My (Tim's) grandmother, Emilie Mitchell, died this morning. She would have turned 90 this May. She's had Alzheimer’s for a long time and spent this last year or so in a rest home. A week ago she stopped eating and they couldn't get her to wake up/stay awake so she was admitted to the ICU. The doctors spent the week trying to stabilize her but she was so weak that as soon as they stabilized one thing, something else seemed to be off balance. Finally this morning she passed away from respiratory failure.

Although I expected this to happen while we were here in Peru, I didn’t expect it so soon. I haven’t spent much time around her since I was a kid but I always remember her as a pleasant, peaceful and happy person. I think the combination of not seeing much since we moved to North Carolina (when I was 10) and being so far away makes this all a little confusing. It’s also a reminder that when we return to the States it really won’t be the same as when we left.

Please pray for my mom and her siblings as they deal with all the preparations and travel to St. Louis for the funeral. Also pray that God may show me how I can best encourage them from here. Also I haven't had to deal with many funerals and I'm still not sure how to handle that, I guess somethings you don't learn or figure out, they only come with experience.


p.s. If I got any of the details wrong, please let me know.

3 comments

1. Marty on January 29, 2008 at 10:20 PM

   Tim--I'm sorry to hear about your grandmother. We'll be praying for you and your family in the U.S.

    
2. Anonymous on January 30, 2008 at 8:03 AM

   Tim, our hearts and prayers are with you, your Mom and your extended family. I like to believe Emilie's time had come ...... her body had the wisdom to stop taking in food and to gently pass into a deeper state of sleep and rest. At some deep level, her spirit knew it was time for the wonderful release from this physical world and it's confusion for her and her journey into the place of peace and glory. "Learning" death comes from the experience ..... and each loss is so very different. Trust that God will be with you through the many emotions you may be feeling now and in the days and weeks to come. How can you support the family in the States? Try May's "Ministry of Be-ing" and sit quietly holding Emilie and your family in your heart ....... the rest will take care of itself.
   You have such a gentle and caring spirit ...... I know they will feel your presence across the miles.
   I continue to hold you and Hannah in my prayers (all the way up in Rangeley, Maine) as you settle in for this ministry in Peru. Stay open to the magical unexpected life moments coming your way each day!
   Hugs to you,
   Martha

    
3. Anonymous on February 1, 2008 at 1:36 PM

   Tim, just received your prayer request via kingskneemail -- wanted to let you know we'll be praying for you that the God of All Comfort will surround you and your family. We think of you and pray for you often. Keep forgetting your wonderful blog, though, which makes you seem so close and your writing and photos make your experiences so real.