Tuesday, May 10, 2016

Day +216

Last night at about 7:20pm, Raul passed away peacefully in my arms, with his grandma by his side. 

Just a few hours earlier we had met with his doctors and were switching over to hospice care, but when he passed we had not yet changed much other than his code status. I think he just needed to know it was okay to go. We had expected to have several days to a week with him after stopping dialysis, but as usual, Raul had other plans and never even missed a day of dialysis. 

Raul's transplant was a success, his skin was improving, but as anyone familiar with his story knows, he had many complications and other medical issues. 

Raul fought amazingly hard over the past 8 months, but his body was tired. In the end he passed peacefully with no pain, his heart just stopped. 

"If love could have saved you, you would have lived forever"





12 comments:

  1. I have read your story continuously over time since Raul came home with you. Bless you, and may you feel the comforting arms, of Jesus around you now. Lovingly, Barbara Lyman, WA state

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  2. Sweet Caroline, all my love to you!

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  3. My deepest sympathies for you and your family. I have been quietly following for a while. I am so sorry. You are an amazing woman and am so impressed by your journey. RIP Raul. You were truly loved!!

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  4. Oh, sweet boy...you're free now...Caroline, I am so sorry for your loss...and so moved by your complete devotion to this little man...truly, he met his guardian angel the day he met you. Hugs to you and your family!

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  5. Dear sweet girl...I saw a post on Facebook by EB Easton's family asking for prayers for you as Raul had passed. I spent all day yesterday reading the entire story of you and Raul. So very inspirational. What you did for Raul was an amazing gift. He was given years of life and love because of you. Trips and birthdays and so much love. So self sacrificing of you. I pray that God gives you peace and comfort knowing you did something for Raul that he never would have gotten if not for you. That sweet boy knew love from a mother who didn't give birth to him but gave him everything else. God bless you! - S in Texas

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  6. So sorry to read of Raul's passing. I have never commented before but have been following your blog for years. He was a tough little fighter, may he rest in peace.

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  7. I have followed Raul for a long time and am shocked and saddened to hear of his passing. I lost my 14 year old daughter following a long illness and recognized the look of being worn out on his sweet little face after such a long fight. I'm so glad he was surrounded with so much love and had the opportunity to live the life he did. Thank you for saying yes to a tough situation and a life you didn't have to take on. You have both inspired me. I pray you heal as time goes on, and find peace in your memories of your beautiful butterfly boy.

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  8. Oh my goodness Caroline I'm so sorry about Raul's passing. He was such a strong boy and such a fighter. I hope he's in heaven checking out the fire trucks. I wish you peace and strength.

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  9. Caroline, I am so incredibly sad to hear that Raul has passed away. I have been following your journey and you are both such amazing people. By adopting Raul you gave him such a better and happier life, I hope you truly know the gift beyond measure that you gave him. May you find comfort knowing that the love you gave him made him the most blessed boy in the world.

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  10. Caroline, I don't know if you remember me or not but I was on your 2010 Romania trip. I remember Raul very fondly, and I'm heartbroken to hear about his passing. I've been following your journey since you brought him to the US to get treatment - especially when you moved to MN (where I live). He was such a brave little boy. And he was beyond blessed to have your unwavering love and care. Thank you for everything you've done for him! Sending lots of hugs your way, Becky

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  11. Raul took a piece of my heart with him when he died. He will be missed.

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