JOAN'S Final and Last Stop

I doubt there's many of you who will view this posting, but for those who do I wanted to share my mom's final destination at Forest Lawn Mortuary in Cypress, California. The holiday season has been very lonely without having her apart of our family. We obviously miss her and as of now, time has not healed the grief.

As we mentioned, this website has served its purpose and its time has come to go "Dark." On Friday, November 30th, 2007, this website will no longer exist, much like the events that caused this site to be created.

A day hasn't passed where I haven't thought about my mother; I truly miss her. Yet, if she's at peace and happy in God's Kingdom, I accept God's decision to take her from us. On behalf of my dad, sister, and brother, we thank you all.

GOOD BYE - We'll Always Remember Mom

Today is one month since my mom's passing. I have visited her twice in Cypress where her remains lie interned amongst the Angels of God. Yet, the time has come to say publicly good-bye and turnoff this website in the near future. Originally, it was mentioned our intention was to leave this site active until the end of the year; however, time does heal the grieving and this site has performed its role to inform Joan's family and friends of her condition.

Therefore, this site will go dark on November 30th, 2007. To All of You, the Paul Family wishes you the very best.

An Angel Joined Heaven on 9/21/07

10/3/07: For those of you who weren't able to attend the Celebration of Life Service last Saturday I've attached my eulogy to my Mom (and you can read Jeff's eloquent euology below mine here). Saturday was a gorgeous day and we sincerely appreciate the nearly 200 people who attended and shared love and support. For those who weren't at the service, you might like to know that a group of Mom's friends created hundreds of packets of bulbs which were given out after the service. Anyone who wished took them home & will plant them so that in the Spring when they bloom, we can be reminded of Joan and of her loveliness. There were Dutch Iris, Freesia & Daffodils and several will be planted at my parents home, as well as in a special place at the church. A few gardens in Wyoming will also be blessed with the blooms. God bless you all.... Andrea

From Saturday service on 9/28/07: I want to thank all of you for coming today. My Mom would surely be overwhelmed by the sight of so many amazing people, just as my Dad, brothers and myself have been overwhelmed by the phenomenal support and caring you have shown all of us. The cards, home-cooked meals, flowers, phone calls, e-mails, gifts and thoughtfulness you have shown us is really a testimony to the legacy of how much we all loved my Mom, Joan Paul.

There are 500 things I could say about how incredible my Mom was; her caring, creative, thoughtful, beautiful self. But I believe you already know this. I can tell you how deeply her passing will be felt – how the strongest stabilizing ties to my heart have been ripped from their foundation, shattering like a bomb into a million little pieces these last several months. But I believe you already know this. I can tell you how she was the glue that held me tight and I can tell you how she was “the rock” for so many of us; a rock of faith, friendship, support and love in the stormy seas of life. But I believe you already know this. Instead I will share with you memories of my Mom. I want to show you how she gave me 43 years of moments and how these moments have been precious gifts; pearls of wisdom and wonder on strands of love which I wear draped on my heart.

There is a pearl for honesty: when I was about 9 years old I remember going to a Der Weinerschnitzel (remember those?) with my Mom and while waiting in line for lunch, I spied something crumpled up on the ground. It looked like play money – like Monopoly money – so I squatted down under one of the tables and grabbed the crumpled bill. Turns out it was a $100 bill. Did my Mother pocket it and keep it for me? Did she save it for a rainy day? No, she closed it tightly in her hand and asked every person in line “Have you lost any money today? Please check your pockets.” One man reached into his pocket and said “I had a $100 bill in here. Have you found it?” Smiling, she handed it over. Needless to say, I wasn’t smiling. “It was never ours to keep” she explained, and I learned a priceless lesson about honesty that day.

There is a pearl for creativity: sometimes when Dad was at the fire station all night, Mom dreamed up this idea of “mystery dinners”. Matt, Jeff, Janice and I were each able to pick a scrap of paper out of a hat: you would either get main course, beverage, dessert or side dish. Then Mom would secretly plan a dish with each one of us, she would let us pick what we wanted and then we would make a shopping list and she would go into the grocery store separately, with each one of us, and buy whatever ingredients we needed. She didn’t stop us from feasting on teriyaki steak with baked potatoes loaded with sour cream & cheese, root beer floats for beverages and pie for dessert (or whatever else we each may have picked).

There is a pearl for compassion: one day when I was about fifteen and much too concerned with the color of my hair or the look of my clothes, Mom and I went to the grocery store. As we drove down a busy street in Lakewood, we passed a bedraggled man who was dirty, bleary-eyed, seemingly homeless and “scary-looking”. He had a sign propped next to him while begging for money: “Will work for food”. After getting everything on our shopping list, Mom drove over to Carl’s Jr. and bought a full meal for the man. Returning to the place where we had seen him, we pulled over and offered him the food. He was suspicious at first, but she simply smiled and said she hoped it tasted good, and as we drove away I saw him unwrap the burger and bite into it.

There is a pearl for selflessness: she came to every game and meeting, to every practice and performance. Her support and her belief in me was unquestionable and she took me to anything in which I expressed interest: Indian Maidens & Church Choir, Girl Scouts and Gymnastics, Brownies & Bobby Sox & Baton lessons. There were private swim lessons, painting lessons, hula classes and guitar lessons, reading programs at the library and Herbold’s Hustlers, a baseball training program attended mostly by boys, but which she insisted I could do also. There were horse-riding summer camps, English riding lessons, cheerleading camps and an AFS summer program to Central America.

She used to get up in the morning with me when I started running in 9th grade. At 6 AM she would follow me in the car, to make sure I was safe and to encourage me to go further. As I expanded my range of running, we would drive different “routes” later in the day and take the mileage so I could keep track. She sewed me outfits and costumes, stayed up wrapping Christmas presents until 2 a.m., helped me make kites or posters when I ran for student council, catch ladybugs and crush aluminum cans which Matt and I collected from neighbors trashcans on garbage. Please note these were neighbors in Long Beach, many years ago, and not our current Nipomo neighbors.

She worked part-time to help put me through college and was always at the house when I got home from school. Just last March she visited me in Jackson and stayed up until 2 A.M. with a packed bar of 20-somethings to hear me sing in a reggae band and to dance with my friends that had come out for the show. Can you imagine how she did all this not only for me, but for all of her kids?

She loved flowers and cats, children and hummingbirds, monarch butterflies and walks in the park. She loved dainty tea cups, family gatherings, morning light and giving to others. She excelled at scapbooking, quilting & stamping cards. She didn’t like T.V. or coffee, alcohol or dark places, dust or dirt, smoking or traffic. She loved, above all else, her family. She was faithful to God, even unto the end, despite her pain and suffering, despite the seeming unfairness of losing Janice in 2003 and the unjustness of Stage IV cancer, the seeming loss of dignity and the exhausting march to death at the too-young age of 68.

She soothed our fears and wiped our tears, was generous with her hugs and her time, smoothed things over and made everything better. In pondering her passing, I am reminded of the old question when looking at a glass half filled with water: “is the glass half empty or is the glass half full?” Is her death tragic, unfair and too soon? YES.

But did we have time to say what really mattered? Did we have time to show our love? Did my Mom realize, for the first time ever, how many lives she has touched and how deeply she was loved? YES.

And so I say to you today that my Mom is finally at peace. She was at peace with going. She said to me several times “We’ve had a good life”. She also said, “I just hope I’m worthy. Then I’ll get to see Janice”. Just like her to find the positive aspect in all of it. She was surrounded by family in the last days, all of us united in tender love, care, fear and confusion. To the very end, she knew we were there. She would want us all to celebrate. She would want us all to laugh, to smile, to live and to go on loving. I’d like to read something a friend recently sent that made a lot of sense to me.

"Do Not Stand At My Grave & Weep.....Do not stand at my grave and weep I am not there; I do not sleep.I am a thousand winds that blow,I am the diamond glints on snow,I am the sun on ripened grain,I am the gentle autumn rain.When you awaken in the morning's hush I am the swift uplifting rush Of quiet birds in circling flight. I am the soft starlight at night. Do not stand at my grave and cry, I am not there; I did not die."

She lives on in all of us: in the warmth of the hugs we share, in the glint of a tear, in the hope of a smile and in the joy of the friendships and the love that we share. This is the gift she has left each one of us – may we hold it tight to our hearts. Amen… my dear mother … Amen

JOAN - "I AM HOME"

We said our Final Goodbye's to Joan M. Paul yesterday morning at Saint John's Church in Arroyo Grande, California. Mourners from as far east as the Mississippi River to as far north as the upper geograghies of Wyoming, along with a large local population attended Joan's memorial service, a "Celebration of her Life."

Joan's family wishes to extend our sincere appreciation and gratitude for the support and care brought forward to our family before and since Joan's passing. The testimonials given to "mom" during the service were an affirmation to the inspirations she provided many of us. However, our mom is now at home.

We anticipate this website will remain active until December 31st, 2007. We are expecting to make a few additions here and there, mostly for our family members, but we welcome and invite Joan's friends to view. Joan's existing e-mail address will remain open and monitored for a moderate period of time before it is completely removed.

In closing, several mourners at yesterday's service asked upon me if they could have a copy of the service's opening eulogy. To oblige their requests, I have provided the text below:

Good Morning to my Family and Friends of Joan Marie Paul. . .known more importantly to me as my Mother! I’m Jeff, the oldest son. For those of you who’ve known my folks and heard them talk about their sons; kiddingly, I’ll tell you I’m not the pilot, I’m the other son!

I want to thank all of you for attending my mother’s memorial service. I knew a great deal of friends and family would be present today celebrating my mother’s life. She was a very special woman who touched and inspired many. But besides being a mother, a wife, a sister, a companion, a friend, she was a “GIVER.” She gave and gave and yet never expected someone else to give back in return. She repeatedly sacrificed herself to allow others to succeed. Her sacrifices were a gift that frequently went unnoticed and without the fanfare she deserved.

I’m biased, but I believe God’s template of a mom was my mom, Joan. Yet, my last two days with my mom before she left us and joined her first daughter Janice in the heavens of God’s Kingdom is what has become the memory enshrined upon me about my mom.

Two days before she departed, Pastor Randy joined my father and I in my parent’s bedroom where my mom was laboring in a deep sleep; her eyes firmly closed. Deep down, the three of us all knew she was close to passing on and we quietly discussed the inevitable transformation of her life and our own feelings of knowing my mom’s time was limited. Throughout our conversation, my mom’s breathing remained labored; so loud at times; we had to pause while she would exhale. At the end of conversation, Pastor Randy led my dad and I in a prayer followed by the Lord’s Prayer. At its conclusion, Pastor Randy finished saying “Amen.” My father and then I followed in a whispered “Amen.” Suddenly, we heard an audible “Amen.” It was my mom displaying her faith while providing her inspiration to all three of us. She immediately returned to her labored breathing, her eyes remaining closed. She was definitely on cue, listening to everything we were saying, but incapable of participating. But she made sure she finished the prayer with us.

The next day, the day before she left us, I kneeled at my mom’s bedside several times holding her failing hand. I whispered into her ears how much I appreciated her efforts and all of the gifts she had given me for 48 years of my life. Throughout the whole day, she had said nothing audible in my presence. Still, I couldn’t stop repeating myself telling her how much I loved her and didn’t want her to leave, but I understood.

“Mom, everything will be fine. Don’t worry we’ll take care of dad. You’ve given us so much. Its okay to go if you have too.” THEN,

I felt a sense of pressure in my right palm and fingers. My mom was squeezing and then she said, “Than you;” the “k” in “thank” innocuously missing. I couldn’t resist wanting more, I immediately responded squeezing lightly back and I saw a facial smile form on her face. I was almost ecstatic. I then stood and raised my left cheek slightly over my mom’s mouth and asked her to kiss me. I watched as I saw her lips shape into a circle. I then lowered my cheek and she kissed me for the last time. I will never forget the moment. But it reminded me of my mom’s passion for family and love. Again, she was giving and the moment summarized the gifts she’s provided to all of us who’ve known her. She always gave her love to her family. Nothing was more important then family. NOTHING! I’m certain she’s very happy at this very moment watching over all of us knowing we’re together celebrating her gifts of giving, of sacrifice and Love. I love you mom and I’ll never forget what you’ve given me. You’ve made All of us better for the time we’ve had with you. God Bless.

JOAN'S Service: A Farewell and Celebration of her Life

Joan's Memorial Service, "A Farewell and Celebration of Her Life" will be held Saturday, September 29, 2007 at 11:00 AM at Saint John's Lutheran Church. The directions to the church are provided below. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to St. John's Lutheran Church, 959 Valley Road, Arroyo Grande, 93420, to the attention of a memorial fund that has been established in the name of Joan Paul. Mom was involved in many programs through the church and would want to continue supporting them.

Directions to Saint John's Lutheran Church

From Los Angeles –

Proceed North on Highway 101 to Nipomo, CA. (Nipomo is approximately 75 miles north of Santa Barbara) >>> Exit Los Berros Road and turn left going West >>> Go approximately 4.5 miles and turn left at Valley Road >>> The church is located on your immediate left.

From San Francisco -

Go South on Highway 101 to Arroyo Grande, CA. >>> Exit Fair Oaks Avenue and turn right heading west >>> Go approximately 3/10th’s of a mile and turn left at Valley Road >>> Proceed 1 mile to the church.

JOAN MARIE PAUL July 15, 1939 – September 21, 2007

Today, our mom passed away and has joined her first daughter Janice behind the gates of heaven. She won’t be returning to us but her imprint to what she has given us will ALWAYS remain. We know she’s watching over us and resting in peace. God Bless you mom, we love you, and already miss you.

As a family, we have a grieving process to go through and arrangements to make. We can tell you that our mom’s final farewell will be a celebration of her life at Saint John’s Lutheran Church, 959 Valley Road in Arroyo Grande on Saturday, September 29th, 2007 at 11:00 AM. Further details of our mom’s service including a map and written directions to the church will be soon forthcoming on this website along with additional information and pictures in the very near future. Thank you once again for the incredible outpouring of love, support, sharing and giving from all of you.

JOAN

Kneeling at my mother's bedside has become increasingly difficult. As I've shared before, my mother's breathing is strained with long pauses between breaths. She has apparently stopped eating and is no longer coherent when she tries to speak. All the signs and symptoms of her current state are discouraging, although I don't believe she's feeling internal pain. Some may feel writing such details and/or thoughts of mine on the internet for several to view is possibly ominous or to revealing to my mom's privacy, but since her diagnosis, my mom on occasion would call me and ask me to correct some detail or in some cases to elaborate further. I smile and chuckle at that, but then again its so typical of her. Her thoughts were that by sharing with others, it might help someone else in the future if they were to face this situation in their lifetime. I'm sure she is right!

Mom Hanging In There

9/19/07 posted by Andrea: Mom got her greatest wish today when Matt changed his travel plans and flew out earlier than his previous flight plans. The smile on her face when he walked into that room was beautiful to behold. We are adjusting her meds as necessary when directed by the hospice nurse and the "unit" of family feels complete. We are a team: united in history and love with a dedicated focus on making Mom as comfortable as possible. We all all worn out but grateful that we are all together.

JOAN

We have reached the eleventh hour with our mom's condition. We know the situation is grave and have begun mentally preparing for what seems the inevitable. Our mom is weak, frail and at times laboring to breathe, although she's repeatedly acknowledged she's not feeling pain. For that we're thankful. What's amazing, our mom knows what's happening and yet she continues to voice thoughts/concerns for others. That's how she's lived her life. . .always giving and sacrificing for others. She's really only asked for one thing, that her family be together and love one another. She's never been materialistic or demanding or even the least bit unreasonable. Sometimes, I thought she asked too many questions, but now, I'd answer question after question if I knew she could stay with us. She has touched a lot of us.

We will continue to maintain our vigil at her bedside and support her any way we can. We're praying with her, laughing, and holding/hugging one another. Yet, we feel so helpless. A path has been chosen and it will take God's miracle to change its course. In God, We Trust.

Hospice Begins

I'm heartbroken to write our mom's recent radiation and chemotherapy treatments have been unable to suppress the cancer. Given their ineffectiveness and mom's advanced Stage IV cancer, the attending oncologist has given the approval to begin Hospice Care. Sadly, the pain our mom has continually suffered from has increased in recent weeks resulting in higher drug dosages. Unfortunately, at certain times those same prescribed pain management drugs take their own toll on our mom. She has expressed several times this is not the quality of life she desires.

Hospice will bring compassionate care for the end-of-life, using a team-oriented approach to expected expert medical care, pain management, and emotional and spiritual support expressly tailored to our mom's needs and wishes. This is not an easy subject matter to discuss, but a reality. Many see it as "giving up" or the "final stage;" however, that is not always the case. Our family has discussed amongst ourselves that we all want our mom to have what she views is best for herself. What she desires is something that doesn't belong in print for others to view, however, I can share her thoughts and comments thanking so many of you for your continued support and prayers. Those thoughts have remained a constant with her from the onset of the cancer diagnosis. Just today, she mentioned to me once again how thankful she was to everyone. She still enjoys reading your e-mails, cards and replies to this website.

My sister Andrea will once again return from Wyoming on Monday to assist our father in providing his continuous care to our mother. The above right picture is of Andrea with our mom taken earlier this year not to long before she was diagnosed.

Joan was diagnosed with cancer while suffering from severe backaches during the second week of April in Aiken, South Carolina. At the time she was vacationing with my dad along with my brother Matt and his family. The grim news that she had contracted cancer was stunning to all of us. We had no idea and NEVER even contemplated that our mom would be ill. After all, she was the one who maintained a well conditioned figure, ate properly, exercised, and never smoked or drank. When pressed, one of the attending physicians at the hospital in Aiken stated we should have enough time to get her back to California and get her affairs in order. Although that hit me squarely in the jaw, I appreciated the doctor's honesty and certainly never forgot his comment.

We're now in September, nearly five months later since learning of our mom's condition. She's defied that grave comment given in South Carolina, undergone and endured several chemotherapy sessions and far too many radiation treatments. Today, she faced another chemotherapy session, her fifth. Our family is praying the infusion of Alimta will allow her to rest easier and contain the cancer. Then, six days from today, the oncologist will re-evaluate her condition to determine what future actions and/or treatments should be undertaken.

Since our mom's return to California from South Carolina last April, my brother, sister, and I have made over a dozen trips to our mom and dad's home. What continues to amaze each of us is the neighbors, friends, and the people of the local church where my mom and dad worship. Its incredible the continuous concern, offers of assistance, the gifts and baked goods, and the constant stream of cards providing encouragement and love. Let me say that you are very "special" people and "Thank You" again.

This past week, Bob and Monica Taylor who reside in Idaho and formerly lived in California stopped by the house to see Joan. Monica is a dear friend of our mom's dating back some 35 years ago. Interestingly, after briefly seeing Joan, it was Monica's husband Bob that shared, "I can't imagine this, when I come to California, I think of Joanie. . ." I thought his simple statement spoke volumes of how our mom has touched so many. Thank you Bob.