Some Fun in our lives

I want to let you know that along with the cloud that seems to hand over us, we have had some fun this summer. The grandkids are so cute and make us smile. Our niece had identical twin boys about six weeks ago. How precious they are!

Clint and April were married in Maui, this August. Also Kristi and Jose were able to be part of the wedding along with April's twin sister, Kathy, and her husband, Jeff. It was a beautiful ceremony. Keith and I were so happy that the kids could have some great fun in their lives. It has been pretty "heavy" around here for all of us. Who doesn't smile in Hawaii?

We've had several visitors, some from as far away as Alaska. All taking the time to come and see Keith. We can't tell you how much that means to us. He is tired but if we time it right, he can still see friends. He needs it! He is getting mentally very tired of the day by day journey of MSA. BUT, he still smiles when he play Farkel =)

 Did I ever tell you that Keith loves animal cookies!

I will leave you with one last note. Oct 3rd is world MSA day. Who knew? =)

Another stage I believe

I've tried to write this post several times, but can't seem to get it done. I will try again because I know you want to know how Keith is doing.

He is not doing so well. He can barely walk 10 steps in a day and relies on his power chair for most of the day. He is not only extremely fatigued but has gotten weaker in the last month. He has difficulty getting in and out of bed. Our Hospice team is here sometimes 3 times a week. Their support is wonderful and all of us at this home feel thankful for their help. Yesterday, Keith would have ended up in the ER if I hadn't been able to call hospice. They came out right away, in fact two times yesterday and did what had to be done. By dinner, Keith was hungry and even slept fairly well.

Now the good news. Keith is not only showing tremendous patience throughout this MSA journey, but he is exhibiting "contentment" during the midst of it. He is ready to go be with the Lord but knows it is in our heavenly father's hands.

Life is precious. Strangely, I am feeling such a "peace" about this phase. We both know our time together and with family is disappearing and we struggle to get together at a time when Keith is strong enough. This leads me to the next subject, visiting.

Many of you have told me that it is very difficult to see Keith as he is now. We understand so don't feel bad. Others come over like he is just the same. That is amazing for me to watch. And I thank you 3 or 4 who do that.  If you want to see Keith, he would say make it sooner than later. I'm not sure about that but that is what he told one of his favorite athletes who said he was going to come and see him. A 15 to 20 minute visit is about all he can handle in most cases, though I've heard him talk more than that when it is about sports =) I asked him yesterday, if he still wants to play "Farkle" with friends and he said yes. Playing the game is an easy way to visit with him because he doesn't have to talk a lot and besides it makes him happy!

Enough for now, Love to all of you and thanks for asking about him.