07.21.10

My grandpa has been sick for the past couple of years. Though, most of the time, he seemed well. It was coming unto this past year that he really started to experience enough pain that kept him (sometimes) from doing the things he loved.
Unfortunately, it wasnt long after we left Ohio that I got news that he was admitted to the hospital for an infection. I worried, but kept in contact, and assumed he would pull through, as always.
Rather quickly, his health declined. My family brought him home, and admitted him to hospice. The infection had spread and was causing him a lot of pain in his lower abdomen and hips, so the hardest part was pain management. Too much medicie and his vitals would become non-existent, too little and he was in so much pain, he could barely eat. Luckily, my mom, my aunt, my sister, and my cousin are all nurses. My other cousin works as a surgery tech, and was able to help out tons as well, and my youngest sister is an STNA, so with everyones help, they were able to take care of him in the comfort of his home.
My mom and I have been keeping close contact through emails. She updates me constantly on his health and their daily activities. It was at this point though that I started to consider possibly going home.
After talking with my mom and sisters, I decided it would be best if I came home sooner then later, and booked a plan ticket to land in Ohio on July 21st. However, the next day, my mom said things had gotten worse and that I needed to come home right away. In a panic, I booked my flight to leave the next day. My new ticket meant that I would arrive in Cleveland on Tuesday, July 12th....my grandpas birthday (78 Years old!). Though expensive, John totally understood. The last thing he or I wanted was to be in Australia while my family was going through something like this. I felt like I at least needed to be there to help out. If it weren't for John's sister, I never would have made it back. Thank you Lisa!
I told work, and Terry totally understood. He let me know I had my job still when I came back, even though at the time, John and I had no idea when that would be, if I came back at all.
John isnt able to fly back. We cant afford it, and it is best if he stays in Port Douglas to work so he stayed. It was hard saying good bye, but I know I will be back soon. It just sucks that I have to go through such a tough time in my life with out him. We have never spent more then a week apart since we started dating, so it will be hard, needless to say.
When I landed, Jessi picked me up. She barely recognized me with my light hair. She took me straight to my grandparents house. Taylor and Heather was there along with my mom and Keith, Amber and Adam, and my cousin Amanda.
I went to my grandpa and gave him a kiss. I let him know it was me, and that I came home to be with him. At this point, his medication kept him from being too verbal, even though he understood everything that was going on around him. I sat next to him and held his hand, and he squeezed me, two times, letting me know he understood I was there. I choked back a few tears, and started to converse with my family about Australia and our time away from home so far. It was good to be home.
I really didnt want to leave Australia, or John, but the moment I was with my family; there was no where else on the earth I had rather be then right there with them. I spent the night, except for Saturdays when my aunt would stay. Two people would be with him always, and because I didnt have an agenda, offered to stay as much as possible. It took me a good week to finally get over jet lag, but it was convenient for everyone since I would sleep during the day and be awake all night long.
Today, I had run back to my moms to take a shower and get refreshed. I had gone grocery shopping for my grandma to help make dinner, and just got home when I got a phone call from my sister. She said that grandpa wasnt doing well so that we should all head over there. It wasnt but a few minutes later that my mom called back in tears...he had taken his last breath.
The family all drove to my grandmas, and we just cried in each others arms. It was a strange grief we were all experiencing. We were all so sad that our grandpa had left us, but all so relieved that he was no longer in pain.
He past away peacefully, with my mom holding one hand, and my grandma, his loving wife, holding the other.
He died on the same day that my original plane ticket was to arrive, so I knew immediately, I made the right choice in arriving earlier. I got to spend a week with him, helping out as much as a could, and I will be able to be there for my family, and honor my grandpas memory at his funeral.
We love you very much grandpa. -In loving memory of Melvin Schuering.