Bob made his entrance into heaven last night at 10:45, just about an hour after I updated our blog. It was very peaceful and we know he is with the Lord. Bob's two sisters, Barbie, and I were sitting in the living room enjoying a late evening cup of coffee and chat when Bob's breathing began to change and grow more shallow. He was gone in just a few minutes. But the consolation of it all is that he's free of pain and suffering and rejoicing in heaven with Jesus and his mom and dad.
So much has happened that is evidence of God's loving care surrounding this whole journey, and particularly the last few days. But time and energy don't permit the story telling yet.
Right now the four of us gals are sitting in the living room once again looking ahead to the next couple of weeks. Pastor Brian was here earlier this morning and brought strength, comfort, and godly wisdom and leadership in planning Bob's Memorial Service.
The service will take place in another two weeks--Friday, March 22nd--at Peace Portal Alliance Church. Details will follow.
You all have been companions on our journey and have made the trip so much easier with your love, support, and prayer. God has done "exceeding abundantly above all we could ask or think"--even in facing death.
Welcome to our Blog!
Wednesday, 6 March 2013
Tuesday, 5 March 2013
Bob's still here
A little update to many who may be wondering how last night went. Bob is still with us, although many times in the night we thought and almost "willed" him into heaven!!
Bob made it through the night with his ministering angels--Auntie Lois, Barbie, and me on the periphery--but angels all around the world and in the heavenly realms holding him up in prayer and ministering God's presence and peace into our hearts. Vi faithfully exercises her gifts in the kitchen--very much needed and appreciated--especially her thorough cleaning-up skills!
Although Bob hasn't communicated much, we feel that he's aware and on occasion winks and appears to try to talk. He certainly isn't unconscious, nor does he seem to be sleeping much. He had one of us at his side most of the night and Barbie heard him say three times "Mama"!! Barbie moves into his space with such ease and tenderness. It's beautiful to see!! I know that I'll be well cared for when my time comes!!
The atmosphere is quite natural but very supernatural. We carry on as normal with special attention to the "treasure" still in our midst.
It's been a full day--and a very significant one, as today is my 65th birthday!! Lois, Vi, Barbie, and Jill managed to surprise me with a party tonight around Bob's bed. We ate Chinese food, which has never been one of Bob's favorite meals so he wouldn't be envious. Chris and Lyle came too as well as a few friends for very short visits.
Thursday is Bob's 70th birthday!! Our grandchildren phoned and sang "Happy Birthday" to both of us and so excitedly shared the good news in their household--that their mommy has been declared "cancer free" by her oncologist!!! Such rejoicing!!
Tonight we'll resume our places of attentiveness to Bob and hopefully a few hours of sleep. Thanks for your love and prayers.
David sent the following email this morning:
Hi Mom--
"Just a quick note....as I began to pray for y'all this morning, something neat happened. I began to pray, as usual, expecting to 'say' something. Yet, after I began "Dear God" (in my head), I felt a very strong feeling of warmth and love over your home - almost like a great and wonderful force who cared deeply and understood entirely - and had things well under control...almost as if to say, 'you needn't even ask, I've got things on this end'. A wonderful experience!"
Is it any wonder that we feel the Lord's presence and peace?? Thanks be to God!!
Bob made it through the night with his ministering angels--Auntie Lois, Barbie, and me on the periphery--but angels all around the world and in the heavenly realms holding him up in prayer and ministering God's presence and peace into our hearts. Vi faithfully exercises her gifts in the kitchen--very much needed and appreciated--especially her thorough cleaning-up skills!
Although Bob hasn't communicated much, we feel that he's aware and on occasion winks and appears to try to talk. He certainly isn't unconscious, nor does he seem to be sleeping much. He had one of us at his side most of the night and Barbie heard him say three times "Mama"!! Barbie moves into his space with such ease and tenderness. It's beautiful to see!! I know that I'll be well cared for when my time comes!!
The atmosphere is quite natural but very supernatural. We carry on as normal with special attention to the "treasure" still in our midst.
It's been a full day--and a very significant one, as today is my 65th birthday!! Lois, Vi, Barbie, and Jill managed to surprise me with a party tonight around Bob's bed. We ate Chinese food, which has never been one of Bob's favorite meals so he wouldn't be envious. Chris and Lyle came too as well as a few friends for very short visits.
Thursday is Bob's 70th birthday!! Our grandchildren phoned and sang "Happy Birthday" to both of us and so excitedly shared the good news in their household--that their mommy has been declared "cancer free" by her oncologist!!! Such rejoicing!!
Tonight we'll resume our places of attentiveness to Bob and hopefully a few hours of sleep. Thanks for your love and prayers.
David sent the following email this morning:
Hi Mom--
"Just a quick note....as I began to pray for y'all this morning, something neat happened. I began to pray, as usual, expecting to 'say' something. Yet, after I began "Dear God" (in my head), I felt a very strong feeling of warmth and love over your home - almost like a great and wonderful force who cared deeply and understood entirely - and had things well under control...almost as if to say, 'you needn't even ask, I've got things on this end'. A wonderful experience!"
Is it any wonder that we feel the Lord's presence and peace?? Thanks be to God!!
Monday, 4 March 2013
On the home stretch
Bob has the most attentive "TLC Team" around him these days. Here are the three nurses that surrounded him yesterday after they had administered their medical care. THEN they proceeded to make lunch for us!!!
Later in the afternoon Brian and Myrna, our pastor and his wife, came by for a visit and had communion and prayer with us.
Bob's sisters Vi and Lois arrived this morning for three days. Lois came from Alaska where she and Duane are speaking in missions conferences, and Vi came on her way home from a holiday in Hawaii. What a extra special treat to have them both.
This afternoon a hospital bed was delivered to our condo and it sits right in front of the BC lighthouse scene given to Bob by the District Office when he retired--entitled "Protected Passage"!!! The nurse also put ikn the sub-q lines and Lois is giving him his medication in that way.
Bob is declining every day and today isn't able to really look us in the eye and converse, although he does speak and smile a little bit. The goal is to keep him comfortable and we are all doing our best to do that.
He isn't eating anymore and hardly drinking at all. The expectation is that he will be in the Lord's presence pretty soon--in the next couple of days possibly.
Barbie is absolutely fantastic with her dad. She stayed with me beside him even longer than I did last night and was so attentive, teasing, and loving!! This evening I heard her singing "Jesus Loves Me" to him.
Chris went home to be with Lyle while Lois and Vi are here. Both Chris and Jill have been incredible gifts to us this past week and will come at a moment's notice.
Thanks for your continued prayers as we walk through the "valley of the shadow". Although we don't fear evil, we're sad at the prospect of loss and separation. But the good news is that soon we'll be together again in our heavenly home!!
Later in the afternoon Brian and Myrna, our pastor and his wife, came by for a visit and had communion and prayer with us.
Bob's sisters Vi and Lois arrived this morning for three days. Lois came from Alaska where she and Duane are speaking in missions conferences, and Vi came on her way home from a holiday in Hawaii. What a extra special treat to have them both.
This afternoon a hospital bed was delivered to our condo and it sits right in front of the BC lighthouse scene given to Bob by the District Office when he retired--entitled "Protected Passage"!!! The nurse also put ikn the sub-q lines and Lois is giving him his medication in that way.
Bob is declining every day and today isn't able to really look us in the eye and converse, although he does speak and smile a little bit. The goal is to keep him comfortable and we are all doing our best to do that.
He isn't eating anymore and hardly drinking at all. The expectation is that he will be in the Lord's presence pretty soon--in the next couple of days possibly.
Barbie is absolutely fantastic with her dad. She stayed with me beside him even longer than I did last night and was so attentive, teasing, and loving!! This evening I heard her singing "Jesus Loves Me" to him.
Chris went home to be with Lyle while Lois and Vi are here. Both Chris and Jill have been incredible gifts to us this past week and will come at a moment's notice.
Thanks for your continued prayers as we walk through the "valley of the shadow". Although we don't fear evil, we're sad at the prospect of loss and separation. But the good news is that soon we'll be together again in our heavenly home!!
Saturday, 2 March 2013
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.
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.
Thursday, 28 February 2013
The last day of February
Today has been quite good, considering Bob's recent problems with chills and fever. He's had no recurrence today as he's been taking Tylenol regularly every four hours to stay ahead of it.
We saw our wonderful family doctor this morning. Bob had the opportunity to give her a very heartfelt and slightly teary "thank you" for her wonderful care and she asked if she could give him a hug and teared up herself.
We then went to dialysis where all went well. Barbie's his resident massage therapist and daughter extraordinaire!!
Our friends Bob and Cath Shatford came for a visit. Bob has visited our Bob almost every week since he's been on dialysis. He was the worship leader at our church when we first came 17 years ago and we've asked if he would lead the congregational singing at the Memorial Service.
Bob has been craving pizza, so we picked one up on our way home from dialysis!! Chris Hopwood's still with us, and she's just great to have around. She made a delicious salad to accompany our pizza so at least we can say that we got our veggies.
I was so tired after supper that I laid down for a nap. I awakened to talking and laughing in the living room. Chris and Bob had gotten into a good conversation and she decided to take a video of him talking to each of the grandchildren individually and they were happy with the results--yeah!! Eventually they'll receive it.
Barbie plans to return home to Regina on Sunday morning and Bob's sister Vi is coming on Monday for two days. We are so blessed with a marvelous family, wonderful friends, and an amazing God!
We saw our wonderful family doctor this morning. Bob had the opportunity to give her a very heartfelt and slightly teary "thank you" for her wonderful care and she asked if she could give him a hug and teared up herself.
We then went to dialysis where all went well. Barbie's his resident massage therapist and daughter extraordinaire!!
Our friends Bob and Cath Shatford came for a visit. Bob has visited our Bob almost every week since he's been on dialysis. He was the worship leader at our church when we first came 17 years ago and we've asked if he would lead the congregational singing at the Memorial Service.
Bob has been craving pizza, so we picked one up on our way home from dialysis!! Chris Hopwood's still with us, and she's just great to have around. She made a delicious salad to accompany our pizza so at least we can say that we got our veggies.
I was so tired after supper that I laid down for a nap. I awakened to talking and laughing in the living room. Chris and Bob had gotten into a good conversation and she decided to take a video of him talking to each of the grandchildren individually and they were happy with the results--yeah!! Eventually they'll receive it.
Barbie plans to return home to Regina on Sunday morning and Bob's sister Vi is coming on Monday for two days. We are so blessed with a marvelous family, wonderful friends, and an amazing God!
Tuesday, 26 February 2013
News on the homefront
We've had two wonderful days at home together, so far!! Barbie's here and also Chris Hopwood, so our little condo is a pretty full space--AND full of such joy and peace and love.
Bob is feeling pretty well considering all that he's dealing with. We were able to get both a walker and transport wheelchair from the Red Cross yesterday. Today Barbie and I took him back to the hospital for dialysis. Barbie just loves showering her dad with TLC.
Then we came home to a lovely roast beef dinner prepared by Chris. Lyle also joined us. There's nothing like "old friends"!!
Every day is precious!!
Bob is feeling pretty well considering all that he's dealing with. We were able to get both a walker and transport wheelchair from the Red Cross yesterday. Today Barbie and I took him back to the hospital for dialysis. Barbie just loves showering her dad with TLC.
Then we came home to a lovely roast beef dinner prepared by Chris. Lyle also joined us. There's nothing like "old friends"!!
Every day is precious!!
Sunday, 24 February 2013
Home Sweet Home
Well, we're home from the hospital. Bob had dialysis this morning and was discharged mid-afternoon. He was pretty tired by the time he got home--but SO glad!!! Chris Hopwood is staying with us for a couple of days or more.
Here are a few "father/daughter" pics. The last one was just as we were leaving the hospital. Barbie and her dad have had such a good time together. Lots of talking, laughing, and massaging!!
Bob has been saying over and over, "I feel SO loved"!!
We appreciate your prayers as we adjust to caring for him at home for a while. A home care nurse is coming tomorrow to assess our needs and respond accordingly.
Enjoying every single moment of each day to the full and grateful for God's unfailing presence, care, and peace.
Here are a few "father/daughter" pics. The last one was just as we were leaving the hospital. Barbie and her dad have had such a good time together. Lots of talking, laughing, and massaging!!
Bob has been saying over and over, "I feel SO loved"!!
We appreciate your prayers as we adjust to caring for him at home for a while. A home care nurse is coming tomorrow to assess our needs and respond accordingly.
Enjoying every single moment of each day to the full and grateful for God's unfailing presence, care, and peace.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)