End of Life Experience...

My grandfather is in the process of his end of life experience.  Yes, this is the term that all hospital people seem to use for death.  Folks, I am in the business of Marketing and PR and you can't pretty it up.  It's death.  It's sad.  You calling it an "end of life experience" doesn't make it any better.

Let me tell you what else doesn't make it better.  Family.  When two sides (two brothers and their families) decide that they are going to disagree to the point of almost constant fighting, it makes that end of life experience become even worse.  When I have to take my grandmother to see my grandfather so I can spare my mother an encounter that might raise her blood pressure to dangerous levels (not kidding), then some people need to take a big "get over yourself and think of someone else" pill!  I am physically and emotionally exhausted by today and the days that have proceeded this one.  Every day brings some new drama as we move closer to my grandfather's ultimate parting from us.  In a time when we should be lifting each other up, we are instead grabbing handfuls of hair to pull each other down! 

Honestly, I try very hard (and have thus far succeeded) in steering clear of the fighting.  Most everyone at least tolerates me.  The rest of the family, not so much. 

I am thankful that my grandmother has "stood up" to things and, maybe for the first time in her almost 93 years, made tough decisions.  She is a real trooper and I am inspired by her.  She and I have had long talks this last week and I am honored to be her granddaughter.  So, maybe not all is lost in this end of life experience called death.

This is a jumble of thoughts but they are some I needed to pour out.  If you are still reading, thanks.  I could also use some prayers for this dysfunctional family I find myself tied to.

Also, just because I like it, I am posting the lyrics and video of a song I am really into at the moment.  I guess they had to use the word "die" since "end of life experience" doesn't work well in songs...

"If I Die Young" ~ The Band Perry

If I die young, bury me in satin
Lay me down on a, bed of roses
Sink me in the river, at dawn
Send me away with the words of a love song

Lord make me a rainbow, I'll shine down on my mother
She'll know I'm safe with you when she stands under my colors, oh and
Life ain't always what you think it ought to be, no
Ain't even grey, but she buries her baby
The sharp knife of a short life, well
I've had, just enough time
If I die young, bury me in satin
Lay me down on a, bed of roses
Sink me in the river, at dawn
Send me away with the words of a love song

The sharp knife of a short life, well
I've had, just enough time

And I'll be wearing white, when I come into your kingdom
I'm as green as the ring on my little, cold finger, I've
Never known the lovin' of a man
But it sure felt nice when he was holding my hand, there's a
Boy here in town who says he'll love me forever,
Who would have thought forever could be severed by
The sharp knife of a short life, well,
I've had, just enough time
So put on your best boys and I'll wear my pearls
What I never did is done

A penny for my thoughts, oh no, I'll sell them for a dollar
They're worth so much more after I'm a goner
And maybe then you'll hear the words I been singin'
Funny when you're dead how people start listenin'

If I die young, bury me in satin
Lay me down on a, bed of roses
Sink me in the river, at dawn
Send me away with the words of a love song

The ballad of a dove
Go with peace and love
Gather up your tears, keep 'em in your pocket
Save them for a time when you're really gonna need them, oh

The sharp knife of a short life, well
I've had, just enough time

So put on your best boys and I'll wear my pearls