The Kofford Family relocates to Colorado after 40 years as Californians. In December of 2007, Grandma Lorraine is diagnosed with Stage 4 brain cancer. Sadly, she passed away on Dec. 26th, 2008 after a year long courageous battle. Follow our journey as we keep Lorraine's memory alive, and as we learn to appreciate that each day we are given, is a gift to be enjoyed!

“Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.”
~Maria Robertson

Thursday, December 25, 2008

Christmas Miracles...


Merry Christmas friends and family! We hope you have all enjoyed a beautiful day celebrating Christ's birth with your families.

We continue to be amazed by the stories we are hearing from my mom's house. I spoke with my mom's caregivers and friends 4 times today, as well as my mom for a few brief spoken words. She has these brief moments where she comes out of the nonresponsive state and opens her eyes, communicates, and will attempt to speak. They are beginning to understand what she may be needing as Gayle told her to raise her eyebrows for "yes" and close her mouth for "no." The system is working well and they continue to be in awe that for a few minutes at at time she is able to do this. They held the phone to her ear today, and the kids each spoke with her telling her a story or two, and sharing many, "I love you's!"

During my last phone call I learned that the case manager from Hospice was driving to Redding tonight to pick up a special prescription and would be taking it back to my mom this evening. I was unclear as to what the medication is, but apparently she was moaning this evening and they were uncertain as to whether she was trying to communicate or if she was in pain. She had two droppers full of water today and a teaspoon of applesauce. Her friend Beverly stopped by to pray with her, and this was very comforting. Tonight, Annette and her daughter Manda are both staying the night with her caregiver Sharon. I hope and pray that she is able to find the comfort needed to make her transition with no pain, no fear, and only peace.

Yesterday a beautiful bouquet of flowers arrived from my mom, via her special elf helper Annette! Annette later said she showed my mom several pictures of arrangements and my mom pointed to the one she wanted to send. I put the arrangement right in front of my kitchen sink so I am reminded often of my special mother and her love for us.

Thank you again for your encouragement and prayers, and please know that I will keep you up to date on my mom's status in this ever evolving journey. We send all our love and gratitude to you this Christmas day.

9 comments:

glitzen said...

Oh Denise, the idea of those lovely flowers that are sitting there with you, being from your mom. Its heart wrending. Your family has a special gift of reaching out to one another. We could all learn from your example. Thank you, with all that you are facing right now, for including us in your journey, and continuing to give up updates. I was telling my daddy about you and your mom today, and I started to cry and then HE did too.
Christmas miracles are the best kind. ((((hugs)))))It is my prayer that this day may not be the day of your mom's transition.

Unknown said...

What beautiful flowers... your mom is special and she is lucky to have wonderful hospice care.. Take Care...

Lucy Marie said...

Merry Christmas Denise. Continuing to pray for you this holiday season. The flower arrangement is incredibley beautiful and very special. God bless you.

Sue said...

Good Morning Denise!

What a beautiful idea to send you flowers, and what a beautiful bouquet she picked.
Continued prayers for the whole family for peace during this time of transition.
I'm so happy that you all had your Christmas miracle... God is good.

Thank you for keeping us posted.

Kim said...

So encouraged to read your post and the comments from everyone who is keeping you all in their thoughts and prayers as we are as well.

Enjoy your beautiful bouquet and remember how much love your mom has for you!

Always,
Kim

glitzen said...

thank you for your "letter" to me on my blog. glad you enjoyed our christmas card. thinking of you today, and keeping you snug in my prayers.

I found this today in my devotional, and found it to be wonderful.

"God loves each of us, as if there were only one of us"
Augustine

Oh if we could only believe and remember that? Doesn't it seem so hard to grasp? It is for me. But so true. So true.

Remember God is your Daddy. He wants you to crawl into his lap and cry to him. He welcomes you, your grief, your worry, your confusion, even your anger. He listens. He comforts.

Bryce, Suzanne, David & Toby Drummond said...

Denise,

It's so wonderful to hear that your mom is suprising everyone! She is so strong, as are you for being so strong through all of this. Thank you for continuing to update us on what is going on, we are constantly thinking of the family and praying for all. Let us know if there is anything you or your mom needs. Hugs Love & Prayers - The Drummonds

Lori said...

What a tresure you Mom is. That is something my Mom would do. She is always thinking of others and wanting to give & give.

I feel like I'm losing my Mom reading what you write. So I'm totally empahtizing with you and praying for you and your Mom. God bless you.

Lori said...

Thank you so much Denise for taking time to stop by my blog!
and for your very kind words.
I'm so glad Geri introduced me to you. I feel richer for knowing about you and how you love your Mom. You have been teaching me to love my Mom and treasure every moment with her. Thank you for that!