Sunday, November 27, 2011

A Very Long Month

Just a warning no one needs to read this, but if you want to feel free.  

Starting in October Collin and I found out we were pregnant.  We were just getting excited when I miscarried.  I never understood what others went through with miscarriages.  My heart goes out to anyone who has ever suffered this.  I felt like my life was turned upside down.  My emotions were all over the map.  I did have some comfort in a wonderful blessing that Collin gave me.  I was told that this baby only needed a body and that was all we needed to provide and that we would know when it was time for us to have another baby. 

With all of this happening in our family some of our dear friends found out that their father had been diagnosed with a rare disease and had roughly two weeks to live.  We have spent a little time with their family over the summer getting to know this great man and were very sad for their family.  I spent the next couple of weeks pushing myself to cover my own grief with helping them.  I still don't feel like I did enough for them, but I tried.  I made soup, treats, and tried to keep the kiddos as often as possible. 

Throughout all of this Collin had his annual trip to Neuroscience.  His trip was to Washington D.C. this year.  I had been planning to go with Collin for the past three years, but when it came down to it I had a really bad feeling about going so I passed.  Normally I would have gone home to my parents in Idaho for a few days, but I decided not to let the kids miss that much school and stuck it out.  While Collin was gone our friends dad passed away.  It was a sad and hard day.  I thought about losing my own dad and couldn't imagine dealing with that.  I had a good idea how they were feeling because we lost Collin's mom 7 years ago to cancer.  I also received the call that Collin's grandfather was not doing well.  He had gone into LDS hospital earlier in the week for surgery to remove cancer in his bladder and was failing.  I spent the week trying to keep Collin updated on everything and be with his family.  

I spent Sunday at the hospital all day with Grandma Jane, Ann, and Kevin.  As I arrived they were talking to Grandpa about what he wanted to do.  Grandpa has been dealing with complications with dialysis for over a year now.  After surgery Grandpa had a stroke, and a heart - attack, when they were in the surgery they realized the cancer had spread to his lymph nodes.  It was such a hard day to have to call Collin and his family and let them know that Grandpa had decided not to any more life saving efforts.  We brought Grandpa home from the hospital on Monday so that he could be at home.  I really thought that Grandpa would hold on until Collin could get here, but unfortunately Grandpa passed away at 2pm and Collin got in at 8pm.  It was a very sad day.  

Needless to say: Thursday we attended Joe's funeral (our friends dad). Friday we packed and tried to organize things to leave town.  That evening we attended the viewing of an amazing man.  Saturday we attended Grandpa Herb's Funeral and told him good-bye.  After the funeral we drove to Idaho for the burial.  After everything we decided to spend the week in Idaho with our families.  It was nice to be with family and get away from here.  Overall its been a hard hard month at our home.  Hopefully the holidays are going to be looking up!!! Here's hoping.


8 comments:

'T' said...

Oh sweetie. I'm so sorry. What a tough month. I'm sure your heart is aching for all of your losses. I am thinking about you.

DaNae Barnard said...

Annie,
So sorry to hear this news. :( It was so great to see you, Collin, and the kids. We are wishing you the best and sure do love you guys. We look forward to seeing you at Christmas. Love ya!

Stephanie said...

So sorry to hear about your Collin's grandpa and your friend's dad. It's hard to see people in pain at the same time though, too. I hope life gets back to normal soon for you guys. Are you living in Orem then? We are in Eagle Mountain (at the Ranches, by Saratoga Springs/Lehi) we need to get together one of these days.

slopsemafamily said...

My heart broke for you when I read of your miscarriage. It is something that no one should have to experience but I found with mine the gospel gave me such comfort knowing that one day I would get to hold that child in my arms. We have been blessed after each of our miscarriages with babies that were meant to be and I know you will be too.

Ryan and Rachel said...

Oh Annie, I love you. And Collin. I'm so sorry I live so stinkin' far away that I can't come cry with you. You are wonderful and strong and I love that you lost yourself in service to your friends during such a difficult time for yourself. That's incredibly Christ-like and I am grateful for your example. Please know that I love you guys and I'm praying for you and I think it's time we started planning a trip to see each other.

TheTerry's said...

Such a tragic time, I'm so sorry. But am so grateful for the gospel that brings us comfort when things go wrong. And I'm so glad you were there for Jen and her family. I wish I could have done more for her and for you. Love you guys!

beth said...

Annie, I'm so sorry for what a rotten time you've had. If you hadn't posted, I would have never known. You are so strong! I hope the holidays were better for your sweet family.

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