Joan, this stage is the most difficult time of all (mainly for you) but if you can continue to ensure that he is comfortable and pain free it will be ok for Sid. We are all thinking of you and will be with you in spirit, over the coming days.
Joan, I'm so very sorry to hear what has been happening to you and Sid. I wish you calmness in a storm, and will be saying an extra prayer for both of you tonight.
Wish I could sit with you in real life and bring you some tea. In lieu of that, know that I add my concern, support and good wishes to those expressed by everyone else. From coast to coast, we stand with you.
Joan, I feel the same as Bunny's Lamb..."wish I could sit with you in real life and bring you some tea." Your emotions are probably all over the place right now. All of us here have either been where you are or we're going there. Wishing you comfort and peace during this time.
It just seems unbearable at times, I am hoping for strength and courage and compassion from others for you and Sid Joan. Please know that I, and I know many others, are really hurting and hoping for the outcome. Much love.
My heart felt thanks to all of you. Your support is overwhelming.
Guess what? I am not handling this very well at all. I thought I was prepared. No way. As Nikki says......ppffttt. For the last 3 days, I have been literally non functioning. Especially since I've been called back to the NH two nights in a row. I can't bear seeing him the way he is, and I can't bear the thought of losing him forever.
Dear friends and relatives are alternating being with me.
oh Joan I am so so sorry. I am so scared too. When the time is right, remember , we need you too. How I wish there was something I could do, but alas, you have to bear this. Huge hugs your way. HUGE MAHALO for updating us. Sobbing with grief for you.
Joan, we are here too with both you and Sid. I just cannot imagine what you're going through...words cannot describe. Heartfelt thoughts and prayers for you both.
Joan, Don't think about the end, just keep cherishing your time with Sid as you always have. As far as being prepared for this stage, I'm not sure anyone is ever really prepared to accept the inevitable I feel so sad for what you have to face, and send my prayers to help comfort Sid and you.
I am fairly new here, but have learned so much from you. Every stage along the way seems so hard, and this time must be very, very difficult for you. I hope your friends and family can give you all the support you need.
Be kind to yourself. I'm sure you are handling this as well as you are able. There are no standards. Everyone just does their best.
It is not quite a year yet for me but believe me I relive the crisis events of last August so often and I do clearly remember and understand what your feelings are at this time. I found out after I got hospital records, that my husband was no longer a candidate for heart surgery and would need hospice care..The doctor never said that to me so I didn't know how delicate things were and was not prepared for Ozzie's departure. That said, there really is no way to prepare for this. We really are not ready for that which will transpire. As others have said, lean on your friends and family for support and savor each minute you have with your dear Sid. We are all thinking of you and keeping you in thought and prayer. You have done so much for your dad and Sid and your trials have not been easy yet you shoulder it with grace. Arms are around you..try to get some rest...take care of yourself and let those tears flow when needed..We all understand and wish we could take the pain from you.
Prayers for peace for you both. We think that we are prepared for the end of the journey but it knocks our socks off. This is the most beautiful gift that you will ever give to Sid, a compassionate and dignified end to a very undignified disease. Prayers, Prayers and more prayers.
"UPDATE ON SID- Unless there is another emergency, this will be the last update for awhile. He is now stable. The staff has been able to get him dressed, into his wheelchair, and into the main activity/ dining room. He is very tired, but aware of everyone. According to hospice, he could remain like this for months or have a sudden heart issue that will take him immediately. It is his heart that is causing all of these emergencies. There is no way of knowing what will happen when. My sister is flying in from Chicago this afternoon to help me with the plans. She will be here for a few days. Thank you again for all of your concern."
If there is any light to this dark time, I can only say that it is a good thing I started out on this journey fat. In the last year and a half, I have lost 74 lbs. from all of the stress. I obviously didn't need the weight, and am glad it's gone, but if I hadn't been fat to begin with, I'd be invisible at this point.
Well, I'm glad you're not invisible. : D Thoughts and prayers continue, even though you may be off the boards for a while. Sid is very, very lucky to have you. Enjoy the moments, and try to take care of yourself as best as you can.
Dear Joan, Very sorry to hear about Sid. I apologize for not commenting sooner, but I lost my password, and have been having a lot of other issues. Heartfelt wishes that things work out for the best for both of you ... whatever the best is. You have done so much for him, and while I'm not walking in your shoes just now, I think I have some idea of the pain and stress you are feeling. Take care ... Sid would want you to! Margaret
Joan, Just want you to know I am thinking of you and Sid. Please get some much needed rest when your sister is with you and take care of yourself..you have had tons of stress and some injuries too and you need space to breathe.... WE hope things will stay calm for you now.
Joan, please know that we are all here for you in our thoughts and prayers. This is a truly difficult journey we travel but we may gain strength from the support of others who have been on this road too. Kathy