Well, my grandmother's condition demands special prayers because she is on her way to the next life. She has been on a ventilator for the past 3 years, 3L of O2 24/7, and now she is no longer eating. (This is actually a normal part of the dying process because blood no longer flows to the stomach as much. The body is shutting off, so it is, at this point, cruel to force them to eat or to put in a feeding tube.) During the ordeals of the last three years, as she has suffered very much and her body has slowly deteriorated, she has returned to the practice of the Faith. She had stopped practicing the Catholic Faith (or any for that matter) 21 years back, and has now turned to God. For the past 2 years my father has brought her communion after mass, and two nights ago, she asked for Holy Viaticum. She has pneumonia (again) and this time, we are told, it can only be managed and not gotten rid of.
My mother is the only one of Granny's 10 children who is practicing any sort of faith, with the possible exception of one Aunt. My Grandfather, who is a Baptist and never converted, is taking the whole thing very hard and is very sad, worn out, and tired all around.
I am certain she is in the last stage of her life. Please keep her, my grandfather, and the rest of the family in your prayers. Offer Rosaries and Masses for her if you are able. Her name is Anne.
Lord, guard all those who will die tonight and allow them to turn to your mercy in the last moments of their life. Give to them peace and comfort, especially those who must die alone. May the souls of the faithfully departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen
No comments:
Post a Comment