Precious time

This is a picture of Granny and Elizabeth taken 2 summers ago. We had gone out to visit her and feed my uncle's goat. The goat, "Smokey," also served as their watch dog!

I spent the night at my parents' house last night. I just felt the need to be with them and with Granny. Didn't sleep much...thanks to Max. He sleeps fine here...all night. But he has this thing, when Mom and Dad are around, he wants us all in one room. If one of us leaves the room, he will often find a spot between the rooms and sit there so that he can keep an eye on us and protect us. When we go visit, he BOUNDS through the house looking for everyone and then he will settle down. This morning, we went upstairs...but he was different. It was as if he senses that things are a little different. He went in and saw Mom and was all jumpy and hyper and then he quietly walked into Granny's room, stood at the end of the bed, peered up and made sure she was there and ok, and then came back to the other room with Mom and me. It's as if he knows she is sick...he didn't try to bother her stuff as he usually does...didn't try to jump up on the bed and lick her face - which she hates. He just wanted to check on her.

She was very quiet and peaceful today...but she seemed a little more alert than last night. I talked with her for a bit...she gave me her little wink and kiss and said in her little sing song way, "Well, I love you too, honey."

It's a blessing to know when the end is near...to really relish the moments...to pay attention...to let her know how loved she is.