Happy Birthday, Isaiah!

Yesterday, (3/6) was my son's 3rd birthday! It was a crazy day, and I was not able to get on the computer much, so I am just now posting it. We didn't do anything special yesterday, we are celebrating his birthday with family tonight. I can't believe my little boy is 3 all ready. wow! This is a pic of him in Oct 06, when he was 7 months old.

Unfortunately, Isaiah's birthday is being over-shadowed this year by other family issues going on. Jer's Grandma. She is not doing well at all, and is not expected to make it through the weekend. (I am very thankful she did not pass away on Isaiah's birthday). Jer and I were able to spend some time with her Thurs morning and night and again last night. (thanks to my sister in law, my parents and my sister for watching the kids for us so we could. It's not really an atmosphere we can take our kids to). Thursday morning we were fortunate to come just when she woke up and Dan (her youngest son) was bringing her in the kitchen in her wheelchair. So she sat with us for 30 min or so, until she was too tired and had to go back to bed. She was holding my hand and gave me her smile and special *wink* that she does.

She is very yellow in her skin, which is a result of her liver shutting down. She can't talk a whole lot. She tries so hard to talk and tell us things, but it's very hard to understand her. And I know she just has so much she still wants to tell us! It's very frustrating - for her and us! Jer was fortunate to be there at the right time Thurs morning, and spoon fed her about half a cup of jello. Other than that, she has not eaten anything. Her body cannot process food anymore.

It is terribly sad and depressing to watch her go through this. Watching someone slowly fade and die is not something I would wish on anyone. Thankfully, she doesn't seem to be in a whole lot of pain. Which we are grateful. I don't know if I could handle that. She is being given Morphine, when she shows signs of being uncomfortable or in pain. The boys (her 3 sons) and their wives and everybody seems to be taking it fairly well. We all know it's coming. I am concerned about Grandpa though. Please pray for him. He is trying to be strong and be there for her, but it is soooo hard for him. He is having a very hard time watching her slowly fade, and not being able to do anything about it. On the upside though, Grandma is ready to meet Jesus! She is ready.

Just keep Grandpa and the Haines family in your prayers if you will. I will keep you posted.

Until we hear otherwise though, we are continuing on with Isaiah's birthday party tonight. We are making plans and playing it minute by minute. My kids don't know what's going on. So I will try to make Isaiah's party as fun for him as possible. Even though we aren't really in the partying mood. BUT, Isaiah turned three yesterday so for tonight, we will CELEBRATE his life!