I know I just wrote but I ask you check this blog daily for updates from now until Dad passes. I may not be able to write every day but I will try.
Dad stopped eating completely after I wrote the blog the other day. Yes I still make an attempt to feed him but when he clamps his lips together like vice grips when you place food to his lips that is clearly a refusal so I wait and try in a minute or two and he does the same thing or you do by chance get a spoonful in his mouth but he does not swallow and you end up having to swab it out later because he what they call pockets his food. then it is all stuck on his gum's and dried.
The Nurse said this was what would happen and it is ok. So now the only food and liquids he gets is from swabbing his mouth out and the tinny ammount he gets in a suringe (orally) to give him his medicines. Not enough to be life sustaining.
He is caughing more and more because of mucus build up in his throat and lungs thus he is in more an more pain thus he is getting more Medicine for pain.
So I am telling all of you if you want to see Dad before he passes NOW is the time. As many of you know a person can live a while without food but not very long with out water.
when he gets into the active stage of dieing it will only be a matter of a day or two or even hours.
I know he knows what is happening to him and I know he is peaceful.
As I stated previously My home is always open. If you choose to stay else where I understand there is a B&B in town and a small old hotel and Keokuk Iowa has several newer hotels and such and is only a 30 min drive. all I ask is if you will send me an email letting me know who is coming. I understand if you choose to just go to the funeral. but let me know ahead so I can make the necessary arrangements. Dad asked that all the children be there thus money was set aside for airline tickets for the us children (sorry any spouses or grand children that wish to come will need to be paid by the individual family). There are a few things that will need to be done once we all arrive in Kalispell, Montana. Any flowers that we wish for him need to be chosen, Head stone picked out. etc. I know tha LaQuinta inn is near by and it is a nice place thus I thought I would just call and reserve all the rooms and get a better price sometimes they have bereavement prices. We are Talking Kailispell so be prepared there might be snow.
All other funeral expenses where prepaid and chosen. Unfortunatly him and mom did not purchas plots side by side at the same time but he will be as close to her as possible. there is 1 person between them.
So as I end this message today I want you to truly know how much I mean it when I say I LOVE YOU ALL and I MISS YOU so much. And I hope if I have offended any of you in any way I AM TRULY SORRY. I never intended to ever hurt or offend any of you. it pains my soul to think I might have hurt any of you I have always loved all of you.
Love
Jo Ellen
2 comments:
funeral expenses for Dad that is.
Since yesterday, I have felt such a pull in my heart that Dad is now ready to go and be with our mother and all our siblings that did not breathe in this life. I have felt my twin Stephen near me for quite some time helping me cope with the feeling of loss. I have been doing a lot of crying, and my feelings are mixed. I am relieved that Dad will soon be out of pain, and yet a bit selfish I guess because the father we all know and love will truly be gone.
I hope with all my heart that everyone can forgive each other now as we are all adults and should act like we are and let the past be left forever in the past and that our love for each other rekindled. I don't know what I have done to alienate some of you, but with forgiveness, I don't need to know and we don't have to dredge it all up again to feel the pain and/or anger associated with things from so long ago.
I do not hold a grudge against any of my siblings and wish and pray for all to be well with each of you.
We have cousins that would like a family reunion, and that sounds like a very good idea. Perhaps we can do something next year to get together as extended family with all the children and grandchildren most of you all have.
I long with all my heart to be with Dad right now and Jo Ellen knows this and that I have felt this way since returning from taking care of Dad with her 2 years ago. We speak nearly every day and right now even several times a day. I am so thankful that Dad chose Jo Ellen to be his caregiver and that she accepted it so willingly. It was something that Mom wanted her to do as well.
My love and prayers are with all of us at this time and hope to see you in Montana.
Love, Lee
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