Friday, January 18, 2008

Thank You


I cannot begin to thank each and every one of you who have helped me through this most difficult week. All of the thoughts and prayers were heard and my brother is on the mend. For that I thank you all.

When you are asked to come to a loved one's bedside to say goodbye, it is a moment you will never forget. I can't even begin to express the emotions that arise from such a conversation. A week ago tonight, this is exactly what I was told by my brother's personal nurse, Rosemary. I can tell you, I never want to hear those words again.

I have been surrounded by so many friends and family that have helped me through this painful experience. I cannot begin to thank each and every one; but I will try.

My brother Jim was my rock. He phoned me as soon as I arrived at the airport and met me at the hospital late Saturday night. And, he was there with me every day. Each day, we left the hospital only to have lunch; at which time he made sure it was a good lunch, of course. We hit our favorite restaurants; and it was a well needed break for both of us. The time he needed to be away, he phoned me, I phoned him; we stayed in close contact. I can't express how desperately needed he was by both me and our brother John. And he was there. Thank you, Jim, for holding me together.

To Mary Jane, my dear sister-in-law who took me in, cooked dinner and waited up each night, I owe you so much. Coming "home" made the day's tribulations disappear. I don't know what I would have done without you and Sunny (her kitty). And to MJ's family and friends, my niece Kelly, MJ's sister Trisha and her friend Tanya who phoned in every day to see how Johnny was doing, I send you my love and thanks.

For all the friends who phoned me to see if I needed anything, offer a bed, a bite to eat, a visit and offered their thoughts and prayers, I thank you. The GGC--Kelly, Amy and Pam--were there from the get-go. We made a pact during our reunion this fall that we were to keep each other posted on our ups and downs. It was them I sent my first email to explaining Johnny's condition. Knowing they had me covered for anything I needed made all the difference in the world. Thank you guys.

Linda, who was on the phone to me as soon as she heard, I thank you for our wonderful conversation. I can't tell you how peaceful it was to hear your voice and to know you were there, just a short drive away if I needed a place.

For all the personal emails and comments left on the blog that just warmed my heart, I thank you.

To Sherrie, the biggest thank you for popping in on such short notice to watch over mom in the boys' absence. How reassuring it was knowing mom was being taken care of in our absence was one less thing for me to worry about. You are the sweetest person ever.

The boys--the hub, the teenager and the kid--who pitched in and made sure mom didn't even miss me, all the phone calls, the reassurances and just knowing you were there, I give you all big hugs and kisses forever.

To Alisa, who is there by my brother's side, day and night and who made him smile ear to ear after he awoke and saw her walking in; I send you my warmest thanks and love. It was such a pleasure finally meeting you.

To the visitors who came by to visit John, I thank you. I know he heard each and every word of encouragement you whispered in his ear. I will never forget you.

And Rosemary, John's personal nurse, who admitted him to the hospital, pushed him to fight when he fell so ill, stayed on top of the doctors and kept us informed on what it all meant and who pulled us all together, you are our "Florence Nightingale." John is with us today because of you. Words cannot express the sincere gratitude we have for you. You are a true angel here on earth. (I swear I saw your wings.)

And all the nurses in the ICU. How awesome they all were. I thanked them all over and over again.

So you see, my family and friends, I have a lot to be thankful for. I am thankful for each and every one of you. Please know how much I appreciate everything. Every big thing. Every little thing. It all amounted to my brother getting better. And he will continue to get better because of us all. We all can make a difference. We all did make a difference.

Thank you.

14 comments:

Janet said...

That is great news! I'm so glad your brother is doing better. It must have been a difficult trip but also one with a happy ending. It's times like this when you really need your friends and family around you and it sounds as if you had that 100%.

Vallen said...

Oh my gosh, I have worried about you and your brother every day, keeping my fingers crossed each time I waited for you page to load, hoping to see good news there. I am thrilled that your brother is on the mend and grateful that you were so well taken care of.
Love you.

robin laws said...

hello rosa! gosh i had no idea you had this beautiful blog out here in the digital universe to share. i just adore the idea for your blogging: saving all the posts in a bound book for your sons. i agree that is a wonderful way to avoid the mommie dearest best seller that they might have tried to concoct had you not kept the record straight :) i am glad to hear your brother is beginning to heal. this must have been simply awful for you. thank you for visiting me at my blog. it was such a nice surprise! take care and you and your family will be in my prayers.
robin

ChrisJ said...

So glad to hear brother John is on the mend. Hope you can take some time for yourself now that the worst of the crisis over. You have a great support team ... and God is good ALL the time. Still praying for and you.

Anonymous said...

This was one of the happiest posts I have read in such a long time. I am so glad your brother is doing much better.
Such a blessing.

Hugs,

Jeanne said...

Much love and many blessings for you and your brother and all the family.
God bless you all real good.
Love Jeanne

Shelley said...

Oh Rosa...I am so happy to read this entry. Just a testimony to the love of family and friends and the power of prayer. God bless you all. May he continue to improve as prayers continue as well.

Love,

Shelley

Stephanie D said...

Oh, what wonderful news! I am so happy for you all! I'm glad you have so many people who can take up the slack so you can be with your brother. I know it means a lot to him to have his family around him, and his recovery will be easier with all this support.

I will continue to pray for this wonderful group of people, as well as you and your brother. Be well.

SOINSPIRED said...

I'm so happy for you that your brother is doing better and that you're back home.

Beth said...

Girl,,I sure was glad to get your e-mail this morning. I am so thankful he is so much better. I look forward to seeing you on monday.
xoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Lena said...

This news has brightened my day. I'm very glad that your brother is on the mend, and I will continue to wish him well, and I wish you peace, Rosa. I know how hard times like this can be, and how much they take out of a person. We come away from them stronger and more appreciative of everything, and everyone.

Take care.

Jeanie said...

This was truly the best post I could ever hope to read. I am thrilled John is "back" and things are going well. I will keep the good vibes going, but will rest a bit easier knowing things are on the upswing. You take care.

Lisa Oceandreamer Swifka said...

I'd been checking for updates and when I came today and saw your post he's on the mend....I swear I wanted to cry from relief for him, for you and for your entire family.
That call is one no one wants to get.....
Your vigilance and that of the nurse and your brother et al...I am sure gave John strength. Knowing he was SO surrounded with love and caring is THE best medicine there is.
Please know I wish I could wrap my arms around you right now in a warm embrace for all the worry.
Good news, such good news.
Love,
Lisa
XOXO

Rosa's Yummy Yums said...

I'm so pleased to hear that your brother is on the mend. Great news! I prayed for such a positive outcome and thought about you every day...

Cheers and take care,

Rosa

xoxoxo

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