So Sorry

Hey everyone-
So sorry it's been so long. Mom and Dad just move over here from Garden Valley on friday. So far, it has been great to all be together. Monty flew out from Oklahoma on Tuesday, Mark Hooper flew in Thursday and Matthew and Sheela drove up Friday. Mikala has extended her stay until next weekend and with that, all seven kids (plus spouses and children) are here! It's amazing to see all of us together, in one place for a common reason....... to spend what time we have left with mom.
Mom isn't doing well. Her breathing has become labored, we made the decision to put her on oxygen last night to help her with that. Sheela has been such a blessing..... for those of you who don't know, she is a nurse! Having her there has been a huge help for those of us who don't know what to do! mom is sleeping for the most part of a day most days. She is exhibiting beginning signs of her internal organs and system shutting down. Blue spots are appearing on her feet and legs which tells us things are shutting down. She's not eating a lot, and sometimes doesn't respond to questions or comments made to her unless you repeat them multiple times.

Watching this unfold before my eyes is so very difficult. As I was there with everyone last night, I stood by mom's bedside and stroked her hair. I watched everyone talking, the kids running about and thought to myself, "Wow, my kids really don't know what's going on. That they are losing a grandmother." Tears came to my eyes and I had to quickly push that thought aside. But throughout this, the closeness of the family is so vital. I realize I am blessed to be apart of the Hooper family. As I was leaving, I was saying my goodbye's and sought out Morgan, Makenzie and Bethany. I found them in a separate room, practicing a song. I was invited in and they sang a three part harmony song Morgan has been writing for Jama. I stood in amazement, listening to my nieces sing harmonies that are beyond them vocally and was wow-ed by the lyrics and feeling that came from within each one of them. As we drove home, I thought to myself, what a testimony Maxine is leaving behind. She has touched so many, taught us all so much and we all have a part of her within us. I am most grateful for this.
So, if you haven't come up to see mom yet and would like to, I encourage you all to do so now. it is my belief that she doesn't have much more time here with us..... a month at best. Thank you all again, for your prayers and thoughts for the family at this hard time. But we all know that Christ has used mom in ways we will never fully comprehend.
Blessings,
Tara