Well, it was exactly one week ago that Lauren and I returned home from UAB hospital.  He is well established with very good hospice program.  My mother was with the same group when she passed away just over a year ago. So far, we have been visited by (in this order): Drew, the intake nurse; Lynda, our patient tech (4 times) ; Isabeth RN (three times) ; Brother Larry the hospice chaplain; and the social worker Terri. We feel very loved and cared for with such a great support system. 

In addition to hospice workers, we have had visits from church members, long-time friends and extended family and have received many cards including some from some of you out there.  We appreciate every one of them. Lauren loves to see visitors.  If you are in the area, please drop by. Even if Laurren does not know you he will enjoy the visit.  Some days he doesn't remember the people he does know, but he is always glad to have company.

Caring for someone as sick as Lauren is not easy, even with hospice and family to help.  However, I am glad to have the opportunity to minister to him this way at home. I am also grateful for my precious daughter who lives with us, and the other extended family members who are willing to pitch in as needed. 

Becky and I are taking turns with the care when she is not in school, but since Lauren is not sleeeping much Becky and I both stay pretty tired. Just his daily wound care (he has several deep and serious wounds from previous procedures) is taking much time. There are also breathing treatments every four hours, lots of medications, feeding him(he cannot even eat on his own) and routine hygiene issues. Even with the trained aide coming in three days a week and the nurse weekly, there is more work than I expected. I AM NOT COMPLAINING. I am grateful to be able to do this. I just want you all to know why I may not post here as often as you (and I) would like.  If any of you have any pointers to make this kind of care easier, please let me know.

We covet and appreciate your prayers. We know God is answering them.