Precious days

Yesterday was an enjoyable day. Jim Sawataky came by for a visit and brought a CD he had recorded of himself singing all four parts in quartet arrangements complete with his own backup!! Jim and Bob go way back to CBC days in the 60's up to the present, as Jim and Dawn also attend our church. Jim leads occasional Hymn Sings at the church and Bob plays the piano. Here are a couple of pics. The second one is of Bob and Barbie listening to the CD while Barbie rubs his feet.



Last evening Bob and I had some time alone together that was precious. Barbie and Chris went out for a couple of hours. We just enjoyed being quiet together and then talked about the future and what lies ahead of us. We went into our little library and Bob laid down on our hide-a-bed while I read him many emails that we've received over the past few weeks. What a rich time of rehearsing memories, receiving thanks from so many, and enjoying reminders of God's faithfulness.



We also talked about the future and what lies ahead of us, not knowing what would face us in the night and today. During the night he had a relapse of his fever and chills and by the time he got back to sleep, he slept continuously until after noon, missing his scheduled dialysis treatment.

He's so much weaker, less mobile and we feel as though we're heading into the "home stretch". Jill came this afternoon and spent over three hours with us. She talked to Bob in particular about her observations, what the next few days may look like, and so graciously and gently encouraged him to decide to terminate his dialysis treatments. He loves her so much and respects her and when she finished her little monologue, he thanked her as only Bob can with such words of appreciation and affirmation.

We've decided that Bob will stay at home rather than go to hospice or the hospital, as there is so much support that can come in--and four women who are committed to his care almost 24/7!! We have asked for a hospital bed and a variety of support help to aid us in our care for him. Bob is eligible for two visits each day from a nurse to assist with personal care, bathing, etc. Probably they will insert sub-q lines whereby he can get his medication very easily and directly into his body.

Barbie had intended to fly home to Regina tomorrow but has decided to stay longer. When Bob heard that she was strongly considering staying, he lit up with a wonderful smile!!! And although Jill is working, she wants us to phone her any time day or night and she will come when she can. She's going to come back tomorrow afternoon as well. What a gift from God!!!

This morning Chris, Barbie, and I sat in the living room with Bob as he slept, and read "Jesus Calling" together. What a timely promise on the very day we needed to be reminded of it. The scripture was John 11:25 where Jesus says, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies, and whoever lives and believes in me will never die." What a marvelous hope we have!!

All of us feel a certain amount of relief having made this decision and also the decision to terminate dialysis. Bob is so easy to care for--not the least bit demanding and so cooperative and kind. I look forward to sleeping with him in his hospital bed, as our recliner is WAY too small for two of us. He's been sleeping mostly in the recliner.

Chris and Barbie are a tremendous help. And Vi arrives on Monday morning for two days. Hopefully Bob and Vi will have some good visiting time together. When he's awake his mind and heart are very clear and he still makes us laugh.

Again, we appreciate your thoughts and prayers so much.