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

Saturday, December 27, 2008

My mom "Grandma Lorraine" passed away last night...


Last night on Dec. 26th, at 9:17 p.m. my sweet mother passed away from this life, and joined my dad in her new heavenly home. Gayle, Annette, and my mom's friend Sue were all there to comfort her in her final journey.

Earlier in the day Gayle had called as she was concerned that my mom was still in pain. Hospice was coming to make some adjustments to her medications. I had just arranged to fly out as I felt so helpless at home doing "nothing" but calling every few hours. She had been so strong and was rallying to the end; I thought there may still be time for one more visit. The Hospice nurse came after I spoke with Gayle and he adjusted the dosaging of the medications. The new dosages had her very comfortable as the evening went on, although she was still trying to communicate with those around her with vocalizations, raising her eyebrows, etc...

Around 8 p.m. Annette and Sue came over and Sue was such a reassuring presence as she has knowledge of the dying process and helped put everyone at ease with what was happening. At 9 p.m. my mom begun to cough, or attempt to clear her throat, and minutes later she took her final breath. Annette called me shortly after. An hour later the Hospice nurse came back to confirm her passing and discarded all medications, etc...When the funeral home arrived, Annette talked me through everything that was happening, and it sounded very peaceful.

Before the funeral home workers left, they placed a single long stemmed rose on my mom's bed, and we all said our final goodbyes. Annette gave my mom a final kiss for me, and I shared my last, "I love you's" via the phone that Annette placed at her ear. As you can imagine, it was a very sad moment for all of us left behind, but there is also peace for my mother that she suffers no more, that she is once again reunited with my dad and can now be at perfect peace. She was surrounded by love and warmth, and I am so grateful to Annette and Gayle for remaining by her side to the end of her journey.

Remembering my mom the way we were...

My mom's birthplace and her favorite place to visit, Maui, Hawaii...Our Hawaiian vacation in 2006. My dad is behind the camera.


Remembering...My mom came to help with Ashlyn's 6th birthday in 2007.


Spending time together in August of 2008.


God bless you Mom, you will always be loved...


Steffi and Edward, please contact me when you are able. Thank you...

19 comments:

glitzen said...

OH dear friend, I am so sorry. There are no words. I am praying for comfort.

Lucy Marie said...

Praying for peace and comfort for you and your family during this time.

Unknown said...

Not knowing your mother...she is so beautiful... Hugs! Take Care of yourself...

Lory Howlett said...

I am so sorry for your loss...
Lory in Longmont

Mindy said...

I am sorry for your loss. Praying for you and your family.

Aloha Grandma Lorraine.

Lori said...

I'm so sorry...i'm praying for you to be comforted.

Sue said...

I am so sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing your mom with us. She's every bit as beautiful as you described.... and the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.

Peace to you, my friend. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Love,
Sue

Kim said...

"To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord". What a glorious promise from God to His children.

Thank you for being such a wonderful daughter. Our thought, prayers and hugs are with your whole family during these difficult days. We love you all.

LenaLoo said...

My prayers go out for you and your family, indeed it is sad for those "left behind" but you know your mom is doing the hula in heaven!

jean said...

I'm so sorry for your loss.
Praying for comfort and peace for you and your family.

Candace said...

He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."
Revelation 21:4

Anonymous said...

Myself and all the Lady's of Sacred Heart Church are praying God continues to comfort you and your family, and he continues to give you the strength he has given you to get throuogh this sad time.
We will never forget your Mother, as she was a remarkable Lady, she has tought all of us how to live with dignity an pride. She is a blooming Rose that will bloom forever.....
Love & a New Friend to you:
Beverly C.

stefanie said...

Denise,
I'm so deeply sorry for you and your family. I'm joining everyone else in prayer for you all.

Lorri said...

Dear Denise and Tom...we are so sorry to hear of your loss even though we all knew it was near. That doesn't make it any easier.

I am so proud of you and your mom and how you all lived this past year with so much joy and grace and purpose. I am glad that she isn't in any more pain and that you had so many special times this past year.

We love you and your family...Lorri and Scott

LvPoohBr2 said...

I'm so sorry for your loss, but praise God she is by His side singing praises! God bless you and your family.

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

We are so very sorry for your loss. Hugs Love & Prayers
The Entire Drummond Family

glitzen said...

I am thinking of you often today. I pray that you will find comfort from friends and family as you share stories, and laugh and cry together. Your mother is so beautiful, and she made her transition with grace and beauty. I don't even know her, and yet I'm proud of her for you.

Unknown said...

Denise, This is your old friend Gina. I have been following your blog since your Christmas card arrived. You have gone through such an amazingly hard journey with such grace and dignity. I am so very proud of you, and I know that your mom is too. You are one amazing person! Our family's prayers continue to be with you during this difficult time, and rest assured that god is telling your mom "Well done my good and faithful servant, well done." Praying for you, Tom and the kids! Keep in touch! Love you lots! Gina

Gone said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. We're praying for you and your family!

~Blessings,
Jan & Tom