The telephone rang on Saturday, September 17. It was my brother-in-law, Steve, with the latest update from the Hospice nurse on Julie's condition; her time to pass on was drawing very near. It was estimated that she would would not make it through Monday.
Murray and I quickly made airline reservations and flew to Salt Lake City the next day. We drove to Tooele arriving at Julie's home at 4:00 PM. I sat by her bedside holding her hand and wept as I expressed my love to her and told her all I have learned from her.
I watched her labored breathing, in and out, in and out but received no verbal response. I did see her eyes moving under her eyelids in response to a question. "Julie, do you want Steve to come in here now? Move your eyes if you do" That's when I knew she heard me. Maybe I'm crazy, but that's what happened
We left Julie's at 9:00 for our hotel and a good night's sleep. The next day, Monday, I called Steve to ask how is night had been. His reply was, "everything is the same, the nurse just left after saying that her breathing has changed and it will be sometime today".
We drove right to her house where I sat by her bed for the next 4 hours. I held her hand, massaged lotion into her feet and trimmed her toenails and fingernails. I wanted her to look just right when she gets to use this body once again.
She took her last breath on Monday, September 19, 22011. It wasn't dramatic but very peaceful. I cried. Just a little. Not for Julie, but for myself. I miss her sense of humor, her spunk and quick wit. Heavenly Father is very merciful. He took Julie quickly. I feel it's a blessing for her, no more suffering with pain and nausea. Pancreatic cancer is miserable I think I would rather someone take me out back and shoot me than suffer like she did.
