Visiting Grandpa

So as I have blogged before, my Grandpa Vasquez is not doing well. His health is failing and the doctors have given him a couple weeks to live. He has been diagnosed with acute leukemia and with all the infections in his body right now, there isn't much they can do for him. He isn't in pain and therefore not on any pain medications...right now they just have him on antibiotics for the infections.

Please keep praying for a miracle!!!!

Yesterday I drove out to my Grandma's house to visit with her and see if she wanted to go to lunch. A friend of hers was over helping her clean and get some things done around the house and so the three of us, along with her friend's son and my Auntie Lin, all went out to lunch at Chili's. We had a great time visiting, catching up, reminiscing about my dad, and talking about Grandpa. After a couple hours, we thought it was time we should get going and we went over to my aunt's house. After a few minutes there, my Grandma and my Uncle Allin and I drove out to USC hospital to see my Grandpa. I had seen a few pictures of him and so it helped to prepare me for my visit. When we got there he was awake and talking, but it was hard to understand him. I said "hi Grandpa, its me Jody! I love you!" He said my name and I think he said he loved me too (it was kinda hard to understand him) but I know he heard me and understood me :) That was special! I was able to hold his hand and listen as he tried to talk. I'm so glad that I was able to see him and spend some time with him!My Grandma is so strong right now and just wants to see her honey get better and come home! We are all praying for that...we do believe God can make that happen!
At one point my Grandpa said "I can see someone in front of me"...well Grandma was standing at the end of the bed and was so excited and said "Johnny, its me Ruthie! I love you!!". He said he loved her too. So sweet! He hasn't been able to see for weeks!! I'm so glad that he saw her! :) His eyes are starting to heal and the swelling and infection is getting better, praise God! Here's a picture right when he saw her and she is waving at him...such a special moment!! I'm so glad that my Uncle was ready with the camera and captured that for us!I also had the priveledge of reading a note from my brother and his family and delivered some flowers for them to Grandpa. They wouldn't allow the flowers to stay in the room but for a few minutes, so we took a picture and then took them out. But when I read the note, Grandpa heard and understood because he said "Danny"...he knew who the note was from :) Here's a picture with the flowers...My Uncle Allin was great with Grandpa that night...he can understand him very well, more than me for sure, and was helping him with all he needed. What a great son-in-law for Grandpa! :)Then another blessing, Grandpa fell asleep and slept for hours! He hasn't slept in days and has been so restless. So for him to have such a peaceful sleep was an answered prayer!After our visit, we headed back home to my Aunt and Uncle's house. My Auntie Lin had dinner ready for us when we arrived and we all sat together and had a nice meal while watching American Idol. After chatting for awhile, and looking through some photobooks, my Aunt asked me to dye her hair...so I had fun playing hairdresser for a bit! :) And i did a good job too (I think) :) Anyway, I did her hair around midnight (kinda late) and Grandma and Uncle Allin fell asleep so there's a picture of them too :)I love that Grandma and Uncle Allin are sleeping exactly the same, with their left hand to their chin and their right arm at their side...priceless! :)It was a long day, but a GREAT day! I had such a wonderful day spending time with family, seeing and talking with Grandpa, remembering some good old days, and just being with loved ones! God has blessed me with such a great family!!!

Grandpa, I love you so much! Thank you for the many things you have taught me in life...especially how to burp! heehee :) I did win lots of contests in the youth group for that! :) Seriously though, you ARE an amazing man and I pray that God will heal you! I'm so glad that I got to visit with you, hold your hand and tell you I love you! Keep being the fighter you are and kick this illness in the butt! :) If anyone can do it, you can! I love you!!!

Please keep praying for my Grandpa!!! I heard today that the plan is for him to go home on Monday with Hospice. Let's just keep praying for healing!!!

More Photos @

Jody Vasquez Photography