Greetings from VT
It is beautiful here and the leaves are starting to change.
Dad's condition continues to worsen. As Suzy and Mom shared with you all he has elected to take the hospice route and in so doing the sole protocol is comfort. There are no IV's. No forced feedings. Nothing that is designed to prolong life. simply medicine to reduce the pain, the occasional sip of water when he can hold it down and hand holdings, kisses and words of comfort from all of us.
The hospice nurse assured us that he is in a comfortable place and that he is in a dream state organizing in his mind his transition. He recognizes us when we sit with him but he has slowly become less aware and more at dream. His body is beginning to shut down and we feel that he is enjoying his last hours with us.
He is so amazingly brave. He chose this course of action and like everything else that he has done in his life he has taken complete control of this situation. He lived his own way and by his own principals. Principals that he has instilled in each of us and will live through us as his legacy I'm in awe of his bravery but so sad that he he has to go soon.
Steve
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An open letter to my Uncle Herb...
ReplyDeleteHey Herbie! I was waiting out the holiday to call you. I hope you get to hear my words as it is so rare in life to get to tell another person how they truly impact your life. A lot of thoughts and little memories come to me, but to keep it short, you always made me smile or laugh whenever I was around you. Despite the amount of time we saw each other, I learned a life lesson or three from you as well and have always wanted to tell you THANKS! You taught me to allow people to open doors for me, but to seize opportunity and shut them behind me and do for myself.....and you taught me to be humble in my accomplishments. It was nothing you said, just how I saw you live your life during the time we shared. I never told you that, but I truly carry those thoughts with me everyday.
I will ALWAYS remember with a huge smile, and a full heart, the true love you gave to my 3 kids. The big kids loved being around you because you made them smile too...and being in your home. The joy on your face making breakfast for Shane when he was just 2 was priceless.
As I got older, I always wanted to see you more and I am truly thankful that I got to see you more in the past 8 years. The night we shared dinner this May was a great night I will not soon forget. You have touched many people in many ways. I am thankful to have had you touch my life. Thinking of you now with a HUGE smile on my face...
Sending you all my love!
Mark
PS - you'd be proud to know if you scream "GO..." in front of Shane he yells back "...GATORS!"
I am so sad to hear about Herbie. I will forever remember his twinkling eyes whenever he smiled....which was often. My deepest sympathy and love to you, Ina, and your children.
ReplyDeleteBette Slatoff