
Gwendolyn (Beauvais) James
Good evening folks, tonight I write with a heavy heart. My Great-Grandmother in law is being taken off life support tomorrow and I wanted to take a moment to share with you all what a wonderful woman she was and how senseless her passing will be.

I met Nana (Gwen) Thanksgiving 2009. I was just starting to see her granddaughter and was attending her families' yearly feast. Being a stranger in a strange land, the conversation wasn't really flowing my way at first. So I (in my infinite wisdom) decide to slug back a few beers. About 5 beers in, now I'm feeling a little ornery. I decide to get Nana and Dennis (her Boyfriend) going. So I ask Dennis about ... wait for it... prostate exams! Boy, did he give me ALL the details. ALL THE DETAILS!!! I'm going to spare you all... ( even though it's the funniest part of the story)... At the end of his brutal description of what he endured. Nana confirms it by exclaiming, "He was screaming, 'DOC, YOU'RE CORNHOLING ME!!!'" I have NEVER laughed so hard in my life!
From what they tell me about Nana, she used to be full of "piss and vinegar". I didn't see it. She was nothing but fun and kindness. She was the first person there at the birth of my son, Ronnie. In a word, she was awesome...
In October, Nana went in to Port Huron Hospital for routine tests for previous surgeries. During the chest scope, the attendant made a 6 in. incision in her esophagus. She was rushed to Henry Ford in Detroit, where she seemed to be making a bit of a recovery. Then, because of Medicare standards, she was moved to a total of six different hospitals! At a rate of once every three weeks! She never had a chance to convalesce! So now her family has had to make the hard decision to take her off her breathing machine and allow her to pass with dignity. I commend them all for the strength to make such a tough decision.
To Nana, may your soul know peace. I love you.
To whoever reads this, please say a prayer for Nana and never take your loved ones for granted. You never know...