Reality

Well friends and family, mom and I realized today a little dose of reality. Just the presence of the Hospice nurse (who is a God send) brought a dose of reality. However, she also brought supplies that we need; like, a wheelchair to get dad to and from appointments, oxygen to help with his breathing as needed, a shower chair, a foam wedge to put under his pillows, and some other misc. supplies. I am totally convinced that these people are some form of angels. It is amazing the quality of their care. Amazing!
Dads breathing was very shallow last night and he was talking in his sleep for a couple of hours. This is was just alarming enough to mom and I that we called Aunt Barb (moms sister who lives around the corner) to come sleep with us. Todd was working and I was staying overnight with mom, but even this dose of reality was too much for me to bear. I knew it was time to call in someone to stay the night with us.
Dad ended up sleeping through the night except for waking up one time to get a drink and to say he was having a hard time breathing. Of course, he slept the rest of the night and woke up refreshed.... the rest of us that stayed awake worrying about him and checking on him, were quite tired today!
I saw on dads face yesterday how tired and sick he really is. He sleeps most of the day. He doesn't ask for food (except liquid-y stuff like Jello, applesauce and strawberry Ensure). Sometimes I think he is getting a little confused and sometimes I think he is still sharp as a tack.
When he woke up this afternoon, I brought him some applesauce and just sat in the room and listened to him talk. He always talks about the program he has written and how he wishes he could see to fruition. I could hear the disappointment in his voice today. And yet, he remembered his dad and how he started the Kingfish Tournament here in town. His dad didn't get to see the full benefit of how that has impacted our city, but look at how big it is now. I assured him that we would not let his work go in vain and seemed satisfied with that. I hope he can begin to let it go so that it doesn't way so heavily on him.
We talked for a while about other things and then he asked me to clip and file his nails! Which I did!
He took another nap while I went to pick their dog up from the groomers. I just got back and am now in here typing to you, our dear friends and family.
We are so humbled by your generosity and love for not just my dad, but for our whole family.

SHARON - Thank you for being that quiet little angel that comes in and out quietly to clean moms house. You said it was a "little thing", but to us it is a tremendous help! THANK YOU!

SHIRLEY - You are the angel that God sent to comfort my mom. Words can't fully express our thanks. You are now family! We love you.... and I Bill, too, of course! THANK YOU, Bill, for helping take care of the leak in the den! We would be living in a mold swamp without you!

To the Lewis Family - Our hearts are breaking that we cannot be with you right now. We pray for you and think of you constantly. We are so humbled by your graciousness and support. WE LOVE YOU and hope to see you soon! Actually, Dad said yesterday that he IS going to the funeral and that he would not miss it for anything. I told him we got him a wheelchair and we will do everything possible to get him there. I asked if I could go buy him some new pants because all of his clothes are too big on him now and he said... and I quote, "Nah, I'll just wear my shorts. Harry won't care what I'm wearing!" Those two! What a hoot! Trust me, we won't let him come in his pajama shorts! :)


We have many other thank yous and are making our way down the list! I am trying not to leave anyone out!

Well, dad just got up, so I am going to spend time with him! LOVE YOU ALL!

God is good all the time and all the time God is good!