From Dad

HEAVEN IS A WONDERFUL PLACE
My dear wife Jeanette knows that now in a way that we too shall one day know, through our faith in Jesus Christ. I am grateful to the angels that
bore her up to her eternal life in the mansions prepared for us by our Savior, Jesus.
Those angels include the three daughters that God gave us named Deborah, Sharon, and Amy. As she served them all her days here on earth, so they returned the loving favor by providing extraordinary care for her in her final days here on earth. They were ably assisted by Monarch Hospice nurse Laura and all the medical personnel that shaped the plan of action. A host of angels completed the loving environment by providing every imaginable comfort. Food was supplied in abundance, visitors arrived to bring comfort, flowers and cards arrived daily, prayer support was widespread from across the nation and beyond, quilters added their artistic contributions, clergy visited and called to add their devotional thoughts and prayers, veterans of this cancer trail added insight from experience, and so it progressed. From September 12, when the cancer was first diagnosed during a trip to the ER at Delnor Hospital, to October 12, when a host of angels gathered in a joyful celebration of life at Immanuel Lutheran Church, we were involved in a whirlwind of activity that clearly illustrated the ultimate truth that GOD IS LOVE. I could fill the rest of this newsletter with detailed reports of angels that contributed to this incredible journey. But let it suffice to say that I am forever grateful to the countless number of family and friends that upheld us in their arms as we awaited the arrival of the final host of angels that carried Jeanette into the arms of our Lord to take up her place in the
heavenly realms prepared by our Savior, Jesus. It has been an incredible journey! We have witnessed an amazing masterpiece of the Creator's loving handiwork. No quilt can match the quiltwork that our Lord performed as he gathered my beloved wife to the place where she awaits
the happy reunion of all who place their hope in Jesus Christ. May this be a spiritual learning experience for all who knew and loved Jeanette! Jesus Christ is risen!
He is risen indeed! Alleluia!
Pastor Donald Moll

Details

Visitation

NOTE: Visitation is NOT at the Funeral Home

Sunday, October 11

4-9 pm

Immanuel Lutheran Church

950 Hart Road, Batavia IL

Memorial Service

Monday, October 12

7 pm

Immanuel Lutheran Church

950 Hart Road, Batavia IL

In Memoriam:

Mom chose Immanuel Lutheran Church and Monarch Hospice for donations to be made in memoriam of her life. Donations can be sent to the church - indicate "Jeanette Moll" on the donation. The church will also send donations to Monarch Hospice if that is where you would like them to go. Dad will work with the church to designate how the donations will be used.

Links and Info

First another old Magee picture. The bottom of this picture says Muellers and Magees. I'll let you guess which kid is which. I'm guessing the baby is Mary. Mom is the tallest girl in the picture.

Links of interest

http://www.mossfuneral.com/obituaries

http://www.immanuelbatavia.org/jeanette_moll_memorial.htm

Logistics

I talked briefly to Dad and Deb just now. As I understand it - here are the details for the funeral. Please check the blog again tomorrow to get the final information.

Sunday, 4-9 pm , Visitation at Immanuel Lutheran Church on Hart Rd in Batavia, IL

Monday, 7 pm, Memorial Service, Immanuel Lutheran Church

Instead of flowers, Mom requested that donations be given to either Immanuel Lutheran Church or Monarch Hospice. Link to Immanuel is to your right on this page. I will get the information for Monarch and post it.

I will post finalized details once I'm sure I have them right.

Heaven

Mom died peacefully this morning.

One More Classic Family Shot

I thought the blog needed another classic family shot to bring smiles to everyone. This looks like a shot from Deb's confirmation so probably 1973. At this point, words escape me......

Soon

Mom has taken another turn for the worst. Her breathing is getting very difficult, her color is not good and she is not able to move at all on her own.

We expect that her journey on earth will end soon. We pray that this is a peaceful and quick process and we know she is headed to a better place closer to her God.

I will continue to update the blog.

Continuing Progression of the Cancer

This picture said 1957 on the back so Mom would have been 20. Mary brought some of the old snapshots that she had with her to Batavia so I have even more pictures for the blog.

The cancer is continuing to rapidly progress. Mom is very weak and asleep most of the time and continually on oxygen. She is barely able to speak. The hospice nurse was at the house yesterday and worked with Deb and Dad on strategies to keep mom as comfortable as possible.

So many kindnesses have been extended to our family during this time and we want to thank all of you. From Aunts, Uncles and Cousins who have come to visit (From near and far) and brought food, flowers and visits, to Church members who have come for visits, brought meals, driven people to the airport, stayed with mom, cleaned, mowed the lawn and prayed, to all the people who are reading the blog and responding, and to all the people who are praying daily for us we want to extend our sincere thanks. Thanks also to friends of our family both near and far who have sent flowers, gift baskets, and prayers. It means so much to us that so many people care and so many people have been touched by mom and dad's love.

Shari is working on collage of pictures of mom's quilts. If you have received a quilt from my mom, take a picture of the person it was for, next to the quilt and send it to 272 S. Forest, Batavia, IL 60510, or e-mail it to Shari at ksmjkappel@yahoo.com.

Still Taking Care of Us

I am in the Denver airport on my way back to Boise. It was very difficult to leave today even though Mom is in incredibly good hands as Mary, Keith, Deb and Dad are all there.



As I was leaving the house, after a tearful goodbye to mom, Dad came out to the garage. I was driving Dad's car out to OHare. (Uncle Keith was coming in from Seattle and drove it back.) Mom had sent him out to make sure the "I-Pass" (automatic toll payer) was in the car. Even in her most difficult and painful time - Mom was taking care of me.



Many more times than I would like to admit, I have been annoyed at my mother for "hounding" me. Yet today, it became crystal clear to me that she has spent her whole life taking care of others. That what I have perceived as nagging or hounding was simply her way of caring for me and I was too independent and too arrogant to appreciate it as an expression of her love.



I am incredibly grateful to have spent the last 10 days caring for my mother. To finally have the opportunity to express my love for her and to really listen to her. I am incredibly sad that it required terminal cancer to bring us this close.


I am now at home in Boise, attempting to re-enter my "normal" world. I received emails from both Deb and Dad this morning that Mom's cancer continues to progress. The pain medication dose has been doubled and she has started on oxygen. Deb definitely arrived at the right time as her medical knowledge helps give the other care givers a lot of confidence that we are doing the right thing.

One Two Three

Mom is feeling a little better today. We seem to have the nausea under control and the pain meds are staying down. She is still very weak and the amount of time she has visitors is limited to make sure she gets enough rest. A hospital bed was delivered today and we are hoping to be able to set it up in way that Mom can stay comfortable and we can continue to care for her.

Mary arrived in the early afternoon and is already cleaning and scrubbing. Keith is flying in tomorrow and Deb is coming up from St. Louis for a few days. I am heading back to Boise. It will be difficult to leave tomorrow.

A Rough Day

Mom's not in this picture but I thought it really needed to be posted. First of all, it clearly shows that Mom's knack for sewing started early as she made us identical dresses for both Easter and Christmas. We sure look cute but the downside is that I had to wear the same dress for six year. I would grow out of mine and then get Shari's and grow out of that and then get Deb's. It could explain why now I always just wear black. I'm not exactly sure whose couch that is behind us but it's pretty scary-looking.

Mom had a rough day today. She had several bouts of severe nausea which makes it challenging to keep the pain meds down. We are not sure if the nausea is from increasing the dosage on the meds or the progression of the cancer. This afternoon we got some anti-nausea medications in her system and she is a little more comfortable now. We also have some fast acting morphine that goes under her tongue that can help with the pain. We are taking it hour by hour and doing our best to keep her comfortable. Visits will be very limited until we can get Mom comfortable.

Wedding Traditions

It seems that smashing the cake into your beloved's face was not yet in fashion when Mom and Dad got married. I just found the stash of old pictures so my sisters better beware.

The hospice nurse was by today. Mom's dosage of pain meds has been increased and it seems to have helped. I do notice her getting a bit physically weaker each day. She is also sleeping more today - which I take as an indication that the pain meds are working and she is comfortable enough to sleep.

Aunt Penny came by today and helped out with all the things that I can't handle - unfortunately that list is quite long and includes shopping and ironing. Dick and Sue Wauer and their daughter Laura from Immanuel brought over an incredible dinner. I loved the pear salad and the pumpkin ale. I drank Mom's ale for her.