To all of our stalkers, acquaintances and those near and far. This afternoon it became clear that we were not going to get a bed at kobacker house. To honor my husbands wishes..we needed to remove the vent tube and let doug's body and the Lords will take over.
We were blessed with the time to have most people come to the hospital and say their goodbyes. The children and i were able to spend our time with daddy alone. we told him what he had taught us and how much we loved him and then we let him know it was ok to leave.
I can not tell you all how comfortable Nurse Rachelle made us and daddy. Our fears of him suffering were addressed and he did not.. NOT AT ALL.
The tube was removed after the children and i left...and within a few minutes...nurse rachelle came to me and let me know that douglas was so very peaceful that i might consider returning to him. and so the big girls and i went back to our guy....he was quitely slowing down his breathing and his heart surrenderd to our God, he sighed Goodbye to us and he went on to the prepare the way.
I just can't impress upon you how absolutely beautiful that moment in time was for me. To know that he would never ever ever gasp for air....never ever ever worry about war or me or the kids..... again.
my darling douglas...you are home....
start building my new house...
i'll be home to you again.
for those of you that are concerned that i am not crying...really...really ..please believe me when i tell you that i am not stuffing it all down....i've cried...i've cried so much over the last year...i began mourning the loss of our innocence over a year ago....i went through my being pissed off...Fr. Jerry gave me that permission within a few days of diagnosis...so i knew...i could...i never ever ever quit expecting our miracle but was completely ok with the Lord's will. (after a little bit of time)
i felt that it was important to make the most of our time together. and i think we did that.
i felt that for me, becoming a widow in this day and age is better than days past....
i felt that we were not the first and certainly not the last to suffer this pain.
Doug got to fight in a war, sail around the gulf in a regatta, he graduated from college and changed peoples lives on a daily basis. in addition...he brought such light into my families life. and he shared himself with me....how lucky am i?
yeah yeah,,,he was pretty darn lucky to have me also..
with that. i am home and hanging out with friends...i'm relaxed and so are my wee ones...who were ready for sleep since i was home...i missed them and i missed them.
tomorrow i will meet with Egan and Ryan to detail the funeral arrangements. My Fr. Jerry agreed to co-celebrate so i need to touch base with Fr. Lumpe about that and hope to have mass this friday.
i will post the final arrangements as soon as i make them and i will welcome you to celebrate my loves life!
good night...
it will all be alright now.
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15 comments:
S-
You are truly amazing and an inspiration to us all. Our prayers are with all you.
K
Just said a Rosary for the repose of his dear soul.
May God's peace be with all of you.
Doug
Rest in peace my friend. The house that Christ prepared for you must be so sweet. I hope to chill with you there as well.
Sheri-
It is a blessing to know Doug will be there on the other side-not everyone has that assurance. It was a blessing to spend time with you and the family. It also makes me happy that his passing was so peaceful. Thank you for sharing that with us.
The comfort of knowing he is safe, warm and not in pain.
The memory that will always be Doug in my mind: coming out of my Broadmeadows apartment on a 95 degree day and seeing him sitting in a lawn chair, in a pair of shorts, kicked back with a beer - getting "showered" upon. He had rigged the garden hose up and over the old black stairs and made his own rain.
all our love
You are 1 wondeful lady,
I am so so sorry.We know he is not suffering anymore he is at peace with god
WW
Love and prayers to you and the family.
One of my fondest memories is I came home, Doug and my Dad had went thru alot of trouble for a christmas tree, which being creative Doug, was hanging upside down and decorated. Doug and Gale thought it was cooland were very very proud.... I think Mom had an adjustment period before she thought how unique our Christmas tree would be that year...
Thank you for the precious moments that you all have touched my life.
Sheri,
Your courage and spirit have been such a stimulus for us all. Our hearts are with you and your family. God Bless you all. You are in our prayers daily.
MaryV
S,
I don't even know what to say...I've never witnessed such strength and grace...thank you for being OUR rock. It is no wonder to me why you and Doug loved each other so.
love and prayers to you all
you are wonderful friends
love,k,s,i,rimolv
How lucky you were to have loved and been loved in return. How lucky you were to know how precious time is and life is...so many of us don't realize it but we're on the same road.
Rest in God's promise of a life everlasting. He has provided for you and He will continue to do so.
You are a dear sweet soul, Sheri.
My life is richer knowing you.
Sheri,
You are a mentor...you have so much faith, love and courage. We want to comfort you, but your love and understanding of God's way comforts us. Doug has blessed us all with his wit, his obvious love for his family and friends. I remember how much pride he showed for his children; his love shone in his eyes. He will always be with you. We, the community, will always be here for you. We love all of you.
You are truly inspiring i don't know what i would do if i walked in your shoes. You are a very strong family. I thought it was the end of the world when my dad was deploied to iraq.I couldent even handle being that. But your family is one of the strongest that i have ever meet. I am truley proud to be a friend of your family. You are in out thoughts and prayers. I hope to see you at the funeral. God Bless You.
Love, Renee P.(Victoria's Friend)
Sheri, I did not know Doug as you and I are just email buddies who have shared this same journey this year. But, I have got to know of him from the blog and our emails and think he was one exceptional person just like my Jim. God must need special people right now and he only takes the best. I like to think of Doug and Jim, strangers in this life, kicking back with a cold one together where they are now. Care free, pain free, and happy.
My heart goes out to you Sheri in your time of sorrow. It is comforting to know Doug is at rest with no pain, and will always be watching over all of you.
I will say an extra prayer for all of you tonight.
God Bless you all
Ann
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