This picture said 1957 on the back so Mom would have been 20. Mary brought some of the old snapshots that she had with her to Batavia so I have even more pictures for the blog.The cancer is continuing to rapidly progress. Mom is very weak and asleep most of the time and continually on oxygen. She is barely able to speak. The hospice nurse was at the house yesterday and worked with Deb and Dad on strategies to keep mom as comfortable as possible.
So many kindnesses have been extended to our family during this time and we want to thank all of you. From Aunts, Uncles and Cousins who have come to visit (From near and far) and brought food, flowers and visits, to Church members who have come for visits, brought meals, driven people to the airport, stayed with mom, cleaned, mowed the lawn and prayed, to all the people who are reading the blog and responding, and to all the people who are praying daily for us we want to extend our sincere thanks. Thanks also to friends of our family both near and far who have sent flowers, gift baskets, and prayers. It means so much to us that so many people care and so many people have been touched by mom and dad's love.
Shari is working on collage of pictures of mom's quilts. If you have received a quilt from my mom, take a picture of the person it was for, next to the quilt and send it to 272 S. Forest, Batavia, IL 60510, or e-mail it to Shari at ksmjkappel@yahoo.com.
I'm here in Batavia with mom and dad. It's hard to describe to those of you cannot be here what it's like in the house. There's a constant flurry of activity with oxygen tanks, hospital beds, narcotics, laxatives, and lap tops. It takes a team of caregivers to tend to mom's medical needs. Yet, beneath all the chaos there's a sense of calm and peace, which comes from knowing that God is really running this show and believing in His everlasting grace and goodness.
ReplyDeleteP.S. To give you an idea of how mom is mentally.... Last night, her brother and sister were taking care of her. I told her if they didn't behave to honk her horn. (We have her squeeze a bike horn when she needs us.) She said she'd do one short and three long honks if her siblings were acting up. It didn't mean a thing to me, but Mary and Keith started cracking up. When they were kids, they had a party line phone and their ring was........ you guessed it 1 short and 3 long. Mom's mind is deteriorating at a MUCH slower rate than her body - so don't think we're getting anything past her, because we are not! Love, Deb
Jill Bartruff-Let's keep in touch. My e-mail is djz1572@yahoo.com. Last time I saw you, there was no such thing as e-mail. YIKES!
Deb and family, it breaks my heart that you are going through this. I know your faith in God will get you through it. I'm glad that Mary and Keith are there helping you. Please tell your mom that we love her and she is in our thoughts and prayers, as are all of you.
ReplyDeleteMax and I are so thankful that Don and Jeanette were blessed with 3 wonderful and caring daughters. It must be difficult to understand the plans that the Lord has for you and your families. You have had wonderful Christian examples of love, caring, and commitment from both of your parents. I guess we all have these trying times to reflect on the many blessings we have received from our Lord through Don and Jeanette. May Jesus give you strength for the journey ahead. Our prayers are with you.
ReplyDeleteTami's comments go ditto for me. The strengths you are all displaying are amazing to me. God bless all of you.
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