Returning to our own bed

We have a few things to tie up (or clean up) here in Dayton this morning then we will be heading home. I guess I should say, our temporary home, as we too are just passing through on this Earth. The funeral was beautiful as a funeral can be. I will later share some of the details. Computer time has been very limited lately, and that's why I haven't updated. :-) I am trying to upload the slideshow album of Jerri's life, but I'm having difficulty. I will make a CD and take it to our computer and try it. Haley, Abbi, and Bekah wrote wonderful memoirs of Granny. I want to share those too, along with some other thoughts. I have a HUGE thank you list that will likely pop up as well in the next few days. If this experience is the first time you've seen our blog, I'd like to invite you to stay. We usually share the fun things in our lives. We have seen over the last two weeks how God's grace is sufficient to sustain us in tough times. As we return to the daily routine, we will continue to rely on that grace as we begin to heal. We can't thank you all enough for the ways you've stood next to us. We love you all.

Monday Evening

Dennis, Tim, & Mark went to the funeral home this morning and made some final arrangements. The viewing will be on Wednesday from 4-8 pm at Newcomer Family Funeral Home in Beavercreek. It's on Dayton-Xenia Rd. just west of Fairfield Rd. (across from the old Dunnigan's) The funeral will then be on Thursday at 10 am at the same place. Burial will be at Miami Cemetary. You can view the complete obituary at www.newcomerfamily.com. Everyone seems to be coping. We tried to do a little school today as we are already so far behind. That's okay, as what we've experienced in the last week is certainly an education. If nothing else, it's about how family and friends stick together in tough times. It seems like difficult situations bring out the best and/or worst of people. Food has been pouring in as well as offers to send it - even as far away as Nashville! We've been going through lots of pictures. The funeral home does a slide show and asked for some. They showed up with a box of them today and they sent them back home for us to do ourselves - their limit was 30. Bekah has faithfully been scanning and cropping. That is one reason why I'm just now getting the computer. Her job is about half done. Over the next few days, I will be typing some of the letters the kids have been writing to/about their Granny. They are quite touching. Tonight we're watching Monday Night Football. Go Titans! Thanks for all of your prayers!

Sunday Morning

It was a little rough yesterday afternoon and evening. We are thankful for all who were there to help clean out her room at the nursing home. In doing this, I was given a thought. There were many times when we wanted to give Jerri gifts and didn't know what to get her, as there was really not anything she needed. Many of you may have similar situations. What we discovered yesterday was that stuffed animals make lovely memories for grandchildren. She had several all over her room, and each grandchild has at least one that they have to hang on to. I remember last Christmas Holly was adamant about getting her a snowman to sit in her room. Actually, it sat out all year. She was able to take it home yesterday and we will be able to have it for many Christmases to come. I want to also thank Megan for taking the younger kids out to play while our teenagers were able to work through their emotions. Most everyone is grieving in a healthy way. There are a few than need extra grace and prayer. We were able sit down together as a family for dinner as Dennis took us out to Golden Corral last night. Tim & I spent the rest of the evening going through old pictures and Dennis and the kids got some sleep. I believe they have an appointment for Monday to make final arrangements as far as time goes. I must say, we are so thankful for Dennis & Jerri's insight as they took care of the fine details a long time ago. It makes it so much easier now. As I learn of them, I will pass them along. I don't know what today holds. We will take everything one day at a time. Thank you for your prayers.

Healing is complete

Please rejoice with Jerri as she is in the arms of her Heavenly Father. She has recognized Jesus and her mind is now whole. Please pray for us as there are still rough days ahead. At 2:30 PM the Hospice nurse informed us that she was taking her final breaths. She continued to breathe those final breaths until 3:00. She was strong to the end. She passed with those who love her most gathered at her bedside. We read scripture, prayed, and sang as she entered into Heaven. I will update as soon as I know more. Thanks for your prayers.

Saturday, 12:48 PM

When I created our blog several months ago, we named it "Stauffer Strong" after the Army slogan that was out at the time. We are now finding the true meaning of the word strong. Jerri is one strong lady! She has a very strong heart and continues to hold on. Dick, Carol, and Linda came by and brought some food (thank you). Maggie (Papa's wife) and her son Townsil are here as well as Connie M. and her son Jeff. They are continuing to medicate her to keep her comfortable. From the point we are at right now, I can tell that the immediate future is going to be quite difficult. We so appreciate your prayers.

Saturday, 11:22 PM

Jerri is very close. She is having some apnea breathing. This all started minutes after I returned with all the kids. We're all here along with George & Connie. Thank you for your prayers.

Saturday, 6:17 AM

We arrived and Tim & Dennis were in the room. Mark went down to get some sleep in the family room. Her blood pressure has dropped a little, but no other significant change. The nurse said it was a miracle she was still living. It's all in God's timing. Daisy, the nursing home dog, is sleeping at her side on the bed. She is a precious comfort. Jessica is about to run home and get some clothes and such. Thanks for your prayers.