Remembering GaGa...

 We said our final good-byes to GaGa on Sunday October 7.  He had been admitted to Mercy a little over a week before with a diagnosis of pneumonia, bronchitis, and congestive heart failure.  After he was stabilized he made a very deliberate decision to refuse any further medical care.  That was a very hard thing to hear, but he was certain and never waivered in his decision.  So, he was moved to hospice very soon there after.

We spent a long week with him there.  There is something about knowing that the end is near....Nice to know so that you can say all the things you want to say, but on the really good days...it leaves a lot of time to question whether or not you are doing the right thing.  But, through the whole thing, we always knew we were during exactly what GaGa wanted.  

I was very thankful for a couple of visits from Brother Ronnie and Jeff.  It was nice to talk over some of the thoughts we were having and to have someone you really trust verify the decisions that were being made.

My mom only left the hospital for a few hours over those 10 days.  She was amazing and I know that it was exactly what GaGa wanted.  My Uncle Hugh V, Aunt Jan, and cousin Hugh V also came.  So, there were always lots of people around who loved and cared for him.

I spent a lot of time thinking back on some of my favorite memories of my GaGa.  Since he and Dessa never had children, Kyle and I always felt like we were their surrogate grandchildren.  When we were little he would always decorate the outside of our Christmas presents with candy.  Lots of Lifesavers suckers for me and Hubba Bubba bubble gum for Kyle:)  I LOVED those gifts then, and as I look back they are even more special now.  

We never went to visit NaNa in ElDorado without several visits from GaGa and Dessa.  GaGa  has always called me "little girl" and did up until the very last time I talked with him.  He loved my children so much.  He was espcially fond of Beau.  He would light up every time Beau came in the room.  And Beau loved him too.  They had a sweet bond and I'm just so sorry that Beau won't get to grow up getting to know GaGa more.

He was 96 years old.  An amazing life.  And the best part is that he was a devoted follower of Christ.  There is no doubt in my mind that he is in heaven now with Dessa in a perfect body enjoying every minute!

We knew the funeral would be very small.  That's just what happens when you out-live all your friends:)  We (mom, dad, Hugh V, Jan, and I) went to ElDorado for the funeral.  We went to view GaGa at the funeral home before the service.  Jan had picked out red, white, and blue flowers and they were absolutely perfect.  GaGa was a veteran of WW11 and it was such a sweet tribute to him and his service. 

 The inside of his casket had a United States Army plaque.

 The US flag draped his casket.

 We didn't expect anyone at the service except for Bobbie, who had been GaGa and Dessa's housekeeper and before they left ElDorado, their primary caregiver also.  But, 2 other friends from his past showed up.  A very nice surprise.  One lady has some really awesome stories to tell about GaGa and Dessa when they were much younger.  So cool to hear;)

 Jan and Bobbie saying their good-byes.

 GaGa's headstone.  Ignore the other stone above it, it had been moved there for the time being, and would be moved back to it's correct spot after the funeral.

 So hard to say good-bye.  The service was really beautiful.  They played Taps, and folded the flag and presented it to my Uncle Hugh V.  He has also been in the military his entire life, so it was very fitting for him to received the flag.

 We bought some fall flowers to leave in the vases on their headstones.  It was a cool day, and they seemed perfect.

It was very hard to walk away, but we KNOW that GaGa is now in heaven.  Thank you Lord for a wonderful life.