan -
I am so sad for the loss in your family. I know she was loved by all. We are truly blessed to have the gospel in our lives, so we know this is just a temporary loss. You are in our prayers.
H
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