Dave's observation

Pictures: Playing some hoop; Mike waiting his turn.

Sometime in August while Dave and I were out on the front deck, Dave mentioned that the elementary school across the street really needed new basketball hoop nets. They were hanging by a thread. Suddenly, that became another project. It took me a couple weeks to remember to buy to nets and then a few days to get them up. Well, the neighbors went over and found it a little more complicated then we thought. One hoop was falling and pretty much out of service, the other hoop was so old the new net didn't attached correctly. Well they kept trying and found a way to tie them in place. After 10.10.10, our neighbor Mike called some other young men who grew up in the neighborhood and played some basketball in Dave's honor. Another touching moment. Watching neighbors I know and don't know as well as the school children take new interest in playing some basketball fills my heart with joy.

Thanks for the selfless idea Dave.

peace, love, groove

Saturday...really?

Wow, the week just flew by. I go back to work on Monday. I'm so glad I had some time to breathe. Friday night my friend and old partner, Linda, came over and the YaYa's joined us for drinks and dinner. Lots of laughs...which is always good. Today I worked on leaves, trimmed back the herb garden and took some glass garden things into the garage for the winter. I also am working on getting rid of branches around the back Maple tree, got through about half of it by burning it on a fire. The dogs loved being in the sun while having a fire going too. After all of that, I went to the Sawyer Garden Center and got a heated bird bath that goes on the front deck rail. Can't wait to get it up tomorrow!

I still think of Dave....most of the time. I'm thankful I continue to feel such calm and peace, although there are moments that feel empty. Love you Dave.

peace, love, groove.

Last night

Pictures: Jeri and Edd; Mark, Sue, Lindsey, Cookie and Chuck; Chuck and Tim- must be a big decision; Lee and Loni; Dan, Liz, Mark, Sue and Lindsey.

14 of us went to Silverbeach Pizza last night to celebrate Dave and my anniversary. They have very good Bloody Mary's....great pizza. We had a great time. Thanks to all, it was nice to spend with family (you all are part of my family).

peace, love, groove

Short Hi

Today is Dave and my 25 th wedding anniversary. Going out to dinner with friends and family. Errands to run this afternoon. I have so many pictures and memories to scan....then there are the videos. This could be a full time job. More to come.

peace, love, groove

Mister Edd video from the 90"s

Two short videos from a PBS special Mister Edd filmed in the 90's is on You Tube. Part One and Part Two. Part One has "Someday" with Dave playing bass...one of my all time favs. I LOVE that bass line. They look so young... you just have to watch. Thanks for posting Mike (aka Mickey Shandar).

Worked on leaves today...they just keep falling and falling. It was so beautiful out and warm. I wanted to get as many in bags as possible before the rain. Then I had a camp fire with the dogs and cooked a steak on the fire. The rain has started.

Lots to work on, Tim is helping me go through Dave's music files. There may be some new life in some old songs coming. Will keep you posted. Feels like there is so much to save and cherish.

peace, love, groove

Great idea

Mark, Dave's brother, told me a great idea today. Elisa had talked about the music she felt Dave influenced her to take interest in. How about everyone else?

Me next.... Chick Corea (I was a lukewarm fan before Dave), Yellow Jackets, Claire Fisher and numerous other jazz artists. Elvis Costello. He intensified my love for Yes, Pink Floyd and Steely Dan.

peace, love, groove

The Word's Out

So many people are reaching out to me, our family and our friends...it's amazing to us all. I received a beautiful letter from a woman who listens to Byran Lubeck's music and Dave's keyboard work and shared her story of taking care of her mother who died at home several years ago. It was so poignant. I went to Elder Beerman yesterday and the woman who checked me out looked at my credit card and said "I thought that was you LeeAnn, I knew Dave from Czar's" and hugged me. He just knew so many people or touched their lives with his music.

Yesterday I finished up a couple things at the funeral home and went by Riverview cemetery. That is where Dave's ashes will go in a "niche". All these terms I didn't know. Anyway, I looked around and think I found the one. Actually, it will be for both of us. Dave's father, Clint, is buried there (as is some of my family) and I found one that looks toward his dad.

Looking out the front window at the fall clouds rolling above the elementary school... the tree leaves are green, yellow and red. It's time to finish putting things in place, ready things for the winter to come. I think I should continue the blog for awhile. As long as Dave's story continues, it just feels right.

peace, love, groove

Humane Society

Today I'm taking checks and money I received to the funeral home for the Humane Society of Southwestern Michigan. This is where Dave and I went to get 3 of our dogs (other 2 were off the streets). It means so much to support them. Hope to go see them soon too!

Link to another article

Check out this story.

Left out

Forgot to mention, we had a short visit from the police Saturday night after fireworks. He just came to the next door driveway and yelled at us "hey, no more fireworks folks, we've had 10 calls". I'm pretty sure it was after 1:30 am. I think I'm out of the firework business for awhile. We continue to get cards and amazing comments. PLG lives on.

Finally got some fall clothes into the closet today. Then my mom took a lot of clothes to Good Will for me. I have to work on closing bank accounts, credit cards and life insurance stuff this week. So glad I kept my time off. Don't go back until November 1st.

peace, love, groove.

Short video

Fellow member of Maxon Struwin posted this short video

Tribute went well

Friends and family started arriving around 6:30 pm. The music was amazing....sweet and funny stories laced throughout the evening....tears, laughs and hugs filled the room, oh and lots of love. The local paper recorded the tribute spirit in the Sunday paper. I think Phil ended the evening close to 10:30 and I was home around 11pm. Then the campfire began. There was great music and singing (that was David's favorite part of the 70's party night). We had some beer and many tequila shots. The last friends left around 5 am. I slept until around 1 pm, still tired but feeling fulfilled. Love all our friends and family tons.

peace, love, groove

10-16-10

One last word before the day begins. Thanks for being there.... (Dave would say "that's more than 1 word")

peace, love, groove

Saturday morning

A full week. Tuesday evening family went to get North Shore burgers in Dave's honor. His fav. My mom, Phil, Loni, Ev, Mark, Al, Courtney, RJ, Jennie and me. We looked at a few pictures and toasted Dear Dave. Wednesday we worked on pictures. Erik, Katie and Ben came into town Thursday...more pictures and a great dinner. Watched the picture DVD Phil put together. Friday we cleaned the yard (yes there will be a camp fire Saturday night), finished pictures and had time together.

Now it's Saturday. How the week flew. Have a few things to finish up on and set up for tonight. More family will be here (or back) today. Some will watch the webcast. Dave wanted us to be happy and celebrate our friendships and love. Here's to you Dave Maki!

peace, love, groove

The week flies by

Still completing some things for the tribute. Tim helped get the musician's confirmed. I have to say it was difficult to kept on task for this. Dave and I had talked about it 3 or 4 weeks ago. Unfortunately, we don't have time for everyone to play. So anyone who wasn't invited, please know that we tried to look at musicians Dave played and/or worked with a lot. Since he's worked with so many that was hard.

Nieces and nephews came into town this evening. Great to be with everyone at Phil and Loni's house. We worked on picture boards this afternoon, tears and laughter continue. Tomorrow will be the finishing touches. We posted the link to the webcast and it will stay at the top of the blog for reference.

peace, love, groove

Link is up

Here's the link. The webcast url is wrong. Will be corrected soon.

Pictures and Pictures and Pictures

Wow- so many pictures. Trying to finalize Dave's obituary. Just need the picture, getting close. Hope to have in Thursday and Friday's paper. Updates may be short....but I'll keep them coming.

peace, love, groove

Getting it right

Still working on arrangements for Saturday night. Lots of pictures to go through. Lots of love coming our way. It feels like Dave is surrounding me in peace and love....the groove part will be Saturday. Thinking about a webcast......??

peace, love, groove

Planning

Caught up on some sleep last night. We have decided to have a musical tribute to DKM Saturday, October 16, 2010. 7 to 8 pm will be a visitation, 8 to 10 pm will be the tribute. It will be held at Starks and Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd, St Joseph MI. As soon as there's a link, I will post.

Today is picture review day and we need to get final arrangements completed. Sure they'll be lots of visits and family around. Again, we couldn't have done this without you...I am so thankful.

peace, love, groove

1 down, millions to go

Al went with me to the funeral home this afternoon. We are going to have an evening musical tribute to Dave. Will have the date set tomorrow and will post all the details. We also discussed how planning and involving others in planning helps with the grieving process. I know I'm not the only one grieving. So I was happy to when some of the Mister Edd members came by and we discussed options for a tribute. We also had time to tell stories...failed special effects, cabbage doll massacres....never a dull moment with these guys. Lots of laughs too which is good. I went out for a little with Joni this evening. It was good to leave the house for awhile. I'm on my own tonight which is okay. Pretty exhausted.

Thanks for all the continued support.

peace, love, groove

My CW

Have a few minutes to write my thoughts and reflect. Dave started breathing harder around 10 pm. Julie L spent the night with us and we watched some of the Camp David DVD together and chatted with jazz music playing in the background. Around 11:30 pm we turned and rubbed Dave's back and positioned him. I went into the bathroom for a second and Julie called me. As I walked up to the bed, Dave was taking a breath- his color was poor. We held his hands and I kissed his head as he took a couple more breaths. His face was peaceful. Just when this happened, Nikki ran to the front door as if someone was leaving. She stopped and looked around for a minute.... I felt a sense of peace too.

Julie stayed with us and Catherine C-S came back over. The hospice nurse came over about an hour later. She called the funeral home to let them know and took all the "narcotics" they had issued. She was very nice. There was a discussion about the time of death with was 11:55 pm 10/10/10. Since it was 10/11 when she got there, we would go with that date. Julie, Catherine and I thought 10/10/10 was really the date and more fitting for DKM- the nurse agreed. Mike, our neighbor came over with a Mister Edd CD Dave had given him when he was 10 years old. How touching. As we waited for the funeral home to come for Dave, he went and listened to some of it in his car.

Today has been filled with a nap, calls, family and friends. I'll go to the funeral home to complete the plans this afternoon. Per Dave's request, he will be cremated. I will post all info as soon as I know. For sure I know Dave would like any memorials to go to the South Western Michigan Humane Society. More info to come...... Thanks to all who have followed and supported us.

peace, love, groove.

Dave Maki 12-21-57 to 10-10-10(at 11:55 pm). Surrounded by love and music. More later.

peace, love, groove.

Serenade

Pictures: Al checking out Dave's new wheelchair; Lisa mowing the lawn on Saturday; Tom and Suzanne watching the Camp David DVD; John Payne helping with the sing along; Buddy Z; Danny Dine sernading Dave Sunday evening.

Quiet afternoon. Visitors continue. Danny Dine is serenading Dave. Julie L spending the night. More tomorrow.

peace, love, groove

Sunday afternoon

Dave doesn't seem to be running a temperature today. Otherwise, he seems to be about the same. Friends have been stopping by throughout the day, cleaning, watching over us. Feels a little surreal. Love that we continue to surround Dave with stories, laughter, love and music.

peace, love, groove

Surrounded

Oh, my dreams for Dave came true last night. It was such a gift, honest. Friends and neighbors came over, the movie was playing in the front yard. There was laughter and love surrounding us. Of course there were tears too. I offered to go in with anyone who seemed a little anxious, told them Dave hears him. Many said their goodbyes- some short, some long. Our friend Suzanne brought a lavender satchel to put on Dave's chest, Suzanne and Joni massaged his hands and feet with lavender lotion. It was amazing to see his hands relax. Alison, Catherine C-S, and Beckie took care of me. Suzanne roasted chestnuts, what a great fall snack. We also looked at some older pictures and sang along with Earth, Wind and Fire songs.

We have the medication thing down, although we slept for 4 hours and missed a pain medication dose. Dave still has a temperature this morning. His hands are so warm, arms are cool. The hospice nurse said this is a normal thing. Our old dog, Audrey is hanging around Dave's bed more. It's a peaceful morning. I'll update later. I cannot thank everyone enough for their love and support.

peace, love, groove

Falling....

Last night we got Dave up for dinner. Tim and Catherine C-S were here. He was so weak we just took him to the deck for about 10 minutes...some freash air. Got him back to bed. He was able to tell us "yes" when asked if he was in pain. We crushed, diluted and concocked his seizure med and Vicodin and he was able to take small amounts in the side of his mouth. Also gave him Tylenol suppository and got him tucked in for the night. I put the oxygen on...thought it wouldn't hurt.

I slept until 8:30 and thought Dave was breathing more labored. He hasn't been responding much today. Continues the low grade temperature. He moved his legs in the night and had them crossed...he looked so comfortable I couldn't move him. Probably should have, he started a couple pressure ulcers were his legs crossed. Alison and Mark got here late morning and we gave him another Tylenol supp and got him repoositioned. It was yard work day- Lisa D, Elisa and Piot came over and got a lot done...Thanks Everyone.

Around 2 I called Hospice and they recommended Ativan to help with the breathing. When there was no real change in an hour the hospice nurse came over. Dave is falling quickly. I already knew he was going into skin failure. We're giving meds for pain and his resp. I think he'll be gone this weekend.

I don't really know what to do about this evening, don't really want to cancel. Dave and I are here, Maki's and Rasmussen's are here...friends are coming...love to all.

peace, love, groove

The days stay full....

Another busy day at 455 Hoover. Dave slept well, a few coughs through the night. He had rosy cheeks when I first kissed him this morning...darn still running a slight temperature. He seemed so tired still, we decided to let Dave sleep with the idea of getting him up for dinner time and rest up for Saturday. He was able to get down most of his pills and some of a chocolate malt. Gave him some tylenol too. Mom was here pretty early and then Mark Maki got here around 11. I was working....working.... working. The massage therapist, aide and RN came by this afternoon. Dave got a nice neck and shoulder massage, then a great clean up (he liked the back rub) and the RN felt he was breathing a little harder. So we get oxygen here in case he needs it. He opened his eyes and gave us a couple yes/nos, but not a lot. Lindsey came by around 1. Hoping to get Dave up for dinner, even for an hour. Will let him rest most of the day tomorrow so he can be up tomorrow night for the big premier.

peace, love, groove

Busy afternoon

We got Dave up this morning- Al, mom and me. He ate a little breakfast and got his pills down. He was up about 45 minutes and we put him back to bed when Tim came over. Then Tim went with my mom to pick up a rug she ordered and hook up her TV. We met with MSW and RN from hospice today. Dave was still very tired, think it's 'cuz he sat up a total of 7 hours yesterday. We got the new wheelchair with an excellent seat cushion. It will work well. (I really took it because of the cushion). We got Dave up a second time this afternoon but just for about 30 or 40 minutes. I did get pm pills down, 1 protein drink and a few bites of dinner this evening (ala the Dines). Felt bad about keeping him up..... Had a wonderful visit with Clarie and Emma. I had gone to my hair appointment at 5:15 and it was yesterday. I looked at it 3 times....Wednesday is today....damn it was yesterday. Thanks Rod for understanding. It's time for me to be off....just a few more days. I stopped by to see Nita at Starks. Lots of friends and family surrounding her, it felt a little surreal. I got home before the Dines came by. This evening Beckie and Erik (okay too tired to check if it's Eric or Erik...sorry Ericcckkkk) and helped my get Dave ready for bed. Hopefully Dave will be up a little tomorrow. My plan is to let him rest though because movie night is on....Saturday night about 8:30 pm to see movie of Camp David....all are welcome, BYOB. (I always end up getting beer though).

A "haze" in the meadow

Guess it's not really a haze, but there's a low fog covering the back area of the school yard this morning. Dave slept well. Temp is 98.8 this morning. Dave has a little different cough this morning. We're starting to do nebulizer treatments 2x/day to hopefully help Dave's cough and thin any mucous. I called and got a mask so Dave doesn't have to hold anything...it's working great. Should be a busy day. Gotta get to work. Will update later.

peace, love, groove.

I feel so much better

Pictures: Catherine and me: Lee and Dave; Catherine and Nikki (kissing); Dave and Tim listening to Chick; Dave on the porch this evening.

Changed Hospice agencies already. I just had too many red flags and couldn't stop feeling something wasn't jiving. Very hard thing to do. I called myself to change..... sad to tell people I know it's the wrong fit. New hospice started this afternoon. I feel a great weight off my shoulders. It was right for us.

Tim and Catherine T came over this morning to help me get Dave out of bed, etc. Just when I thought no temp....it was 99.4 and then 100.1 so Tylenol around 10:30 this morning. Then off to work for me. We played Chick Corea music for Dave all day. He seemed more interactive and made several comments. Tim talked to him about musicians, etc. Tim got our camera working....YEAH! Lindsey was here late afternoon and when I got home hospice came over. We'll see them again tomorrow. Catherine and I got Dave up before she left. We ate dinner ala the Mierau's on the deck. I think Dave enjoyed the change of view, we haven't been outside for a couple days. Then Mike Holmes came by with a video (or DVD) he made of the Camp David performances. He's going to bring an big screen and we may watch it in the back yard Saturday night. It's suppose to be nice out. More on that tomorrow.

Julie Lester came by to help me get Dave back to bed. Our dear friend Nita lost her husband in a MVA Monday evening. Our hearts go out to her. He was good to Dave and me....love you Nita.

peace, love, groove

Morning has broken

Another day starts at the Maki house. Good night. No temperature. Dave slept well. I'm just working on getting through until next Wednesday. Care Calendar seems to be working very well. Thanks Kay and all who are helping.

The sounds of fall are upon us. We always get the Canada Geese at the school yard across the street this time of year. Love to hear their "honks". Then there's a quite time before the kids start coming to school. Absolute favorite is hearing the kids out at recess. Reminds me of when we moved in....painting the house with windows open and hearing the play yard banter (including yelling, screams and laughs). Fall is my favorite time of year. And our 25 th anniversary is coming up toward the end of the month.

peace, love, groove.

Better Afternoon

No more temperature. Dave got his Cipro a little early this am and that seemed to do the trick. Tim got here around 9 am and we got Dave out of bed, cleaned him up, and he already looked better. He had a little trouble with some pills, but had most of a bowl of cereal. He was ready for a nap around 11. Hospice came at around 1pm and left a little after 4 pm. Dave was up part of the time, otherwise he continued his nap. Joni and I decided to try to get Dave up to the wheelchair after hospice left....but something wasn't right......I had him barely on my knee....no...it's best to do a controlled sit down on the floor, so that's what we did. The neighbors came over and stood him up...in the chair....whew! Dave had some Kentucky fried chicken, mashed potatoes and mac and cheese. He ate well. This evening Kay and Bill stopped by for a visit and Bill helped me get Dave back to bed. 2 to 3 hours up really tires him out. I check his temperature every 3 to 4 hours (a little paranoid maybe?). Glad it's staying down. Hope for a restful night. Guess I need help getting Dave in and out of bed from now on.

peace, love, groove.

Temperture higher

I woke up to a kinda strange cough from Dave about 4:30 am. Dave's bed was obviously wet from him sweating. He'd open his eyes but couldn't get an oral temperature. Axillary was 100.7 degrees. The pediatric nurse in me got all the blankets off and started putting some cool wash clothes on his head and chest. His cheeks were pretty red. 4:30 am......what do I do? Well, after a few tired tears and some contemplation about who I should wake up (or who would be up?), I called the on call oncologist. He suggested I give Dave some Tylenol. Since the Cipro just started, give it a little more time. We may need to change the antibiotic today or tomorrow, Dave may have pneumonia. Okay....better at 8 am. Dave did wake up more with the head of bed up higher and drank some juice. Easily took a Motrin (all I have in the house right now.....). I felt like we were in a black hole....who to go to? It seems to have worked out okay.

Update at 10 am. Dave's temp. is down. Tim and mom are here and we got Dave up. Bed is changed. Second Cipro given. Hospice will be here at 1 pm. Deep breath. We're okay.

peace, love, groove.

Monday...slides by

Whew- this day went fast. Dave has been running a very low grade temp all weekend and looks like he has another UTI. I talked with the NP this morning, told her we are ready for hospice and about Dave's symptoms. He's back on Cipro. Hopefully will feel better in a couple days. It was a cool but sunny fall day. Dave didn't get outside today...maybe tomorrow. Joni and mom helped today. Dave's mom and sister Al came by late afternoon. It continues to be hard at times to move Dave from the bed to the chair. Today I realized the wheelchair sides come off- IT IS SO MUCH EASIER!!! Wow, what a silly willy. Still, it's really a 2 person job and Dave seems a little weaker every day to me. He is eating...still small meals, but eating.

I'm overwhelmed with the love and kindness surrounding us. And tears are part of every day now. I already miss my Dave, the one who held me and put funny hats on his head and called for his dogs every morning. I still get very sweet kisses. Thanks for supporting us through the ups and downs.

peace, love, groove

Day stays a challenge.

I got Dave part way up around 10 am and we got stuck. He was so close to the edge. The neighbors were all gone, made a couple calls and got a hold of Beckie. Eric came to the rescue. Dave was so weak, still pretty tired. He was eating and watching TV with me for a couple hours in the wheelchair. Then Edd and Jeri stopped by, helped me get him back to bed for a nap when they left. I got a nap in too. Julie S came for a visit a little after 4, she helped me get Dave up again. We got outside and made a small fire. It was so nice to catch up with her. Tim and Joni brought dinner over and "Hot tub time machine". Dave thought the movie was cute. Ate pretty good and is back to bed, sleeping hard. Tomorrow we will officially except Hospice. My sweet, sweet man is so tired lately. Glad he isn't in pain. We will all take good care of him. 1 1/2 weeks to my leave.

peace, love, groove

Dang camera

We tend to never buy the "protection plans", but after ruining a camera earlier in the year (had it less than a year) I decided to go ahead when I got a replacement. So now our current camera's lens won't open. It may be an easy fix...we'll see.

Dave slept well. He hasn't been very talkative for the last day. Still giving me sweet kisses though!!!!! Busy day planned. I have to get some work done this morning and should have a few visitors this afternoon. And maybe a fire!

Will update later. peace, love, groove.

New site

Kay came by this evening to help me set up a care calendar. This will be Dave Maki's personal CareCalendar site. Here is the sign in for helpers. It's only there for those we would like to help....no pressure.

CALENDAR ID : 52559
SECURITY CODE : 1488

Great idea Kay! Thanks for the help.

peace, love, groove

More moving and naps

Picture: Dave and Nancy during IV fluids on Friday. Photo by Joni King.

TGIF and the day went pretty well. Busy for me, work is never done..unfortunately normal for most Americans now a days. Last night I got Dave up around 7 pm and we went over to a fire at the neighbors house. Great night for a fire. Dave Carlock stopped by, he lives in the neighborhood now!

Today Sue stayed with Dave while Edd, Lindsey, Mark L and Dan helped us move a few last things to mom's apartment. Couple big pieces of furniture. Then Lindsey stayed with Dave while Sue and I went back to help my mom. She had sooooo many boxes and bags to get through. We got her kitchen organized and cabinets full. Ideas for the bathroom and bedroom. It felt so good to have some time to really help her. I know she felt less overwhelmed when Sue and I left. Thanks to all.

peace, love, groove