[JustAmy]

First for all who do not know, Clovis_Skeptic is Connie's brother. I know posting these updates have not been easy for him. Thank you, Clovis_Skeptic. Our prayers are with you.

Last night, I received and email from Tom. He gave me permission to post it.

Connie has not left us yet but is knocking at Heaven’s gate. She is resting peacefully and we are able to administer what appears to be the perfect dose of pain medication. We have tried 4 different ones and finally found one easy to administer and effective enough to keep her at ease. We are anticipating her final moments and hopefully it will be as peaceful as her rest appears to be at this time . Jesus will certainly take this one. A comforting note is that she told me " I AM going to Heaven", so that tells me she was not as afraid of the unknown coming destination as most people appear to be. I told her how fortunate she is to have a first class ticket. I told her how lucky she is to be taking THE trip and how selfish I am for wanting her to stay with me and put off the wonderful things ahead of her.

This has been so hard to watch over the last 20 months. She has been leaving a little at a time and only in the last month or so has it been to the point where you could see the changes daily. She is such a strong person. Not once have I seen her cry about her being sick and having a terminal illness. There were times during the last few weeks that she showed her irritability but it was from not feeling well and certainly understandable. My prayers always included asking God to help and guide me to do the things that would keep her comfortable. I tried to keep her comfort in the forefront of all activities, to the point of at times she would tell me "stop, I am fine".

Amy, I never thought in my time on this earth that I would experience a feeling so strong for anyone as I have for Connie. We have had such a wonderful time together, such fun and laughter she brought with her at every turn in her life with me. During her illness and fighting to keep death at a distance, I never thought a little simple sweet smile would become so precious to remember. She would tell me almost every night "goodnight sweetheart, I love you ­ see you in the morning". She could say that with such a sweet voice ­ how I will miss that. After 19+ years of marriage, we have only spent 5 or 6 days apart and that was when I traveled for business. I usually managed to take her with me. Life has its interruptions and this certainly is a devastating one for me ­ she wanted me to retire so we could spend more time together .... a cloud got in the way of our sunshine!!

Love you all,
Tom

PLease continue to pray for this FReeper Family.

[rintense]

My prayers for a peaceful journey home, my dear LiR.

[Alamo-Girl]

Thank you for sharing this with us. Prayers continue for LadyinRed and all the loved ones.

[DollyCali]

thank you for the faithful reporting & sharing of your soul, Tom

I am very convinced with my years as a hospice chaplain that as a person goes thru the dying process ...sometimes over months.. they are offered glimpses of paradise & interaction with the GOOD spirit world & God’s essence... most are NOT remembered consciously but this makes the transition for them so much easier.

It reminds me of the song.. Turn your eyes upon Jesus..

and particularly the words

And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of his glory &grace.

I believe this is what Connie experiences. Surely loving her earthly family but now knowing in her soul what awaits.. and no fear in the transition.

Bless you all.. It is not hard on her as much as you all .. she is off to the PhD classes while we all sit in kindergarten

[afnamvet]

Thanks for posting the update Amy. Connie will be in a glorious place. No more pain and suffering.

[melt]

Prayers up.

[no more apples]

Thank you, Jonny, for giving me the heads up. I just got in from South Dakota and have been out of the loop for a while.

Thank you, Amy, for your posts. They have helped those of us who aren’t close enough to know a person and their family intimately, but wish we could.

Clovis, my prayers and hugs are with you and your family and friends. I have had some wonderful conversations with Connie. Having lost my step-mom over a year ago and seeing what my father went through - and helping him with that pain, happiness, selfishness...all those crazy emotions...I can only say this: I wish you joy. May you only have joy in your thoughts of Connie - always! (Even through your tears.) I thank God for giving you both so many wonderful years together.

[Brad’s Gramma]

A ping to #942....with tears yet JOY knowing that she WILL be at peace with her Lord...

[Fawnn]

Thank you for posting Tom’s note. My heart goes out to him and to Clovis_Skeptic as well.

And, of course, my prayers continue for Connie.

[Diver Dave]

" I AM going to Heaven"

Hallelujah! May His name be praised for this Gift He gives freely.

As I read Tom's message, the song No More Nights came to mind. Follow the link to a you tube presentation by David Phelps at a Gaither Family Gathering

No More Nights by David Phelps (You Tube)

[Sun]

Thank you for sharing the e-mail.

More prayers for Connie and all of her loved ones.

[Mama_Bear]

Oh, Amy, how hard it was to read that email from Tom! How beautifully he expressed his love for his very special Connie.

My heart is breaking for everyone who loves her and is suffering through this difficult time. Having just lost my beloved Mother a few short weeks ago, I know the pain of saying goodbye. I am praying that Angels surround Connie and that God comforts her family and friends with His perfect peace.

Later, after we get home, I will write privately to Tom. I think it is important that he knows how Connie touched people’s lives and how much those of us who were blessed to know her are going to miss her.

Thanks for posting his email. What a beautiful love they share!

[Tribune7]

prayers continue