Going home, Bev?

She was born in Lassen County, California to Ralph and Jeanette Sharpe on the 4th of April, 1938. Beverly did her best to adjust to the loss of her husband, John, in 2002. Before construction of her new home closer to her children was complete, she was afflicted with Cancer which lasted several months without bringing her down. It was the last couple weeks that were greuling. On June 14th of 2006, Bev and John's 32nd wedding anniversary, she was called home, surrounded by her loving husband and family...

"She was okay last week, still fighting it. She had a doctor’s appointment yesterday, afterwards she almost fainted. I could tell by her eyes it was getting worse, she was nearing her time. We watched movies together that night as she slipped in and out of consciousness, saying “Isn’t this fun? All of us together on the couch?” She woke several times in the night, never alone.”

-Janice, about her last hours with her baby sister (incomplete account)

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An email sent July 1st to Sharpe cousins.

Dear 2 Jerry's
Just a note here to let you know what I've been doing lately. First, June 13th I flew to Boise to spend a month with my sister, Beverly. Turned out that the cancer she was diagnosed with just about 2 months ago was getting to her. She went through radiation, lost her hair, then went through a couple of chemo-therapy sessions. The doctor stopped the chemo because it wasn't doing any good. Bev didn't want to know how bad the cancer was or how long she had to live. Matter of fact, in March she went to Disneyland with her daughters Susan and Sherri and Susan's daughter, Jenna, who is 23 years old. Bev walked about 12 miles during the vacation. No pain. Then on the 13th Sherri took Bev to the doctor for a check-up and the doctor took Sherri aside and told her he didn't think Bev would make it through the night.

But She did make it through the night. I arrived at her house about 3:30pm on the 13th, and visited with her between her being awake and falling asleep. The girls (Sherri and Susan) had been taking turns staying the night, both were there during the day. Things got tougher so they called in Hospice. Told Bev it was a visiting nurse from the hospital. She was able to give some medication to Bev so she'd calm down and try to relax. Next morning about 7:45 we were with Bev doing what we could to help her through (her last few minutes); her eyes were closed and then suddenly she opened them and looked around the room "They're all here" she whispered. "Who's there, Mom?" Sherri asked. "Everyone!" Bev said. She closed her eyes and breathed three more breaths... and then she was gone.

I know you all had similar happenings with Dad (Sharpe) and with Pat. It's really hard, isn't it? We'll all get through it somehow, and help the others to also get through it.

Hugs,

cousin Janice