I titled it "Keith" because he is still here. Just living day by day is getting more and more difficult as you can imagine. Actually, most of you can't imagine it as I hardly can. I thought I knew what the caregiver went through because I watched my mom care for my dad at home for six years. But as much as I remember trying to help, I did more watching than helping. That's because you can't help as much as is needed for the 24 hr caregiver. Believe me, I have several family and friends who are trying and I thank you for that. Praying for strength and wisdom is my desire from you.
Now, back to Keith. While he needs help getting dressed, blowing his nose and many other small things MSA is robbing him of, he can eat, enjoy music, watch tv, and play Farkel . And this point leads me to the title. Keith is here mentally and would love to play a game of Farkel with you. Like I have said, this is a fun way to be with Keith though he does like to win. If he loses he may want to play up to 3 games. It depends on how weak he is at the time. Or if you want to watch part of a football game, that works. I know I have limited time in the past for company, but now it is different. It is time to say your goodbyes. We believe this will be his last Christmas. Though the Hospice team concede they are not God, they are helping us see what Keith and I already feel.
I am sorry to deliver this sad news, but I want you to know.
Have a wonderful and blessed Christmas,
Love,
Pam and Keith
I know. I know very well. And it makes my heart ache for you all. Especially Keith. When my dad was at that stage, I wished so badly I could communicate with him. To know what he was thinking. To know more than his answers to yes or no questions (which we figured out by various signals he gave - like blinking once for no, twice for yes).
ReplyDeleteI imagine the fear, anger and sadness are at times unbearable. I am sincerely glad for your family that you know the Lord. Because in him you can find great hope, even in the midst of what you are experiencing through this illness of Keith's.
Psalm 5:11-12(NIV)
11 But let all who take refuge in you be glad;
let them ever sing for joy.
Spread your protection over them,
that those who love your name may rejoice in you.
12 Surely, Lord, you bless the righteous;
you surround them with your favor as with a shield.
Your family is my prayers.
Hugs,
Angie Wilson
But you, O Sovereign Lord,
ReplyDeletedeal well with me for your name’s sake;
out of the goodness of your love, deliver me.
For I am poor and needy,
and my heart is wounded within me.
~Psalm 109:21-22
Being delivered doesn't have to mean being taken out of the circumstance. Sometimes His rescue can only be seen when we look back and see how tenderly He carried us. We love you guys are praying for what you asked.
Love you both so very much. I am praying for you daily.
ReplyDeleteJust discovered your wonderful blog.
ReplyDeleteI am caregiver to my husband of 45 years who also has MSA.
We live just south of you near Woodland, WA.
Wonderful to hear how your community has rallied to help you.
How do you like that "new to you" van?
We have been looking at them as well.