Sad Times

It's been a while since I've blogged. It's been crazy here. Many of you know that John's mom was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer right after Thanksgiving 2006 - 16 months ago. She beat the odds that they gave her, but she finally lost her battle with the dreaded disease and died last week. The last week has been a whirlwind of emotions and stress, but we've made it to the other side and are now trying to resume "normal" activities following the funeral on Monday, April 7. We know that "normal" will be different now with her gone, but are doing our best to adjust and explain it to the kids. While we knew it was coming, the end was VERY FAST, which blindsided us a bit, but really was an answer to prayer. She went from her "normal self", albeit on pain medication and growing weaker every day, to gone in 9 days. A blessing for all those involved that she didn't suffer and and we and John's dad did not grow as weary being the caregivers. The hospice workers that we had for the last 5 days were fabulous and she died at home. She was 82 and lived a full life. We'll miss you, Hazel Mae, Grandma Bauer, and Mom.