Last Thursday we had
another significant setback, if we can really call it that. We met with
Dr. Kelly Tobias, a pain specialist. We must have
been her last patient because we were with her for an hour and a half. She
determined that Irene was not healthy enough to proceed with the planned
chemotherapy the next day. For several days Irene has not been able to
speak the words that she wants to speak. Sometimes it is worse than
others and has seemed to continually get a little harder for her to
communicate. Near the end of the appointment, kind of out of nowhere,
Irene asked Dr. Tobias, "What is the time
frame" As I write this I am not sure those were her exact words, but
I looked at her and was wondering what she was asking about. Dr. Tobias
turned to her and in a very kind and professional manner explained that it is
often very difficult to discuss this issue, but that she thought Irene may have
a month or two left. It was a sweet moment and I think Irene understood
what she was saying. Dr. Tobias explained that she would consult with Dr.
Homsi and she would have Hospice of
the Valley contact us.
By Saturday afternoon
Irene was resting comfortably in a hospital bed
placed at the foot of our bed. All of our children, many of the
grandchildren and dear friends have come to visit. She was able to
recognize everyone and communicate her love, but could not quite get all the
words out that she would like to speak. Even sipping ice water, which she
loves, was getting difficult. The pain meds had been changed to liquids rather than
tablets and capsules because she had
some difficulty in swallowing the pills. The hospice nurses suspected that her
condition may go down rather quickly, but that did not seem to be the case to
me. We have had some sacred moments together when she wanted to talk
about her dying. Neither of us thought that would happen anytime soon.
Sunday night Irene
drifted into a coma and continued unresponsive until she quietly passed away
this morning at 9:10 a.m. Dana, Gayla
and I spent the last twelve hours at her side.
Her funeral will be on
Saturday, July 6, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. at the Mesa Alta Mesa Stake Center located
at 5250 East McLellan, Mesa, AZ 85205. A
viewing will be held at the Bunker Family Memorial Chapel on Centennial Way in
downtown Mesa on Friday, July 5, 2013 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. There will also be
a viewing at the stake center on Saturday at 9:00 a.m. before the service.
We are eternally grateful for the love and concern expressed by so many dear friends. We are at peace and know that she is "...encircled eternally in the arms of His love."
Our deepest love to you and your family. We were disappointed to know that we will not be in town for the services due to a grandson's baptism in Oregon but our hearts and thoughts will be will you. What a wonderful example of graciousness and love we have learned through you and Sister Garn.
ReplyDeleteLove,
MIke and Debbie Vance
Hi Daryl, this is Marie, Steve and Jane Anne's daughter. I was so sad to hear about Irene when my parents told me yesterday. She was always so kind to me and I felt like whenever I was around her, she really cared about me like her own granddaughter. My prayers are with you and your wonderful family. With love,
ReplyDeleteMarie (woodhead) Bradburn
Daryl, this is Roger. I had tears in my eyes as I read about what Irene has gone through these past few months... and agree that she is finally at rest. My heart truly goes out to you and your family. Judy Lynn and I are so thankful that we were able to visit with you last December. Irene was a choice spirit and I have always thought... such a beautiful gal. I have notified the Norma Hodges family via our family email system. We will all remember you in our prayers. I will also try to call you sometime soon. God Bless you Daryl.
ReplyDeleteShe was encircled in the arms of His love here, helping and loving her family and she is encircled in the arms of His love there, with family. What a perfect phrase for this blog. She is a wonderful example to me and I will always love her! I look forward to the day I see her again. May you feel her love and His as you continue on, Elder Garn. With love and prayers, Lori
ReplyDeleteDaryl and family. I am so sorry I did not know about Irene's death until this morning when I read it in the Church News!! The last time I was on this blog was in May when she had fallen and broken her hip! Both Rick and I were so saddened about that and wondered why she had to have another problem and trial. We have been strengthened in our faith, however, by her (and your) wonderful attitude through all of this. You have been a great example to us all! Although we have not had much contact with each other lately, I have always considered Irene to be one of my dearest friends and I hope and pray we will be able to continue our friendship in the eternities. May you and your family be "encircled in the arms of His love" this day and always! Love, Rick & Tamara Evans
ReplyDelete