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.