Dad's Perspective, The Hardest Day-Day 2

So, I awoke early in the morning after maybe a couple of hours sleep. I am not exactly sure of the time, but I think it was around 3:30am. I am not sure words can describe what I experienced but I will try.

Shauna was not home yet.

I felt really odd. I was hot but cold. I felt like microbugs were crawling all over me. I could not get comfortable. I tossed, turned, sat up, layed down, took the covers off, put them back on.
My mind was racing. trying to grasp something at the edge. I finally looked at the time on my phone 3:55am. I tried to lay back down. Toss, turn, hot/cold. Then after a time I began to feel sick to my stomach. Things started to clear in my mind. I was seeing my minds version of the crash. I am going to vomit. I manage to keep it down. I go into the bathroom and sit on the floor. Then I get hit with a wave of emotion. Hurt, sorrow, but no "why".

Shauna came home about 5am. I was still sitting on the bathroom floor holding a box of tissue.
We go back to bed. Got a little more sleep. There is comfort in being together.

I will miss you Ethne-Sue.

Edward is cleared to be checked out. What a brave trooper!
This was a day that I had been dreading for hours. I knew that at some point Melissa would be awake enough for her to receive the news.

Long day. More waiting.

More scan, x-rays, tests. Waiting , waiting, waiting for the breathing tube to be removed and Melissa to be awake enough to tell.

Lawrence had a plan all worked out for the eventual meeting.

Waiting, waiting.
Melissa is getting a little fiesty with her nurse. She keeps signing for the tube to come out.

We think she knows.

Waiting......

Finally at 3:45pm they remove the breathing tube. Shauna and Lawrence are in the room.
Text: they are taking out the tube.
Wait.

Okay, bring Edward back.

Even thought the rule for the ICE is no children, We were given permission to bring Edward in.
There is also a two visitor rule. The staff allows us five adults, Lawrence, Shauna, Larry, Marilyn, and me. They shut the door.

She knows.

Lawrence confirms it to her. Oh how I ache. Why can't I take her pain? Shauna has her hand, issuing words of comfort, "I know baby, I know."

Lawrence tells her his feelings about Ethne's passing. "Would you like a blessing?"

Nod.

"Who would you like to give it?'

She points through her tears, Lawrence. The rock.

Sweet blessing. Wonderful promises and counsel. Precious moment.

I needed to leave. Go get the boys. Dinner with Mom and Dad Edwards at their home.

Text: "Melissa is visitored out."
Call.
"OK, I will come and get you and Edward."
Discussion. Edward can sleep in Isaac's crib. Isaac can sleep in Josh's bed.
Edward sleeps with us.

Aunt Jessica and Edward

Overwhelming feelings of gratitude that we did not lose all three of them...