Over the past week and a half my mom has declined ever so rapidly! It first started with her becoming confused when she was in the half awake, half asleep stage; talking in her sleep; and occasional moans; which have progressed with each day. She became really unsteady on her feet on Thursday. I was gone all day yesterday and Shannon (who was home with her all day) said it was a rough one with *dramatic* changes.

I was awakened by the kitchen light at 3:30 early this morning from my dad calling the doctor about a temperature Mom had spiked (101.5). I had taken Mom to the outpatient clinic at Illini hospital on Wednesday for her to receive two units of blood, as her doctor said she was very, very, very anemic. My dad wanted to be sure she wasn't having a reaction to the blood she was given. Dad was directed to give Mom ibuprofen which has brought her temperature down.

I was surprised this morning to see how much she had taken a turn "for the worse" in just one day. She moans with every breath, has a lethargic look in her eyes, as well as talking so softly, groggily, and muttered that we can hardly make out what she is requesting. I asked her if she could try saying just one word to help us know what she desired, and after a few tries we can sometimes make it out.

One of our home nurses, Lori, was here a little bit ago. Since Mom doesn't want to get out of bed anymore, Lori put in a catheter. We're hoping to move Mom upstairs so that she can be nearer to where we are most of the day (to me, in particular, as I'm the one caring for her most of the day). Lori has been working with Dr. Short's on-call weekend doctor to help us get a special inflatable mattress (through Option Care--the home medical supply company we have been using) that will keep Mom moving around a little bit, so that we won't have to worry about moving her ourselves (to keep her from getting bed sores, etc.). We'll also be getting a tank of oxygen as Mom's breathing is very low. We're so grateful for the help in keeping Mom as comfortable as we can.

My grandparents (my mom's mom and step dad) from Florida are leaving in a few hours to drive up here.

We would really covet your prayers as the days ahead unfold. About a week ago, Mom said that she was nearing Heaven. I do believe those words are true. It looks like it won't be long now and all of her pain and suffering in this world will be over and she'll be living peacefully in the arms of our loving Savior.

The Lord has been with us throughout this journey, and I know that He will continue to do so. While we are sorry to see our momma, wife, daughter, and friend parting from us, we are every so blessed and thankful that the parting will only be for a short time. I'm reminded of Matthew 6:19-21:

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth...but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven...For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

My mother has been such a treasure which I'm grateful I'll get to "lay up" in heaven. The Lord has blessed me with such a sweet and godly mother. Though it will be hard to not have her here with us on earth, what a joy it will be to join her in Paradise someday! "...Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning." Psalm 30:5b

While talking with a friend a few moments ago, this prayer was brought back to mind. It is one that I used on the quilt block for Mom's friendship quilt, that was made shortly after Mom was first diagnosed with cancer in September of 2005.


Amidst the sorrow, there is also a new joy in our family we desired to share with you. From July 22-29th, my friend Alice Valine (of Buffalo, New York) was here for a visit. What a precious time of fellowship and encouragement it was for me (and our family). I'm happy to share that the evening after her arrival back home, my brother Shannon asked permission from her father to get to know Alice better. Mr. Valine and Alice were agreeable to the idea. =) Here are a few pictures from Alice's visit.


Alice and I went to a few shops here in Geneseo and came across these horse hats that reminded us of the scene for Ever After, "I'm only here for the food."


The last full day Alice was here, Shannon and I took her to feed the ducks and geese along the Mississippi River.


I wasn't sure if the geese were chasing or following Alice. =)
These were just a handful of the ducks and geese we fed. Many more came.