It seems we've turned a corner, and not the direction we had hoped.
Glenn has had declining strength the past week. He has been sleeping most of the time. The tumors have caused swelling on his left side and he has again lost most of his mobility. They are also causing problems with vertigo and nausea.
On Saturday he said he didn't think he could hang on any longer. He asked to have all of his family come so he could tell them goodbye. Words can't begin to express the pain of the reality we are facing. Glenn then went to sleep and woke up a few hours later in pain. We have felt so blessed throughout the journey that he has not had any pain. Watching him experience it is such a helpless feeling. We do have an amazing hospice team and they have guided us each step of the way. The pain medication was started and he was able to take it every 15 minutes. After about 3 hours he was able to sleep. Gratefully, he hasn't had any pain since then.
Glenn is so kind and loving. Even in his hours of pain and suffering he was thinking of others. Saturday was our daughter Jamie's birthday. He kept telling us he didn't want to ruin Jamie's day. As he would drift in and out of consciousness, he would come to and ask what day it was. I told him it was still Saturday. He said, "I can fight a little longer."
He has restlessly slept most of yesterday. He did wake up suddenly and ask for ice cream. As I fed him ice cream in bed, he took my hand and held it. He said, "I love you. I love you more than anything. But I am dying."
He continues to hold on and fight his battle the way he has lived, peacefully. Brennan has been with me since Thursday, Lindsay and Jared and the grand babies will be here today, and Jared and Jamie will be here tomorrow. We all know our days are numbered, we just don't know how many of those days there are. Glenn's seem to be fewer than we had hoped. There are so many selfish things I want to pray for but reluctantly I pray for what is best for Glenn. Comfort and peace. Please pray for him also.
Linda
I will pray for a peaceful transition. God Bless. K. Gowan
ReplyDeleteOh Linda, I will pray for peace for you and all of your family.
ReplyDeleteNichole Boehland
Praying for the strength to help you during this difficult time of healing the souls. Love & Prayers -Ty
ReplyDelete~Those who have the strength and the love to sit with a dying loved one in the silence that goes beyond words will know that this moment is neither frightening nor painful, but a peaceful cessation of the functioning of the body~
-Elisabeth Kubler-Ross
You are all in my thoughts and prayers. God speed Glen! I know one of these evenings there will be a very bright star twinkling in heaven and that star will be Glenn. God Bless you all! Nikki Etzle
ReplyDeleteYou are ever a peaceful observant unique soul, Glenn.
ReplyDelete-Cheryl Flinn
May God be with you all and give you peace knowing that such a wonderful man is surely going to live on with God in heaven. We love you and are so inspired by Glenn and your family. Pat Jackson.
ReplyDeleteYou are such an amazing man Glenn, so full of grace and love. I am so happy that I had the opportunity to work with you. God bless you and your wonderful family and I will be praying for all of you.
ReplyDeleteJeanine Lane
I'm so glad I had the opportunity to work with you when I was at Tax Commission. You had the answers when I would say, "wow, what do we do now?" My prayers are with you and your family for peace and strength at this time. Keep the memories close.
ReplyDeleteLaura Gilmore