Catching up with us...

Well, many of you are asking how we are doing. So, I'm updating the blog so you'll know! Not a WHOLE lot going on here, but enough. A week ago, we went back to work. It was no fun. It just seemed depressing to me. I think my friend Jamie said it best, it just feels wrong when the rest of the world is going on as normal, but you don't feel like you should. And that is exactly how it felt. I allowed the rest of last week to be a wash. I didn't get much accomplished at work (sorry boss!) and less at home. I didn't eat right, didn't exercise, blog or do much of anything productive. But this week, I committed to get back on the bandwagon of life. That's the way Mary would have wanted it.

During all the festivities, I was able to use my new camera to take a few photos that I felt came out very well. Don't worry...nothing morbid in these...

All of what we have been through has been very hard. We've all shed tears. Lots of them. But this will serve to only make us stronger. I believe that. I truly do. And I think it has changed us. Changed Steve and I as a couple. Changed the Taylors as a family. At least I hope it has. I hope that something in Mary's life changed us for the better.

Now that things have settled down a bit, I have lots more coherent thoughts. Let me relay in more detail the story of Mary's final moments as I've been told...then I'll move on to other things...

On Wednesday night, about 11:30pm we received the call that hopsice had visited (due to other issues) and given Mary about 24 hours. Steve went first and called me after being there about 15 minutes to say I should get Jenna up and come say what I needed to say while she was still with us.

I did and arrived shortly after midnight (I really can't remember when). The family was gathered around the bed. Mary was slightly coherent with her eyes open a little when she was spoken to. They announced our arrival and she hugged Jenna and stated "There's my baby girl, Jenna Grace"...for those that know me, know I refer to JG as my baby girl ALL the time. And now you know where I got that. :)

Anyway, Mary hugged me and told me she loved me. I told her I loved her too and asked her when she got to heaven would she find my Mom and tell her I love her. And she said, "I will. I certainly will". Anyway, the night wore on with almost all the family there. There are 4 Taylor kids, plus their siblings and each of their children. As the night work on, we caught sleep where we could. In the morning, Steve and I took Jenna to school and headed back. All day long, we waited...the only family member missing was my niece who had moved to California almost a year earlier. She had a flight out that Thursday morning to arrive in the evening. Her plan was to come here for a few months to help with Mary's care. Unfortunately, due to fog, she missed her flight and had to be rescheduled for a flight (with about 3-4 layovers) that would not arrive until 10:30pm on Thursday night.

After a full day and night of off and on sleep and being on an emotional roller coaster, Steve, Jenna, Micah and I went to spend the night at my sisters house which was close by. In the meantime, my sister in law picked up my niece from the airport. They arrived back at the house and announced her arrival. Mind you, Mary had been sporadically breathing and not conscious for almost 18 hours at this point. When they announced that the last family member had arrived, Mary opened her eyes and saw my niece. It was at that time she drew a breath and then there was no more.

Now...does that leave you with chill bumps???

OK...now for the update on the Taylors...