We are nearing the end…

First of all, I want to thank Ron for writing the hardest blog to date.  It was a blessing to have him do that for us.  We just couldn’t function after hearing the news and spent several days coming to grips with it and begin our grieving process.  Hospice met us at home the day we returned from San Diego.  The doctor, nurse and counselor all came.  As most of you know, they are just wonderful and are staying by our side as we need help. 

Right after we arrived home, we had lots of family at home.  Joe made the comment that he was sorry he wasn’t able to finish the remodel of our new home (the entertainment center did not get done).  My brother and nephews heard that and said “oh, we will finish it Joe”.  With that, our house was under construction for a week and it was total chaos.  Joe just loved it.  When he would wake up, he just wanted to sit and watch the guys work.  It was a mess, but so worth it. In addition to building the wall and shelves, electrical outlets, lights, stone…, we changed out the doors to glass to move the electronics below.  We found a company to do that for us and when they heard Joe’s story, they would not let us pay.  Thank you Patriot Cabinets (Dave and Cindy) for your generosity.  If anyone needs custom cabinets, doors or furniture, please give them a try at patriotcontr@cox.net. 

 Attached is a picture from last week of Joe standing with my brother and my nephews Mark and Matt in front of our beautiful family room.  Joe comments about it every time he walks by and always wants to sit in that room and just look at it. 

Our 2 weeks has passed since we saw Dr. Lowy.  Joe is declining, but still doing his best to make the situation as tolerable as possible.  He is one tough guy.  He sleeps on and off during the day and really struggles at night.  He still wants to get up and walk by himself and do everything he used to do, but his body just won’t allow it.  He has begun “leaving us” throughout the day and night, and then he comes back.  He says things from his past, he says things that make no sense and then he says things from the heart.  He still throws in a laugh once in awhile too. Those are the moments we cherish.  His body has started rejecting his TPN (nutrition) and some of his organs are starting to shut down. His body is changing much quicker now, which indicates the end is coming soon.  This is honestly, the most difficult thing we have endured since he was diagnosed back in December of 2011.

The girls and I are still administering his medications, taking care of hygiene and everything possible to make Joe comfortable. We continue to read cards, emails and messages to him everyday.  Hospice has said they will support or take over the care whenever we are ready.  We just aren’t ready yet.  They come over almost everyday and do everything possible to help us, but we just feel Joe still knows what is going on, he still recognizes us and we are the ones he wants right now.  We are nearing the time when we physically can’t do everything though.  Joe has tried getting out of bed and has fallen a few times.  Luckily, he was not hurt, but it is difficult to lift him and get him settled.  He can walk short steps with assistance, he takes showers with a shower chair and he still drinks Mountain Dew, Sunny D and water.  He doesn’t always remember what is going on and frequently forgets he has cancer. He did remember this morning and wanted to talk about it.  It was so hard, but I asked him if he was scared and he said “No, not at all”.  His faith is carrying him through.

We cannot thank all of you enough for carrying us through this journey.  Joe had wanted to write the blog and thank you guys himself, but unfortunately we didn’t get to it in time.  He is no longer able to write or read on his own, but he did tell me to make sure I thank you guys.  He said his cards and all the support were the best thing that has ever happened to him. He truly meant it when he said at the Daddy-Daughter Dance “I am the luckiest man on the face of this earth”.

We love you and thank you all so much. 

The Kahler’s