October 1, 2009

What a glorious night!  Mom slept completely peaceful the entire night!  Just as a mother does with a newborn, I didn't sleep, except between 2:00 and 4:00, as I lay listening for any sign of a problem.  There were none!!  When I woke up at 4:00 I listened and didn't hear Mom breathing.  I went over and watched and I didn't see the covers move with her breaths.  I put my finger under her nose, and as I did, I accidentally touched her lip and she raised her hand to her lip and looked at me.  I rubbed her cheek and said I was sorry I woke her.  She said, "Did you hear the Lima News just hit the porch?  I worried that it would wake you."  I couldn't believe it.  She made complete sense...and is still worrying about someone else.  Oh, God, I love her so much.

She went back to sleep and I couldn't help but notice how pale and frail she looks.  Every night we think we are nearing the end of our journey, but she does something to rally a bit in the morning.  Her body is defying her, but her mind remains sharp most of the time.

Nurse Lisa came and thought Mom looked 'not as good'.  She said her pulse was weaker and slower.  BP 100/50  I could see concern in Lisa's eyes.  We talked about the fact that Mom's voice is so raspy, and I told her that it gets weaker as the day goes on.  It makes me feel good when Lisa is here and looking after Mom.

Janet came carrying a big basket of goodies to eat and an apple pizza, which Krista immediately dove into!  She knows I like Ray's chicken salad and she brought all the makings for sandwiches, along with nuts, grapes and apple juice...just like a picnic lunch!  She's so sweet, and so helpful.  I bug her constantly about Mom's health and she always tries to answer my zillions of questions the best she can....and she keeps coming back!!  LOL

Joyce brought Mom, and us, communion and then visited for awhile.  She knows all the right words to say.

I was so happy to see Jeanne at the door!  I haven't seen her in too long and she ALWAYS makes me laugh!  Today she made Mom laugh, too, a lot, and that was so good for her!  She came with her famous Yummy Potatoes and chicken wings, and my favorite appetizer...crescent roll ups.  I told everyone how awful they were so I could have them all to myself...but it didn't work.  Krista discovered them!  I even went so far as to hide them in the back of the refrigerator!  Mom likes the rice krispie bars she brought, too.

Mom got a nice surprise today when Fed Ex came with a box of the most beautiful and enormous strawberries from Michelle, Jeff, Jacob and Megan!  They were the freshest strawberries covered in luscious chocolates, nuts and coconuts and DELICIOUS!  Mom really loved them!  Jacob and Megan...you did a GREAT job of picking them out!  Thank you so much!  We love you!

For dinner tonight we sure enjoyed Dede's scrumptious baked spaghetti, garlic bread and salad.  Thanks so much Dede, and to everyone, for all of the kindnesses you are showing our family.  We appreciate everything, and hugs, ears, and tears, too.

In yesterday's Lima paper, there was an obituary of Walter H. Moenter from Delphos.  Mom read it and said, "I hope when I get to the Pearlie Gates, God puts me with Dad and not this guy!"  LOL  (Dad is Walter C. Moenter.)

Mike made up and froze some little DQ cones and Mom had one and a half of them at bedtime.  Actually, Mom stayed awake most all of today!