The Journey Continues

It is now December 22, and life for our Auntie is somewhere between here and “there”. To catch up where we left off some time ago, I will fill in. After about 2 weeks, Seasons Hospice had to discontinue around the clock care as our Aunt Phyllis was now somewhat stabilized and pain controlled. We knew she could not be left alone…..after all….she had fallen….and the nurse was in her room!! She was too weak to get up to use the commode on her own; so someone had to be with her at all times.

We decided we were going to give it a try!! Daughter Debbie and I spent about a week (or was it 2 now?) staying around the clock…meaning one of us stayed the night and one the day. I hate to admit it, but we did get pretty tired though we were able to sleep somewhat. After that time we found a young girl who was wanting to help out, to work, and to be a part of our caregiving. Her name is Daniah, but is called “Pumpkin” and should be called: “Angel” because that is what she has been for us. She is very loving, caring, helpful, willing, and wants to be a nurse in the “hospice field”. How perfect!! So Pumpkin spends the nights caring for Auntie and Debbie and I share the days. Sometimes another nephew and niece, Peter and Siggi, are able to help out as well and we’re grateful for whatever they do. They love Phyllis as much as we do, but have other commitments at this time in their lives.

Phyllis continues to eat but is drinking very little, has just recently had a urinary tract infection, and sleeps most of the time. Sometimes she says she can’t sleep and wants “Johnnie” so that she can have her medicine (an anti anxiety medication) which she feels helps her sleep. The last couple of days have been bit more difficult as she felt she had to use the commode every 15 minutes or so and it’s stressful getting her in and out of bed….especially so many times. So our hospice nurse Julianne, thought maybe we shouldn’t wait till nighttime to give her the anti anxiety meds. She actually could have them every two hours if needed. So starting yesterday we gave them to her maybe twice a day (as needed) to see if she would relax more. So far it seems to help.

Yesterday, Debbie had a wonderful conversation with Auntie and asked her if she was anxious to see Uncle Roy. Of course, she said she was. And their conversation went on from there. It was truly beautiful!! I believe Auntie has benefited from it and Debbie has spoken to her like no one else has. They understood each other, and had a heart to heart talk about the next life. Debbie has been an angel as well. We could not have done this without her help and the understanding and love of her family.

Christmas is right around the corner and it’s a mighty different feeling for us. I, personally, have done NO shopping; but of course, don’t have little ones to worry about. (Our grandkids will get college money.) I have sent no Christmas cards, baked no cookies, and have no tree nor decorations inside the house. Jack did make some sprays for outside from the pine boughs he cut up North as he likes to do that every year. We bought some new lights for our bushes, but didn’t get them up either. Christmas Eve at Grandpa and Grandma’s is cancelled this year as we will be caregiving. But that’s all ok! What’s really important now is Phyllis’ comfort and peace at this time. So we’ll spend time with her and help her on her journey.

You know? This journey has been and is a gift from God for us and our gift to Him for his birthday! What better gifts could there be? Happy Birthday Jesus, and please bless our Auntie!