One day at a time...

That's all each of us can do is take one day at a time.  I called Mom last night about 8:15 and asked her how she was feeling.  She chuckled and said she guessed that she was feeling about the same as she was that morning!  Her sense of humor and her stoicism never ceases to amaze me! 

Mom has never been much of a reader, but then she never felt like she had time to sit and read.  She would have a stack of newspapers next to her chair in the living room, and would finally sit and go through them.  But, she never took time to read a book.  Now that she spends most of her day in her recliner, she has begun to read  a few books. Jean shared a book with her entitled, Heaven Is For Real, which is a heartwarming story about a family who almost loses their son.  Unbeknownst to anyone, during surgery, their 4-year old son goes to Heaven and then comes back.  As time goes by, he starts relaying stories to them about what they were doing while he was in surgery, things that he could not have known otherwise.  He tells them about seeing his sister, whom was lost through miscarriage in the second month of pregnancy and others.  It is a very real story, one that would be difficult for anyone to dispute, like the reviews do to a book like 90 Minutes In Heaven, which I have also read.  Anyway, Mom read it and then we talked about it.  She said that there were parts of it that she just had to skip because it got her to excited.  When I asked her what she meant, she said it got her to excited about what she was going to encounter if (can you believe she said "if"?!) she went to Heaven!  Her faith is what guides her and she says she is not afraid of dying, just that she is so worried about Daddy.  Of course, we have all tried to comfort her in telling her that we will take good care of him, but she knows all too well how unhappy he is going to be without her.  Dad gets upset often when he looks at Mom and sees her getting thinner and declining.  She tells him she's alright and smiles at him to help him recover.  I can't imagine what's going on in his mind, but I know he is very sad. But, on the positive side, Mom's faith is so inspiring and she remains as upbeat as possible! 

Mom has been getting more and more short of breath.  It had been over two weeks since she was last drained, so she decided to let the Hospice nurse come Friday to drain her, in hope that would give her some relief and more breath.  However, when the nurse drained her, only about 1/2 teaspoon of fluid came out.  So, Mom did not get any help for that.  She is on her oxygen most of the time, whether she is in her recliner during the day or in bed at night.  She has also been having to use more of the morphine because it does help her to breathe a little easier.  She likes to be awake during the day and gets a bit frustrated if the morphine makes her too sleepy, so the doses are very small, about the amount that would be prescribed to a child.  I support her in giving her whatever amount helps her but doesn't knock her out.  

Mom and Dad are still enjoying having visitors, as long as they don't stay too long!  Mom will absolutely let us know if she is getting tired.  So, if you are inclined to, go see them!  You can call me at 512/934-3641 and let me know what day you would like to come, so I can be sure to write you on their calendar!  I usually only schedule one visit per day, and 1:30 or 2:00 is a good time of day for them.  

When I opened Jean's book, Heaven Is For Real, there was a holy card inside it that she must have used for a bookmark.  I loved the quote that was on it and thought I would close this blog and share it with you...

Have no fear for what tomorrow may bring.
The same loving God who cares for you today will 
take care of you tomorrow and every day.
God will either shield you from suffering
or give you unfailing strength to bear it.
Bea at peace, then, and put aside all 
anxious thoughts and imaginations.
Francis de Sales (Catholic Patron Saint of the Deaf)

Thank you, God!  We sing praise to You!  Amen!