Sent: 7/6/2008 4:45:44 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time
Subj: Henry update
Hello, family and friends –
This past few days has been a noticeable change in Henry’s condition. He talked with Dorene and me and his Hospice chaplain about being ready to stop living. He says he’s “tired of living” and it’s “too much work to keep going.”
On Friday afternoon, he asked if he could not go to the dining room anymore. “I just want to stay in bed and wear my bathrobe. I”m in Hospice, so I can do that – right?”
We assured him that he can do whatver he wants, and so the dining room has been delivering meals to him and Mom in their apartment. Mom says she doesn’t want to go downto eat alone – “I want to stay with Henry.”
Also, Mom has said that she thinks Henry is “going down” and that he “might die soon.” She told me this afternoon that she has been “shedding tears” about losing Henry. But, she also says, “I’ll be all right alone, because I know my faily will help me.”
On Saturday, Henry said it was hard to breathe and he felt like he was “suffocating.” His Hospice nurse came over and began oxygen with a nose tube. This seems to be making him more comfortable.
I stayed with them until they went to bed Sat evening and went back this morning. But, in the afternoon, while I went to pick up some things they need from the store, Henry tried to walk to the bathroom by himself and fell in the bathroom. He didn’t break any bones, but his shoulder is very sore. We have been asking him to wait until an aide comes to help him, but it is so hard for him to give up his independence. Tonight Freeman and I were there and begged him not to walk alone, so he wouldn’t have to go to a hospital. He seems to understand better and we are praying that he will stay in bed and sleep peacefully through the night.
The Hospice nurse told us that it might be 2 weeks or a month longer, but there is no way to predict for sure. Henry was looking at the 85th birthday photo collage that we have in his bedroom and had tears in his eyes about all of you coming to celebrate with him. He knows he is loved by many people.
Please keep Henry and Mom in your prayers and know that we will keep you informed as he continues his journey to his final Home.
With love,
Joyce