Hospice

I'm sorry I can't make our story a pretty and fluffy one; at least not today. Tomorrow is another day.  Remember, you have the right to not read the blogs but I have to and need to be real, right or wrong to some of you. And to my Christian friends, I don't believe I am a "bad Christian" because I am not always singing the Lord's praises. The ONE who made me knows me and understands my cries and even encourages me to do so.

Thanksgiving was nice and try as I might to put the words "Hospice Referral," out of my head, it wasn't happening. True at this time, it is just a chance for us to meet the hospice team and have them get to know us. Then when the time comes, we will be ready and won't have to make sudden, non thought-out decisions. A good plan but I would wager that none of you are being "referred" to hospice.

So Keith and I go on. Day by day, even hour by hour. Surprisingly, I was just mentioning at dinner that you would think the days would go so slow, but they don't. Oh well, what is not a surprise is that a lot of you are staying away. I know you don't know what to do or say, but please just call me and I promise I will help you out. I'm not that hard to talk to. I will probably say everything is ok unless I truly feel you want to hear the truth. I'm not being dramatic (well I sort of am), I just wish I could make it easier for you. I know it is difficult because I have been in your shoes and did far less than you all have done for us.

Ok, I will help you out. Remember I said Keith likes plain cake donuts or cinnamon rolls? He loves chocolate chip cookies and most all cookies. He likes New York super chunk ice cream or dove bars.

Ooops, I forgot, they just told Keith he was borderline anemic, so if anyone wants to bring him a hamburger, milkshake and fries, he would love that. =)

I love you all. There's more news to tell but not now.  Some not so good, some involving changes, and some more about Keith's health.

Fred says,..................................

My cousin Fred wanted me to tell all of you how much better Keith is doing so here goes.

Keith is doing so much better than about 3 weeks ago when Fred saw him last. He still uses his walker but I often let him walk without holding onto him. Shhhhhhhh, don't tell PT. =)

Thank you Fred for coming over and visiting Keith so I could do my Thanksgiving Dinner shopping. I tried to get Keith to go for pizza but he wanted a more traditional meal. We will only have about 5 of us and I am getting a lot of help.

So Fred, there it is. Happy Thanksgiving to all.

More sleepless nights

I probably shouldn't even write this blog. Three sleepless nights and a trip to the emergency doesn't generally lead to accurate reporting but I will try.

Keith had a good day for the most part Saturday. But by 8:30pm he said we have to go to the Dr. which of course meant emergency. He's ok.  Five hours later he was sent home dx with a urinary tract infection as well as a blocked catheter. Boy is he tough. I didn't even know he was in pain until the emergency nurse asked him his pain level on a scale of 1-10 and he said "7". Poor guy.  Believe me, he is so happy today and feels sooooo much better.

On a happy note, Clint passed his National Board Certification , meaning he is now a National Board Certified Teacher. We always knew he was a good teacher! He worked hard for it and of course it was suppose to add to his pay scale, but the higher ups are ruling that they may not get the money.

So go the doings at the Johnson household. We are trying hard to live day by day and even minute by minute, enjoying the time with our family and friends.

An invite

 Good Saturday morning. As I write, I look out my window and see a glorious sunrise. A sunrise like this  can be hard to see in the Northwest at the time of year. =)  It is a beautiful reminder of God's beauty,  especially  after the storm we had last night.

Keith is getting stronger daily and working so hard at Speech, Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy. Good to see him timing everything. It reminds me of the "coach" part of him. He is even getting a little more demanding. A fight he needs to stay alive. He is still walking with assistance but even that may end soon.

Here is what the title is about.......................................I have invited our church family to take a break from bringing us food as we  don't want to be hoarders or buy a new freezer.  Instead, like I told them, and I want to invite you bloggers as well, to email, text, write a letter, or call with 5 verses about healing. But, like I told them, only 5 because I want the ones the Holy Spirit tells them to send us and not just pages and pages of verses. These verses will be the center of Keith and my devotions. Thank you.

 WE ARE LOOKING AND EXPECTING AND PRAYING AND ASKING FOR A MIRACLE!

LET'S SHOW THE WORLD WHAT A GREAT AND MIGHTY GOD WE HAVE

Some details,

Pam and Keith Johnson
504 Hemlock Ave
Granite Falls, WA 98252

Pam's cell, the best one to use unless text-ting Keith.........................425-870-5867

Keith's cell..........................360-691-5731. He is a good text-er and often it is a great way for you to communicate with him. He enjoys it.

Also, don't hesitate to come and see him. I know from what I've written he seems in such bad shape. I will say, however,  that  he was at the time, in very bad shape!  You will feel better if you come and see him for yourself.  Generally about a half hour is a good amount of time. (No, I don't mean you family, although maybe some of you =)

Have a great Saturday, I know I will. =)

You guys are GOOD cooks

Did I ever tell you that I am not the greatest cook. Oh I did homemade for the kids and Keith and I. I bought very little cardboard boxed meals, and we rarely went to fast food because we never lived near one. It's just that I would rather do most anything than cook. So that is why I may appear healthy to some. I'm out walking, doing errands, trying to jog (more like a trot). I like to get outside at least once a day for a half hour and out of my house 2 to 3 times a day. Actually I cook pretty good stuff when I do.  Why right now as I type, there is an egg dish cooking which should be done in 10 mins if I don't burn it. =)  It's just that I am one who really appreciates other's cooking. I used to go to Keith's moms any chance I could because she did and still does cook so well. Thanks Renee. =)

Enough about cooking. Seriously, I was thinking that here is Keith. The 57 year old Keith we all  know and love, trapped in an 86 year old body and not a 86 body that can still take care of themselves.

I know this because a hospice nurse talked to me for ten minutes yesterday and asked me some specific questions like, Can your husband get dressed by himself? Can he bathe himself and other private necessities?  Can he get his own food? Can he walk unassisted? Can he transfer by himself? Can he turn in bed by himself?  As you can guess, the answer was "no" to all of them. She said you need help before you get sick from being a 24/7 hour  caregiver.

I don't say this to get more help. How much more help can you give?  You all have done wonderful.  We are so blessed to have such family and friends. I am just venting and letting you know that we may be at a new stage in the MSA and have to make some unique decisions.

Don't worry, I'm not putting Keith anywhere and we are hoping that his continued PT,OT,SP will continue to help bring him to his pre hospital stage,  though I often feel like just letting the guy rest. =(

Better go get the eggs.

Getting stronger!

What a great day we are having because Keith is so much stronger than a few days ago. Thank you for the prayers. He is even doing some exercises. Not on the elliptical yet!

Also we received so many funny cards I can't even count them all. How fun for us.

Just wanted to let you know the good news. =)

Oh, by the way, several of you volunteered to take Keith to an appt but I forgot who.  At the time we had none to go to. Now, he is heavily scheduled this November for PT, OT and Speech at Providence on Pacific Ave, Everett for out patient therapy.

Call me or tx if you can help with one or two. If we spread them out it won't be overwhelming for myself or one person.

Keith's even up for a game of Farkel =)