An update...

....about sweet Ms. Jo from her husband showed up today in my email box. I didn't want to peek at it, but then, i so wanted to know how she was doing. Even though i was there for the weekend, things have a way of changing so fast right now, almost in an instant, it seems.

Below is Mr. Jim's weekly update:

Jolynn is struggling with some of her medicines. They either taste bad, burn, or nauseate her. Some of the medicines she needs, but I refuse to put through pain or unnecessary discomfort. She has a chemical UNBALANCE now (this is from our Hospice nurse), and it happens when the liver begins to be involved that it will actually produce ammonia. This causes confusion, mood swings, angry outbursts, and some moderate memory loss; all of which she is actually having.

She is trying to fight it off but I'm afraid she can't beat this one and her anger is so not her. She can't control her emotions and repeats things over and over. The people who love you and you love the most are targeted, and you know it's only because we are here. Our love for her is without question and we will rise above this. She is not herself, but we love her no matter what.

I am going to try and attach a photo of a Rosary. It was given to Isabel(Anna) by her grandmother who was from Spain. She now wants Jo to have it to carry with her on her journey. Such love and friendship is wonderful,and we dearly love Anna for this gift.

We (the children and I) went to the funeral home last night and did some fine tuning her final arrangements and wishes...

We love you all,

Jim & Jolynn

ah, yes, the Rosary gift to Ms. Jo.

I wanted to give something to Ms. Jo that she could hold on to, and find comfort in. For me, my Rosary has always been that one thing that brings me peace. I hold it in my palm and run my fingers over the beads, slowly, eyes closed, in prayer. Sometimes, i just hold it in my hands, feeling the prayer beads....it brings me comfort when other things don't.

This particular Rosary was a gift from my Grandma in Spain. There were three of these Rosaries that she sent to us via my aunt: one for my Mom, one for my sister, and one for me. My sister wasn't so much into Rosaries, neither was my Mother, but i loved these particular Rosary, so i kept all three with me to make sure they wouldn't be lost. The beads from these particular rosaries are made from crushed rose petals and have the most amazing smell of roses. It is said that when you smell the beautiful smell of roses, the Virgin Mary and Christ are looking over you, praying over you.

When my Mom passed away, i placed mine in her hands to be buried with. I kept hers and i still had my sister's. When i was at a loss at what to give Ms. Jo for comfort, it dawned on me that this Rosary would be perfect. Sweet Ms. Jo would get my Mom's rosary.

I was a bit nervous about giving Ms. Jo my gift...she's not Catholic but i hoped that she would understand the significance of the gift i intended the Rosary to be for her. She understood. She understood completely. And of course, she and i cried together.

So, now, Ms. Jo has my Mom's Rosary to bring her comfort....which is a perfect place for that Rosary to be.

My Mom would think that is the perfect place, too...