[il-talk] Fw: Fwd: Annette Grove -- Rest for Your Souls

[Debbie Pittman]

Our prayers are still with you.

Debbie P



-----Original Message-----
From: IL-Talk [mailto:il-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Robert
Gardner via IL-Talk
Sent: Wednesday, May 10, 2017 1:32 PM
To: il-talk
Cc: Robert Gardner
Subject: [il-talk] Fw: Fwd: Annette Grove -- Rest for Your Souls

FYI. Wow, this is so hard to accept - Robert Gardner


From: Nancy Gardner 
Sent: Wednesday, May 10, 2017 12:52 PM
To: Robert Gardner 
Subject: Fwd: Rest for Your Souls



Sent from my iPhone

Begin forwarded message:


  From: Annette Grove Family <annettegroveupdates at gmail.com>
  Date: May 9, 2017 at 11:39:35 PM CDT
  To: undisclosed-recipients:;
  Subject: Rest for Your Souls


  Dear Family and Friends,



  Mom's journey through this life is nearing its end. Her destination is in
sight. She fought hard over the past nine months and her body and mind are
weary from the fight. The initial euphoria associated with coming home has
faded. The resurgence in her appetite has receded. She is ready to finally
be home.



  Over the past two months, Mom devoted her precious energies to help us
create lasting memories as we strolled through the Botanical Gardens,
tracked the beautiful wings flitting about her at the Butterfly House, sung
along once more to familiar hymns in worship, gathered for dinners
(including brain sandwiches!) and visited with family and friends. As she
wanted, we have also spent much of our time with her talking about our lives
and our future, reading great books, listening to her favorite music,
watching award-winning movies, and following the Cardinals (of course).
There are quiet moments too, just sitting next to her and holding her hand.
Mom's hands are always warm and she is still able to gently stroke ours with
her fingers. 



  It's good to just be together. We wouldn't have it any other way. My
brothers and I are so grateful for the gift of this time together. What
doctors thought would be two weeks, God stretched into two months.



  In recent weeks, everything has become much harder for Mom. She now has
barely enough energy to sit with the head of her bed up in order to eat,
drink, or take her medication. As each day passes, she is gradually letting
go of her connections to this world while simultaneously taking hold of the
next. Though it is hard to see her struggle as she goes through the finals
stages of this life, my brothers and I find comfort in knowing where she is
going.



  With that knowledge and Mom's trust in us, we recently made the decision
to stop certain medications that may be prolonging her life. We are now
focused on keeping her as comfortable as possible. This includes medications
for her pain and disorientation, which are both increasing. Mom also
receives a therapeutic massage on a daily basis from a local non-profit that
specializes in providing this service to people in hospice. Her in-home
caregivers offer great support 24/7. We also savor the delicious meals her
Deacons continue to provide.



  Jesus said, "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will
give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and
lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy,
and my burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30) So, we come to Jesus now, having
worked so hard and for so long, in need of rest for our souls. We submit
ourselves to Christ and trust in Him. We pray for peace and comfort when
that moment comes in which Mom passes from our arms into the arms of the
Savior.



  We welcome your continued prayerful and thoughtful support as we walk Mom
down the pathway that leads to the doorstep of the heavenly mansion that
Christ has prepared for her. We know He is waiting there for her, with His
loving arms wide open.



  Colin (for our entire family)


  -- 

  Blessings to you all,

  Annette, Allen, David, and Colin Grove 


  P.S. We are very grateful that you are part of our support network. If you
know of other friends who would appreciate updates, please suggest that they
let us know by sending an email to annettegroveupdates at gmail.com
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