Hey. Sorry it has been a while since I have posted any update here, or anywhere for that matter. I have been a little overwhelmed with everything, not necessarily in a bad way, but still exhausted. Mom continues to grow weaker, and she has very noticeably lost weight. She mostly refuses to eat but will snack on yogurt or pudding on some days. I think Dad is becoming scared and overwhelmed. Please pray for him. He is starting to realize (as I am) how much Mom kept him straight with paperwork and such. Mom always new right where everything was in the house. He has begged her in tears at times to eat and get stronger. I hurt for him.
My kids have been very sweet and good with Mom and all that is going on. They will be stronger for it, though when Mom has gone they will hurt.
Thank you Father for the blessed hope.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
A new day
Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each day.
~ Lamentations 3:23, NLT
Surprisingly, Mom ate quite a bit yesterday. She still likes to talk and will keep you for hours reminiscing if you've got the time, which is something I have to work at, though I hate to admit it. So many things going on, yet the need to be there for Mom.
Dad is struggling, physically. His patience seems to be growing, though at times he is greatly tested. I worry for him. Monday, he had spoken with a neighbor who said his father had passed away with circumstances similar to Mom. He went on to share that his mother, who was the picture of health, passed away 12 days later. It seemed to shake Dad. I heard Dad say that he was hoping to do some more traveling, and I know he would, but it would probably never happen now. He really wanted to travel with Mom.
Some days I really don't want to grow old...even so, Lord come quickly...
~ Lamentations 3:23, NLT
Surprisingly, Mom ate quite a bit yesterday. She still likes to talk and will keep you for hours reminiscing if you've got the time, which is something I have to work at, though I hate to admit it. So many things going on, yet the need to be there for Mom.
Dad is struggling, physically. His patience seems to be growing, though at times he is greatly tested. I worry for him. Monday, he had spoken with a neighbor who said his father had passed away with circumstances similar to Mom. He went on to share that his mother, who was the picture of health, passed away 12 days later. It seemed to shake Dad. I heard Dad say that he was hoping to do some more traveling, and I know he would, but it would probably never happen now. He really wanted to travel with Mom.
Some days I really don't want to grow old...even so, Lord come quickly...
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Who am I?
“I do not understand my own actions because I do not do what I want to. But I do the very thing that I hate. … I can will what is right but I cannot do it. For I do not do the good that I want, but the evil I do not want is what I do. Now, if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who does it but the sin that dwells within me. … Wretched person that I am. Who will rescue me from this body of death, from this life of sin? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Ressurection Morn.
Good blessed morning to everyone. It is because of this day so very long ago that we have hope, that great and blessed hope.
Yesterday, Mom got a phone call from her Aunt Ethel (my great aunt) and I thought, "well, this might be encouraging for Mom." After all, Aunt Ethel is 93 years old and should have some wisdom and insight. Her words of encouragement?; "I'm 93 years old and I wish I could just lay down and die."
In her defense, she has had her share of struggles and is nearly blind. But, in the end, it is good to be able to say, "to die is gain." What a thought. Is gain the opposite of loss. I believe it is. When my mother has passed, she has gained everything and lost nothing. Sure, we will have lost her presence here, but it would be selfish to have her stay and suffer when so much is to be gained. What is left for us here? When Mom has "gained" home, surely her reply would be for her children; "Let your lives be Christ, and to die is gain."
Mom has not really changed much in the last few days. Hospice brought in a hospital bed, but we do not yet have the sheets for it. It should be a help when it is usable. Mom has not been eating more than a few nibbles, and has refused her medicines for a few days. Thank you all for your prayers and kind words.
Yesterday, Mom got a phone call from her Aunt Ethel (my great aunt) and I thought, "well, this might be encouraging for Mom." After all, Aunt Ethel is 93 years old and should have some wisdom and insight. Her words of encouragement?; "I'm 93 years old and I wish I could just lay down and die."
In her defense, she has had her share of struggles and is nearly blind. But, in the end, it is good to be able to say, "to die is gain." What a thought. Is gain the opposite of loss. I believe it is. When my mother has passed, she has gained everything and lost nothing. Sure, we will have lost her presence here, but it would be selfish to have her stay and suffer when so much is to be gained. What is left for us here? When Mom has "gained" home, surely her reply would be for her children; "Let your lives be Christ, and to die is gain."
Mom has not really changed much in the last few days. Hospice brought in a hospital bed, but we do not yet have the sheets for it. It should be a help when it is usable. Mom has not been eating more than a few nibbles, and has refused her medicines for a few days. Thank you all for your prayers and kind words.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
God is so good...
Well, I got home tonight, (after a very busy day, albeit, I did have a good ride again on an Indian) I went in and spent some time talking with Mom. We discussed Zane Grey books and some of the locations in the books. I then explained to her that we were having a couple of friends from church come by to be witnesses for her living will and power of attorney to assign me as Mom's proxy. We had an emotional moment as she assured me these were her wishes.
I went on to let her know how good of a Mother she has been, and she readily agreed. She then ate some potatoes and onions and some Tapioca pudding.
When our friends showed up to witness the will and poa, I explained the documents to them and that I had already gone over them with Mom, but that it could be emotional. Interestingly, it turned out to be a very enjoyable time, reminiscing about us boys and Granny's house (which our friends had purchased and remodeled,) and Mom was laughing and in good spirit. When it came time for the paperwork, it was not awkward or emotional and it was a real blessing. We prayed together and said our "goodnights" and "love you's".
In other news; hospice came by today and took over care of Mom. They are bringing a hospital bed tomorrow, and will actually provide many of Mom's medicines and her adult diapers. I think they will be a great help and relief to Dad.
I want to thank each of you who are taking the time to read my ramblings and to pray for the Poore family. It is a great privilege to know the Lord and to have brothers and sisters in Christ who care.
I went on to let her know how good of a Mother she has been, and she readily agreed. She then ate some potatoes and onions and some Tapioca pudding.
When our friends showed up to witness the will and poa, I explained the documents to them and that I had already gone over them with Mom, but that it could be emotional. Interestingly, it turned out to be a very enjoyable time, reminiscing about us boys and Granny's house (which our friends had purchased and remodeled,) and Mom was laughing and in good spirit. When it came time for the paperwork, it was not awkward or emotional and it was a real blessing. We prayed together and said our "goodnights" and "love you's".
In other news; hospice came by today and took over care of Mom. They are bringing a hospital bed tomorrow, and will actually provide many of Mom's medicines and her adult diapers. I think they will be a great help and relief to Dad.
I want to thank each of you who are taking the time to read my ramblings and to pray for the Poore family. It is a great privilege to know the Lord and to have brothers and sisters in Christ who care.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
A very nice ride.
Today was an incredible day in good ole Kansas and I took full advantage by grabbing a new Indian and going for a ride...there's nothing like it.
Mom ate Malt-o-Meal twice today along with some fruit. I don't know if she is getting any stronger, but she is eating a little.
We had a visit from a Home health care provider today to see about the possibility of them helping til Mom could get stronger...they did not think they were the ones for the job. Their comment was that the end result of their services must be the improvement of the patient. In their opinion, Mom would not get better and needs the service of Hospice. If you are familiar with this, then you understand what shape Mom is in.
I had Legal Zoom draw up a living will with a DNR. That is her wish. Now the hard and emotional task is to get it signed by Mom in front of two witnesses. I am so thankful that we know the Lord. His Grace is sufficient. Pray for Dad. We love you all.
Mom ate Malt-o-Meal twice today along with some fruit. I don't know if she is getting any stronger, but she is eating a little.
We had a visit from a Home health care provider today to see about the possibility of them helping til Mom could get stronger...they did not think they were the ones for the job. Their comment was that the end result of their services must be the improvement of the patient. In their opinion, Mom would not get better and needs the service of Hospice. If you are familiar with this, then you understand what shape Mom is in.
I had Legal Zoom draw up a living will with a DNR. That is her wish. Now the hard and emotional task is to get it signed by Mom in front of two witnesses. I am so thankful that we know the Lord. His Grace is sufficient. Pray for Dad. We love you all.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
A nicer Kansas day.
Well, today was a little nicer day weather wise. The wind was not as strong, and the temperature was normal. I have had a very busy week.
Dad got Mom up during the day and had her sit in her chair. She ate some Malt-o-Meal and some grapes. This evening she did not want to get out of bed or eat supper. Tonight we let her have her way. It was more peaceful, but were we right?
Dad got Mom up during the day and had her sit in her chair. She ate some Malt-o-Meal and some grapes. This evening she did not want to get out of bed or eat supper. Tonight we let her have her way. It was more peaceful, but were we right?
Monday, April 6, 2009
Mom
Mom is not doing so well today. Yesterday was actually a pretty decent day, and I guess this morning she did ok. Judy and Josi came down and helped her with a shower and she ate some breakfast.
Tonight, however, was a different story. She has fought to be moved, fought to sit, fought to eat. If she refuses to eat, she cannot take her medicines.
To say it is trying is an understatement. Mom is very emotional in a bad way. When she gets upset she makes Dad upset and Kameron and Ali are very distraught. Please pray as we struggle to adjust to the new Mom, for our attitudes, and for wisdom. I love Mom so very much and hate to see her in this way. I know she longs to go home.
Tonight, however, was a different story. She has fought to be moved, fought to sit, fought to eat. If she refuses to eat, she cannot take her medicines.
To say it is trying is an understatement. Mom is very emotional in a bad way. When she gets upset she makes Dad upset and Kameron and Ali are very distraught. Please pray as we struggle to adjust to the new Mom, for our attitudes, and for wisdom. I love Mom so very much and hate to see her in this way. I know she longs to go home.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Kamo and Mom
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile
Mom, Palm Sunday
Mom continues to fight efforts to be helped, insisting she just wants to go to sleep and go to heaven. She wants to see Raymond Joseph. Surprisingly, after much screaming and resisting to get in her wheel chair, and refusing all food, she clearly said, "I would eat some Malt-O-Meal, I always liked that.". She ate a whole serving and took her meds herself.
The question arises to me, though, about honoring her wishes and letting her have her dignity in death, or to continue forced compliance in the midst of anger, high blood pressures and aggravation, even to the expense of Dad's health? Mom knows the Lord, and all of us know that for her to be absent from her body is to be present with the Lord.
So? Do we selfishly fight with her for fear of loss and freeing of our conscience that we tried to extend life, or do we humbly submit to her wishes and trust our loving merciful God?
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile
Saturday, April 4, 2009
African Mick
Hey. Just wanted to let you know that Brittni has made it to Africa and we have spoken with her a couple of times. Please continue to pray for her and that she will be a blessing and that she will be blessed.
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