Unpredictable

As it was with Dad in March, Mom's condition is unpredictable.  It was a week Monday that she became confined to a hospital bed.  There have been so many moments when we thought her end was imminent and then she rallies.  When I say "rally", I mean that she wakes up and says things to us, like that she wants to go home, isn't it time to leave, etc.  She knows all of us kids, but visitors do tend to confuse her.  She asks us to get her up, but we discourage that.  Although today we are asking the hospice nurse if she thinks we can get her up.  It's so hard when we are not provided with a crystal ball!  One minute it will seem that Mom is about to take her last breath, and then she pops her eyes open and says something cute, like "Why is Daddy's wheelchair hanging from the ceiling?!"  She asks very lucid questions or makes very clear comments, and then she says something really cute.  We are totally supportive, no matter what she says.  My daughter Whitney is a forensic psychology major in college.  She explained to me that our brains really never forget anything that we see, hear or learn in our lives, but that we store things in parts of our brains that most of us can't access.  When we are in a non-cognitive state, those things can surface! 

We remain on a 24/7 schedule, watching over Mom and caring for her.  We are making sure to reposition her in the bed because she is beginning to get a few sore spots.  It is not for us to question God, but it does make us wonder why He has not called her to her place in Heaven. May your unfailing love be my comfort, according to your promise to your servant. Psalm 119:76  

Jean, Glenda, Danny and I are trying to be very supportive of each other, but I believe exhaustion is setting in on all of us.  I find myself having difficulty completing thoughts and taking longer to do simple tasks.  We are pursuing some different ideas on how each of us can get more rest.  It is scary for me to think of leaving Mom alone at all because one of her biggest fears has always been that she would die without one of us there.  I made a promise to her that I would not let that happen.  Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.  Therefore, I will be steadfast, immovable, abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that my labor in the Lord is not in vain.  Corinthians 15:57-58


Dad continues to sleep the vast majority of his 24 hours.  He is losing weight because he will not eat.  We still can get him to drink his Boost off and on during the day, and every once in a while he will let one of us cook an egg for him or something light like that. At least he is getting some kind of nutrition.  No doubt, we all suspect that he wants to go with Mom.  Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.  Ephesians 5:25
Mom and Dad's love goes beyond words and is the epitome of God's teachings. 

Our family is so, so grateful to all of you for your prayers, cards and well wishes.  We have stopped allowing visitors because it seems to confuse Mom and Dad just doesn't stay awake.  I will do my utmost to keep all of you posted on both of them.  Love, Sandi