Steady Decline
There has been a steady decline in Don’s condition since last week. A lot of people have been asking and wanting to know how he is, so I’m going to try to be specific, so you know how to pray. He can hardly speak or eat and has to be turned every couple of hours. It has been very difficult to get his pills taken–they have been crushing them in applesauce lately. Even then, we have to watch and make sure he swallows all of them. He did have some seizures on Saturday, but I found one of his anti-seizure pills sitting on the bed frame, so we think that it fell and he never got it taken some time on Friday. That could have been the reason he had the seizures. But, they lasted for three and a half hours! They weren’t more than in his left hand, arm and shoulder, though. The nurse gave him extra Ativan to help stop them. We were thankful when they stopped and he was able to get some good rest.
It was wonderful having Denise and Doug’s family here last weekend. We had some good times with Don and with each other. Rachel (Doug’s wife) took it on herself to feed us and we thoroughly enjoyed it. Of course, having the boys around was refreshing and fun. Denise stayed with Don late on Saturday night and Doug stayed on Sunday night. I was able to get a couple nights of good sleep. They were so much help! What a blessing children are.
We met with the Social Worker this morning and have not heard definitively, but felt assured that Don was going to stay in Hospice Home a while longer. Having had the seizures and the difficulty eating, the decline in communicating, all add up to him meeting the guidelines for end of life care. We were hoping and praying that he wouldn’t have to be moved again. Hospice Home is such a good place for him to be–not only for his care, but for our peace of mind, as well.
I know Don’s prayer is that he might go to heaven soon so that’s what we’re asking of you. He’s done everything he could do to prepare me in having all his papers ready and teaching me the finances, so we feel ready to let him meet his Father. Thank you for the strength you have given us by keeping us in your prayers. Caroline
There comes a time when you release your loved one and allow him to go be with the Lord. The Lord gave him to you as a gift many years ago and now it is time to give that gift back to the Lord. May the Lord give you added strength for the days ahead.
Gerald I. Gerig
February 15, 2010 at 4:33 pm
Carolyn, You do not know me, but I was a friend of Gerald while we were both attending FWBC, and I knew his little brother “Donnie”……….I was only made aware of Don’s illness yesterday, both from Roger and Carol Ringenberg and my cousin, Joyce Andersen, who attended Don’s church in Oak Park. You have my empathy and prayers. I lost both my brother and 54 year old daughter-in-law to cancer last year. It was such a difficult time for the family even though we understood that “the best is yet to come”. May God give you His strenth, and may the hope that you have in Him be your comfort and assurance each day.
June Harrison
February 18, 2010 at 2:21 pm
It is so very hard to say good-by to someone we love.
God bless
Lois
Lois Starks Stubblefield
February 15, 2010 at 5:22 pm
I’m sorry to learn that Don has declined. From a distance, it seems like it happened so very fast. Perhaps it feels like it being in the midst of it as well. I’ve been thinking about you both a lot, and our Fellowship Group prays for you and Don, your family and friends. We will continue to do so, and hold you both dear in our hearts. peace, Heidi
Heidi Entrekin Goodhart
February 15, 2010 at 6:09 pm
Praying for you both, for courage and peace on this final leg of Don’s journey. We love you and are so grateful for the influence you’ve been on our lives in SO many ways.
Doug and Pam
February 15, 2010 at 10:37 pm
Thanks for sharing this blog so we know how to pray. We are so glad we could be with you and Don before Christmas. We are praying God’s will and for strength and peace for you all! Lovingly, Phil & Dorcas
Phil & Dorcas Stuckey
February 15, 2010 at 10:43 pm
I have only recently learned of Don’s rapid decline and I’m both saddened and relieved that he’s getting the hospice care that will keep him comfortable. You are both in my prayers – may God hold you close as you travel this part of the journey and may there be unexpected gifts along the way. What follows is something that came to me recently as a forward but such a comforting message that I wanted to pass it along
A sick man turned to his doctor as he was preparing to
leave the examination room and said,
‘Doctor, I am afraid to die.
Tell me what lies on the other side.’
Very quietly, the doctor said, ‘I don’t know..’
‘You don’t know? You’re, a Christian man,
and don’t know what’s on the other side?’
The doctor was holding the handle of the door;
On the other side came a sound of scratching and whining,
And as he opened the door, a dog sprang into the room
And leaped on him with an eager show of gladness.
Turning to the patient, the doctor said,
‘Did you notice my dog?
He’s never been in this room before.
He didn’t know what was inside.
He knew nothing except that his master was here,
And when the door opened, he sprang in without fear.
I know little of what is on the other side of death,
But I do know one thing…
I know my Master is there and that is enough.’
May today there be peace within you.
sally dunning
February 15, 2010 at 10:48 pm
Your friends at Calvary Memorial Church are praying for you Pastor Don. Some of the dear ones of the church who have proceeded to heaven–Vern, Milt, Irma, and so many other–will no doubt be there to welcome you to the great fellowship of worship at the Throne of Grace.
Brent
Brent Jones
February 16, 2010 at 10:36 am
We’re praying the Lord may give you both peace and comfort in these times. We feel so blessed with the time we have had together. We send our love.
Dave & Dianna Neuhouser
February 17, 2010 at 11:34 am
Thanks, Caroline, for letting us know how to pray for you during this leg of the journey. May you feel perfectly cared for, held gently but firmly in the hand of our loving Heavenly Father.
amyvanhuisen
February 17, 2010 at 4:26 pm
Thank you Caroline for the update. We are praying for strength for you and peace for Don. We will continue to check in on the blog.
Blessings,
Dave
dmbaldwin
February 17, 2010 at 8:03 pm
We continue to pray that you will see His provision in every way and have that peace that passes all understanding.
Cindy & Don Leach
February 21, 2010 at 9:37 am
Caroline;
Our hearts ache for you and the children. Don will soon be with our Lord. That fact gives a peace that the world does not know. However, your road ahead will be the hard part of holding on to our Savior.
Ralph and I remember so fondly the happy times during college and the following years of ministry. You both were always a blessing. We are holding you before the throne of God.
Ralph and Norma
February 21, 2010 at 4:39 pm