The
Change
Engine

Mary Ellen appears in good spirits, although she gets tired after talking for very long on the telephone or when someone visits. We have been trying to limit her visits and telephone calls since it zaps her strength. Although she does enjoy both, it takes a lot out of her. Most people have been respectful of this. She had gotten so weak and tired from “holding court�? that we felt this was needed. Additionally, we realized, that the family was allowing everyone else to spend quality time with her, and the family’s time was primarily in taking care of her physical needs and support. We appreciate all who have respected this request and allowed us to spend some quality time with our Mother, Sister, or Aunt (as applicable).

She continues to have some pain now and again. The pain is not always in the same area.

She had started a series of books some time ago. It is one of her many Christian romances, that she loves so well. She had completed all but the last book in the series. I have been reading a chapter or two to her every day for the past week. At the end of our reading session, I always let her know how many chapters and pages are left in the book. After reading to her last night, we have about 100 pages remaining. She is really enjoying listening and I am enjoying this very special time with her.

For the past few days, Bev has curled her hair. This also makes her feel better. Mary and I also are able to get some additional rest since Bev arrived last week, since there are now 3 of us to alternate Mother’s 24 hour care.

She is still drinking water, but her food intake is limited. She eats whatever SHE wants. Sometimes she has a half of waffle for breakfast, or other times it may be a half of piece of toast or a tablespoon or two of applesauce. Lunch is usually something that has been received from the many friends have brought in (we have received a complete meal at least every other day from someone…sure has helped make our lives easier…thanks to all who have provided our nourishment!). For the last couple of days, she has really enjoyed the meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and green beans that my mother-in-law brought. She usually eats about a tablespoon of each item. For dinner, she usually asks for about 2 tablespoons of Butter Pecan ice cream. The ice cream is rather ironic, considering she has not been overly interested in sweets, with this exception!

The Hospice nurse will be visiting Mother later today. Her visits are now becoming more frequent.

Love to all, and thank you to everyone who continue to support us and Mother.

Elaine

We received a call earlier from the Hospice nurse. The lab machine is down and they are unable to run the appropriate tests on Mother’s blood. They will let us know when they have the results. However, the doctor has ordered that no more protime tests will be done, as it is considered too invasive and difficult to obtain blood from her. He does not feel it is worth putting her through the discomfort unnecessarily. The nurse also indicated that it is evident that God is very much in control of Mother’s well-being, since she should be showing other indications of her blood being so thin. We have to be very careful that she does not fall, etc.

We ask that you keep sending the prayers upward, as we ALL continue to need the strength to get through the upcoming days and weeks.

Love to all,
Elaine, Mary Louise, and Bev

P.S. Those of you who have been here, have had the opportunity to meet Myrt and Gaines. They are a wonderful couple. We have come to love them and appreciate them, and can understand how Mother would have flourished in their mutual friendship. They have brought much love, joy and laughter to all of us over the past few weeks. Thank you Myrt and Gaines for allowing us to adopt you into “Our Family.�? We love you!

Dan - I assume you and Julie arrived home safely, since I see you have posted a message! Thank you so much for all of the help and loving support you and Julie have provided to Mother and our family. It is so wonderful to be a part of this family!

Mother had two nurses come again this morning to draw her blood and give her a bath. Since her blood is so thin right now, we had to give her a Vitamin K tablet yesterday to see if that would help thicken it some. We will know later today, after the lab tests come back if it helped. She is alert and talking, but seems a little pale and weak. She did have some abdominal pain earlier this morning, but says right now she is not having any pain. Her appetite is fair.

Aunt Lil has decided to extend her stay for another week. Thank you Uncle Lawrence for sharing your sweet wife with us. She is truly a blessing.

Thank you to everyone for your continued thoughts and prayers.

P.S. Mark, the picture was taken long before I was born. I know who many of them are and have a good idea of when it was taken, but I don’t want to spoil the fun…plus I could be wrong…yes, I do make a mistake now and then!