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As we near Keith's birthday, Jan. 25th, I hardly know what to say. It is 2am, I can't sleep. We had to call the Hospice nurse to come and change his catheter because he was in pain. She must have just finished as I hear that he is now a "happy" camper. Of course the morphine didn't hurt either! We are so grateful with our hospice team. The few hrs a week they are here are wonderful, but as our pastor pointed out, there are still a lot of hrs of care left in the day. We have some "respite" coverage but Keith has gone through about 5 so far that haven't worked out. This week in fact, we thought we had found the perfect fit only to be told by the agency that she could not come again as the care needed for Keith was too difficult. I thanked them for their honestly and it verified to me that what I am doing is hard! They asked me to please try to let them help again. Trouble with that is that I spend the first time with each one training them as to Keith's care so I don't get a break and it is too hard on Keith to have a new person each time. So we are praying for the "right" fit.

Thankfully, our family and friends have stepped up. Because his care is so hard, I can no longer  do it both at night and during the day. So, about 8 wonderful male family and friends have come over from about 8pm to 8am and care for Keith so I can get some sleep. To see these men giving of their time and sleep to care for Keith is such a blessing. If it were not so private and special, I would take a picture of what I find in the morning. I open the door to the bedroom without turning the light on because I don't know if he is awake. I give him a silent wave and if he is awake, he waves back. It's pretty sweet. Then I look over and usually see the guy on for the night, crashed out on our too small single bed. It's a wonderful scene =)  Kristi is the only "girl" allowed. She was the first one to volunteer. =) and wants to help take care of her dad. I am so proud of Clint and Kristi. It hasn't been easy for them as you can imagine. 

Keith's cousin, Doug, from Colorado flew into Sea-Tac and visited us for a few hrs and flew back that night. I just think that is the "coolest" thing. We laughed as he and Keith shared fun stories from their youthful days out at the cabin. He even wants to be on the 8pm to 8am crew and meant it! 

Our family and friends are amazing. We thank you all. =)

Well, the nurse is gone, Keith is in good hands with his buddy Ernie. 

Goodnight.