Monday, June 7

Dad passed away this morning. Early. 2:45 a.m. The Lord came to meet him, reached for his hand, and welcomed him home. We said good-bye. And on the other side, others said "Hello, Keith! So glad you are home!" His parents, brothers, relatives, friends, even my son...all were there to greet him...I know this is true.
Christ has prepared a beautiful room for him in His mansion. Keith, a good and faithful servant, a man of integrity & honor, obedient son, loyal brother, faithful husband, and fantastic father.
He is finally at peace and in a safe place, healed and whole, and resting his weary head on an angel's wings. The journey was long and arduous, sad and painful, difficult and fearful. But he is there now!
We love you, Dad! Thank you for all you taught us, we will never forget your love, your diligence, your steadfastness, your faith, and your integrity.
You were a great man on earth, and you will be a great soul in heaven!

Sunday, June 6

Sunday...it seems like we've been doing this such a long time, watching over him, administering pain meds, giving him drinks of water from a spoon, trying to help him roll over to his side, etc. etc. etc.
This noon I made tater tot casserole. And tonight, Doug brought over supper. He grilled burgers & hot dogs, and made fried potatoes! It was a feast!
This little family has such great love for him, and for each other. Like Kris said, "He's a great man." Emily has told him not to be afraid. Keith told him he'll take care of us all. Paul has come and prayed over him. Cathy dropped by and checked on him, and brought Mike and Lukas with her. And Clara stopped in with CJ. Micky called for updates while driving back to N.C. Gwen called, Lanny called, Larry called, Loretta called, Bob called. So many of us who love him!
And there's more...I just can't name them all tonight...I'm sorry if I've missed your name, but you know you are in our hearts. Thank you.
As for me, I sing to him..."Jesus Loves Me". And I lay my hands on his, and pray fervently for the Lord's servant, Keith.
Tomorrow's another day...........

Saturday, June 5th

Very emotional day for us all. It seems so near, yet at the same time, Dad seems so strong...physically & mentally. Emily & Micky got home near suppertime, and we were so glad to see them. They will be staying over through the night, and Keith, Kris, Doug & I will go back in the morning.
Mom is very brave, hugging us and telling us we'll be okay. How does she do that? My mother is equally strong...she learned from the best, I guess.
I talked on the phone to Bob, Larry, and Lanny today. Such a wonderful family we have...thank you for being there for us.
Cathy came over for awhile, and Doug brought over pizza for the evening meal. Emotionally spent, but physically fed.
Until tomorrow.........

Friday, June 4th

The Hospice nurse came to the house today. She (Marsha) did an evaluation, and went over lots of things with Mom for a couple hours. She examined Dad, and then talked about what the nurses would do each time they arrive.
We have a short time left with him.
He is not always aware of his surroundings. In fact, at times I'm sure he's not aware I am there. Keith brought home some extra items from the hospital that should help us in caring for him. I think many times Mom must be spent...but she is still going strong. There are many sad times for us. And we are trying to make as many decisions now, while we can, rather than later.
Emily is on her way home from Texas...should arrive in the morning. I am staying at the house this evening, taking my turn at support & assistance as needed. I cooked a small supper for Mom and myself...meatless spaghetti and Italian blend veggies! And I've just come home quickly to shower & write this blog, then I'm on my way back (it's only a 4 block distance for those who don't know...this end of town seems to be the Wilson compound! Keith is just a block from me, and 4 from the folks!)
Pray for an easy night for Dad, Mom and myself. The least amount of anxiety, the better!
Pray for strength!
Love to everyone...

Thursday, June 3

Happy Birthday to my sister, Emily! She is "__" years old today!

Today I must say, Dad seems to be slipping away...a slow decline that shocks & stuns me every time I see him again. Mom is amazing. I'm so proud of her.

Doug brought over some fresh strawberries for her, and she really enjoyed them with ice cream. He brought over some radishes, too, since she mentioned she was hungry for those, too. The garden is growing strong!

Mom asked Kris to spend the night and stay in the spare bedroom. It makes her feel better having someone there for support, just like last weekend when Emily and Mick stayed over.
I went into the bedroom before I left, and told Dad goodnight. He said, "Good night...see you tomorrow."

June 2, Wednesday

Dad was confused today. When I arrived after work, Mom was busy talking to him about what was happening.

He hasn't had much to drink today. And a couple times has gotten out of bed without her knowledge. I don't think he recognized me, or realized I was there, even though I got very close to his face.

Keith stopped by later, after I'd left to go to Austin's ball game, and remarked upon the same thing...he didn't think Dad recognized him either.

I'm hoping that he will sleep through the night. Mom is getting so tired, and her back is hurting (that half-bent position we get into when we talk to him while he's laying in bed).

Hospice has been contacted, and the first visit is scheduled for Friday morning. Please pray for Dad, a servant of our Lord Jesus Christ, and a child of God. And pray for Mom, a child of the Lord in need of His strength and love.

Tuesday June 1

In his own words, Dad said, "Had a bad day." Wasn't strong enough to get up from bed, though he did sit on the side for a bit. His voice seems weaker, his stomach more upset, his vision also affected.

As he was holding my hand tonight, he accidentally scratched me. Apologizing, he said, "Oh, I scratched you." I told him it was alright, it was nothing. He said, "My fingernails are kinda long." I agreed, and told him we'd have Mom clip them tomorrow.

He seems concerned about us...asking both Keith and I if we'd had a hard day at work. Several times. We all talked about the severe thunderstorms that went through tonight. (We were all grateful there was no tornado activity!) He could hear the thunder.

At one point when Mom walked into the room, Dad said, "There's that pretty lady." Then, Mom started yawning, so Keith, Kris & I said we'd all go home so she could get to bed. The storm was over anyway. We didn't have to worry about what to do if the tornado sirens sounded!

Long day.