My Grandpa Adamson died on Wednesday. He was 81. Over the past decade he slowly changed as Dementia set in and completely wiped his ability to communicate. He was always a rough ol' cowboy with a vocabulary that intimidated me as a child and made us giggle as teenagers. But in his later (and much quieter) years he always had a big grin on his face and was ready to pat your shoulder. Last month grandpa began to show more and more aggression as he couldn't express himself and was, more often than not, terribly confused. So the decision was made to put him in a home where they could care for him and where he would be safe. Unfortunately, he was only there for 2 weeks when he slipped and fell in the bathroom.
On Saturday, the 10th, Grandpa broke 5 ribs, which then caused thoracic hematoma (bleeding and fluid in his chest cavity). He was taken to the ER on Monday, where he was given enough morphine to stay comfortable as his lung capacity decreased. Tuesday night some family gathered but we all felt he would last through the night at least, so we left.
Wednesday, the 14th, the doctor told us that his oxygen was decreasing. And it was obvious from the rattling in his lungs, and the fever on his skin that he wouldn't live without the oxygen mask. Grandpa had signed a DNR and so to honor his wishes, we knew we needed to stop the oxygen and let him live as long as he felt the need. So, family trickled in from near and far as we kept Grandpa comfortable. He was non-responsive, but hanging on, waiting for the last of his loved ones to come.
At around 8:30pm, when everyone had finally arrived that could, we removed the oxygen, gave grandpa a priesthood blessing and a wonderful send off. He only lasted a few minutes after that. In the room, he had a sister, brother-in-law, 3 of 4 children and their spouses, 6 grandchildren, and even little Sofie, a great-grandchild. 4 generations to say goodbye and definitely had loved ones to welcome him to the other side. It was peaceful and an incredible experience to be there when the veil was at its thinnest! Grandpa's last breath was one that was surrounded by the strongest of bonds.
Sofie enjoying the legacy that Ol' Shag left. Some people may not know that we are house sitting for G-ma and now the late G-pa, here in Pleasant Grove. G-ma broke her arm and had to have surgery just a few days after G-pa went to the Rest Home, so there was no one here to look after the house. Derek, Sofie and I moved in on Saturday, just a few days before G-pa passed.
G-pa'd probably tan her hide and say a few choice words if he was here! ;) He always took great care of his things.
Wish we had some Wranglers!
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