On Tuesday, February 21, we were told that Erik's Grandmother, Oma suffered a massive stroke. This came as such a shock to us, because she had just traveled to Arizona to visit Pops and Nana, and was getting ready for a trip to Florida. She's always been very independent!
That night, we all prayed for Oma's health. We were surprised when Caleb said, "I hope Oma doesn't die, because Thanksgiving just won't be the same without her and her cheesecake." Later I realized that Thanksgiving was the last time we saw her.
At first we were hopeful that she would wake up and not need the respirator. She was moving one of her arms, and they said that she was initiating breaths on her own. Sadly, one week later, on the 27th, a CT scan showed that there really wasn't much brain activity. Everyone knew that this wasn't how Oma would have wanted to live.
That evening, the whole family gathered to pray and say goodbye to Oma. It really was a special moment. Even though we were all incredibly sad, it was amazing to have almost everyone in our family in that room at the same time. We all prayed and took turns talking to her. I'll never forget when Nan and Lisa were talking to her, that Oma began to cry. Even though she was sedated and on a respirator, we felt like she could hear and feel us. We all kept telling her over and over again just how much we loved her.
Oma went to be with God the next afternoon. We're glad that she didn't suffer or struggle, but it's still such a shock that she's gone. At the wake, Mila drew some pictures for Oma, and insisted we give them to her. We laid them next to her casket. Mila also kept collecting her prayer cards.
In the morning, we arrived at the funeral home for our final goodbyes. Caleb had made a card that read, "We will miss you Oma." On the inside he asked all of the cousins to write their last messages to Oma. Caleb wrote, "I will miss your cheesecake." I was so proud of him and his big heart!
In true Mila fashion, she had to say goodbye several times. We went back into the viewing room and she blew more kisses to Oma. As we walked out to our car, Mila broke down crying. I was surprised by how emotional she was.
At the cemetery, we said goodbye and started walking back to the car. Once again, Mila said she needed to say goodbye again. I walked back towards the plot and we blew kisses and said goodbye again. As we started walking away for the final time, Mila folded her hands and started saying the entire Our Father. I will remember that moment forever. My little girl was so moved, that at that moment she knew she needed to pray the Lord's Prayer. She also said, "God, please keep Oma safe in heaven. And please let Oma play with Opa."
We will truly miss Oma. I know she lived a full life, but no one saw this coming. She was always so strong and independent. No one expected her to be gone so soon. Oma's stroke and death have left a lasting impression on me. We don't know when it will be our time. We truly need to live our lives to the fullest and cherish each and every day.
