DECEMBER 26, 2009 Last Posting

It's hard to understand that Mom died a week ago. The memories and emotions of that day are still fresh, as are the memories and emotions of the viewing, the funeral, the reception, and the burial. A bunch of us went to Christmas Eve Mass that same night, then Dad spent a quiet Christmas Day with family.

There is no way we can possibly thank EVERY ONE of you who have helped and supported Mom, Dad, and our family this past year, and this past week. Both in the hospital and at home, we've had visitors, food, card games, prayers, cards, gifts, flowers, and phone calls. We loved seeing many of you at the funeral which was an uplifting celebration of a Christian life well-lived. Your sharings were touching, and we'll write down all that we can remember. Please know that we appreciate you more than you'll ever know, and we will pray for all of you. Truly, people will know we are Christians by the way you have loved us.

Blessings,
Anna and family

DECEMBER 21 UPDATE

Viewing will be at Mountain View Cemetery on Wednesday, December 23, from noon to nine. Feel free to visit at your convenience.

The funeral mass for Mom will be at Holy Disciples Catholic Church on Thursday, December 24, at 10:00. Address: 10425 - 187th St. East, Puyallup 98374.

The reception, immediately following the funeral, will be at Frontier Pavilion at the Pierce County Fairgrounds. Address: 21718 Meridian Ave. East; Graham 98338. The fairgrounds are about 1 1/2 miles south of the church on Meridian, so quick and easy to get to.

We are so thankful for your visits, phone calls, food, and gifts. We are surrounded by SO MUCH LOVE!

Mom's last day: Dec. 19, 2009

Mom died this afternoon about 4:15 surrounded by many family members. She has had many visitors saying their goodbyes since Wednesday, and especially today. We've prayed that she would be released from her pain, yet this day is so sad for us. I just can't imagine not having such strong family and friends for support. We know that Christmas angels escorted mom to see the special people in her life: Grandma and Grandpa Solomon, her best friend Neola, baby grandson Jeremy, and other friends who were already waiting to welcome her. And we know that Jesus welcomed Mom with open arms and a loving smile; her faith in God inspires us all. Dad is handling this pretty well. He's very tired, of course, and very sad. Seeing him say good-bye to Mom for the last time was heart-wrenching. He says Mom was and is an angel. We know you are all grieving AND celebrating with us.

DECEMBER 17, 2009 UPDATE

Mom is slowly slipping away. Though she opens her eyes occasionally, we can't tell if she recognizes or understands us. We treat her as though she understands. She is on a morphine drip, with occasional boosts as needed. The staff is compassionate beyond belief. They are tender with mom, and supportive of us. Tonight the kitchen delivered a "comfort tray:" coffee, tea, and cookies. Dad is doing reasonably well, and not just because someone brought in a Starbucks coffee cup with whiskey!! He is sad and sometimes tearful, but he, like all of us, wants Mom to be finished with her suffering, now a year and a half of pain. Your support has been tremendous. We know that you are sad with us, and we know we can ask for help from many of you. Angels, angels, angels . . . . . . .

DECEMBER 16, 2009 UPDATE

Mom is still at Good Sam, sleeping all the time. The doctor decreased her pain meds significantly to see if she would wake up at all. Once she showed signs of experiencing pain, the nurse gave her half a dose to make sure she wasn't drugged too much. Several times Mom seems to begin waking up a little, but doesn't respond to our talking. We continue to talk to her anyway. Becky even painted Mom's nails a sparkly pale pink. We laugh over funny things, cry when we feel like it, hurt when we see that Mom hurts or when Dad is extra sad. The staff has been great. Tis the season of angels.........

DECEMBER 15, 2009

Mom is still at Good Sam, and deteriorating day by day. Tests show that more tumors have invaded bones, cracking multiple ribs. She now has a patch to administer pain meds continuously, as well as pain meds in pill form as needed. She has been sleeping all day, and has eaten very little. She has fluid around the lungs, making her breathing laborious. Dr. Blau said the disease has progressed too far (and rather quickly as of late) for much medical treatment, other than keeping mom as comfortable as possible. Tomorrow we will begin making arrangements for hospice to come to the house as soon as mom goes home. The fluid around her lungs has to be taken care of before she can go home, but her blood is too thin to attempt something yet (I wasn't in on that conversation, so am not sure if that info is correct).
My beloved choir came up to the hospital and sang Christmas carols. We had shut the door so we didn't disturb others, but the nurse asked if we would open the door for other patients to enjoy the music. That time and singing and companionship was very precious.
Thank you for your continued prayer and support. I will attempt to update this blog daily.

DECEMBER 14 UPDATE

Mom decided to return to the luxury hotel at the bottom of the hill. You know how much she loves that place. She did want to try a different room, so she's in Room 403 which has a great view of the entry, so we see everyone coming and going, and we see construction on the new patient tower.

Mom has been increasingly tired. Becky and I took her to the doctor Monday afternoon, and then over to the hospital. Staff immediately hooked her up to IVs with an antibiotic. She was so tired she could barely stand up, but Becky and I work out at the gym, so it was no problem.

We still don't know much. Don't know the results of the x-ray or the CAT scan. We DO know the the blood work is acceptable. She's a bit anemic, her blood is a bit thin so no coumadin for a day or two, and her protein level is really low, meaning she is somewhat malnourished. The dietician said mom can have whatever she wants, so she's arranged to have pudding or ice cream delivered to mom for a mid-morning and mid-afternoon snack.

Please don't visit if you are sneezing or coughing, because the staff WILL send you home. They also recommend that kids under 12 years of age not visit the hospital because of H1N1.

Mom slept most of the day. She even fell asleep during her physical therapy session. She had a long, mostly uninterrupted nap this afternoon, and actually sat up and talked a bit by 4:30.

Hopefully Mom will perk up a bit more tomorrow. I'll keep you posted.