When we got there we were pleased to see him awake and aware of who we were.... Aaron sit beside his bed and held his hand and told him that he loved him.... it was so sweet! The children all went up to his bed and rubbed his arm....  His room is always packed full of people who love him dearly!

On Wednesday his tests results came back..... and we all thought it would be hours if not moments before he passed.... he had no kidney function and they stopped all meds.... he hadn't had any IV fluids since Monday because his body was holding in all the fluids and making things worse for him.... he had "primitive responses".... meaning that he wasn't conscious... that his body was just reacting to touch.... but it wasn't him.....His blood pressure was so low.... I think I saw it at 76/38 at one point.... his breathing was shallow....he wasn't moving.

On Thursday, we met up with my family to celebrate Makayla' s 13th birthday.... we were surprised to see that my nieces had purchased a cake each for Isaac and Makayla and balloons as well! It was great! We sang to them both and everyone gave them cards....We had a really good time. The girls stayed the night with my sister and family....

On Friday the doctor came in and told us that Pop's tests came back looking better.... his kidney function was better.... and it couldn't be explained... his blood pressure was also better...not by much...but better. When we were at the hospital he would nod his head when someone asked a question! He was having a rough time though and hurting pretty bad.... he was vocalizing this and saying , "oh boy!" We thought it would be best for us to go home and get some things taken care of over the weekend.... Aaron had a company picnic we needed to be at on Saturday and my college classes were starting on Monday.... so we went to the hospital and said our good byes.... Aaron was very upset.... when we walked out to the car he said...," I just can't believe that this is the last time I'll see him alive!".... we got in the car and headed south.... we got about 2 hours away and Aaron said he didn't feel right about leaving..... we knew that if nothing else we wanted to be there for his mom and love her through this.... although we know without doubt Pops will be in paradise it is hard to say good bye to those you love!!!! So we grabbed a burger and then turned around and went back.....

 On Saturday the family all met at the hospital and had sandwiches together...then we piled into Pop's room and sang hymns.... it was such a sweet, sweet experience!!! Granny Ruth prayed a prayer that touched my heart and makes me well up when I think back on her graceful words... she has been a great witness through this whole thing and I am thankful I was able to be there!

 Before we sang, Granny had said we needed to make sure we were not too loud... she was worried we would bother the other patients.... so we did try to sing quietly.... but there are so many of us...even quiet is loud.....

 We were not aware that down the hall lay another pastor.... his wife shared with the family that he was dying and in so much pain that the meds had not helped.... he had cried every night....and for the first time when he heard us singing he was soothed and went to sleep....without any pain meds! She was thankful that God had sent our family to the hospital that day.... what a great blessing to be a part of that!!!

Sunday his blood pressure was better.... he was opening his eye and nodding when asked a question.... we knew we needed to get back to LA.... we didn't want to...but Aaron had to get back to work and my classes were starting Monday..... So we got all our stuff packed up and went to the hospital.... Aaron sit by Pops and held his hand.... He was aware we were there and acknowledged us.... before leaving Aaron rubbed his arm and said goodbye to his beloved grandfather and to our surprise Pops said something back to him! It was a sentence... we couldn't make it out...but it was to Aaron that much we know! Aaron kinda smiled at me....as we were walking down the hall he said...," he said something to me."..... I thank God for the blessings of the week.... I am thankful we were able to be there....

 Today we have been told his heart is acting weird....not sure what that means.... but we are sure that God knows the day and hour that Pops will go home....and we will rejoice on that day!.....but boy will we miss that old guy! We will be packed and ready to go back to OK and celebrate his life and what a blessing he was to our family!!!

What a great grandfather!!!!

love ya pops!