Pennyland

We have always felt the love from our family and friends. Especially when Penn got sick. I cannot explain to you how much love we felt with so many people rallying behind us. Lifting us. Guiding us. Praying for us.

The morning of March 11 (after we got back from the hospital) I woke up to fresh coffee and a vegan hash ready to be eaten. My cousin (the sister I never had) flew in from Vancouver. Several family members are nurses. They organized a rotating schedule to ensure someone was always at our home to assist in preparing and administering Penn’s medications. Our master bedroom closet was transformed into the nursing room/prep area. Our bathroom became the sanitizing zone. The set up was perfect.

Our fridge was full. Our pantry was literally bursting at the seams. And in 24 hours my dearest friends organized Pennyland - a Disney/Cinderella outdoor themed party. We would celebrate Penn the brave. I cannot describe how extra and the wow factor this party would’ve had. I knew it would be a magical party to celebrate Penn. Unfortunately, Pennyland was never meant to be. It was supposed to happen at 3 pm in our backyard. But Penn’s seizures became more frequent, longer and scary. At 1:30 pm we cancelled the party. Rather than celebrating, a bed was being prepared at our new home - Rotary Flames House. Before we left, we got Father Vargas to visit. The same priest who conducted our wedding renewal ceremony in July 2021. Throughout the blessing Penn looked peaceful. Calm. Tranquil.

I wouldn't call myself a devout or religious person, but I am spiritual. What happened next I cannot explain. While we were getting ready to leave for Rotary House, Penn was sitting on Sheldon’s lap. All of a sudden, she starts talking and pointing to the various stuffed animals on the bed. She could now see. She could now talk. We were able to converse. We cried. We couldn't believe it. We had a good solid 10 minutes with her, then she had her worst seizure. It lasted for around 3 minutes and travelled all the way down to her face, then her left arm, then to her leg. We gave her Ativan. We realized that her moment of lucidity before her seizure was a special gift to us.

We left for Rotary Flames House at 3:30 pm. As I carried Penn towards the car and away from the white farmhouse, my heart broke, thinking I won't be returning with her. Family followed us to the garage and Penn gave us one last gift - she waved her hand and said her goodbyes.

Penny waving goodbye before heading to our Rotary Flames Home - March 12, 2022