Yesterday morning we walked through the elevator doors at the Huntsman Cancer Institute to see my dad sitting down with a very serious look on his face. All five of the brothers, Natalie, Annie and Lucy gathered around to hear that overnight Mom's lungs had begun to fill with fluids. Dr. Ward the oncologist then came over to tell us that she Mom was dying and she had only a couple days to live.
We then had to make the hard decision not to resecitate (DNR). She has already suffered so much that we unanimously decided it would be best to let her go when the time came.
We then went in to her room to say good-bye. We didn't expect her to be very lucid, but even though he looked terrible, she was able to say a few words to each one of her sons and daughters-in-law. She hasn't had a period of lucidity like that since, so we feel it was a small miracle for us all to have a chance to say good-bye. It was tearful farewell- but we concluded by kneeling around her and saying a family prayer.
After that we split up assignments an started calling her immediate family to make sure they would have a chance to say goodbye. Her parents drove up from St. George with Moms brother James and siblings and friends dropped everything to drive up from Wyoming or fly in to say goodbye.
I'm typing this post in from my iPhone as I sit in the waiting room right next to Mom,s hospital room. Mom's mouth is so dry and filled with sores that she can't speak, but she opens he eyes and nods to love ones that come to see her. She is being mad as comfortable as possible, but it's just about time for her to leave this earth. We believe it will be just a change of scenery for her and that we will all be together again, but it's still hard to say goodbye.
Thanks to everyone for their thoughts and prayers, it means so much to my Mom and to all of us.
21 comments:
This makes us so sad for everyone. We love you guys and send you huge hugs over the internet. She is an amazing person. The majeronis
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. I lost my father about 4 years ago and experienced some very similar things, he had very short periods of lucidity with his children and they kept him comfortable until he passed. You will always cherish those last moments of lucidity that you had with her. You will miss her dearly I am sure. Give your father a hug from John and Jan West. Love - The Wests
We continue to await updates as they come. Thank you for taking the time to keep us updated.
Please share our love with your dad.
It was wonderful for me to be with your family today. Thank you for letting me be there. I loved spending those quiet moments with Susan. I love her. Knowing her was a tender mercy at a time when we both needed each other. It was great to have our families intertwined for those early years. She is an Elect Lady. She has contributed much to this world and has left her footprints on it. May God bless you all and Susan too during these sacred days. We will watch the blog for news.
Your family will be in our prayers. Your mom is an amazing person and we only met her on a few occasions.
We are so so sorry for you. We will be praying and thinking of you guys.
Susan is a wonderful lady. She has been a tremendous example of Christ-like service, hard work and devotion to her family and to Gospel principles. I am grateful to have known her. Our love and prayers continue to go out to all of you.
Love, Ken and Chris Van Ry
To the Dayton Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time of transition. Your mom is such a wonderful, cool, fun and gracious lady. What a blessings she has been to us. She has been grace under fire time and time again and I've learned important lessons by observing her in action.
May the Lord bless you and keep you all.
Sharon Umiker
Amherst Ward
Our prayers are for your peace and comfort, and for Susan's also. We love your family. Susan is wonderful. Only you know how wonderful she really is. She has given so much to help her brothers and sisters around the world. She is loved by so many, as is your entire family. Jeff & Kathy Williams
What a great and fun woman your mom is boys! We had such a wonderful time raising our boys together. I love you all and want you to know you are in my prayers. Thanks for keeping us updated.
She has been in the prayers of our family for many months. As we kneel together each day, our prayers will be offered in behalf of all of you who are closest to her now as well, that you may have comfort and peace. Please let us know if there is anything more than prayer that we can do from Buffalo to make things easier for you, or put your mind at ease as you deal with things there.
Jason Lahti and family
Since I first met Susan I have been in awe of her example of Charity. She lives it! She is kind and loving and knows the Lord. We love you and our hearts and prayers are with you.
Love,
The Damstedt Family
Thank you for the update. I have tried to stay informed through Charlotte. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Our hearts are heavy for you and your family, and all of us who know and love the Dayton Family. You and Natalie have been wonderful to serve and be present for your Dad and Mom. Your mom is a gracious, beautiful woman and will always be remembered. We love you.
Ben and Tamara Banks
we are so sorry! You will be in our thoughts and prayer!
We are so lucky to have been able to meet your wonderful mom and the family she raised. We are thinking about you all and praying for you.
We are just so so sad today to hear this. We are also all talking about all the wonderful memories we have of your mother and what a great lady she has always been. She takes time for everyone and gives all that she has to others. We learn so much about how to live as we reflect on her life.
We love you and will pray for all of you. God Bless the Dayton family!
Love you guys! You're all in our prayers!!
I'm so touched by the image of your family kneeling in prayer together around your mother's bed. A beautiful and fitting tribute for an amazing woman!
Our thoughts and prayers are with you!
Diana Hopkins
I just got the news tonight and am so very sad to hear our dear friend whom we love dearly got so bad so fast. We were in their home in July and she wasn't well of course but so hoping it would improve. We love Merril and Susan so much and we really want to be there as we watch the blizzard here in Wyo. going on. Please let Merril know how sorry we are for him and how much we love him.
My heart hurts for your family. Saying goodbye to our loved ones is incredibly difficult. Know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers. May God send his angels to comfort you all during this difficult time. What peace it brings to know that families are forever.
Love, Jeremy and Rachel Richards
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