Hospice told me two things this week that really stuck. One was “We (Hospice) are very good at predicting end of life…………except in Joe’s case.” And the second quote was “You die like you live.” It really helped me understand the end of life journey we are on with Joe. Although they never met Joe when he was healthy, they told me he must have been extremely strong, quick to do everything, put everyone before himself, did anything for his family, never wanted to let anyone down and was really determined.” Yep…that’s our Joe. This explains why we are in week 7 of a journey that was supposed to be 2 weeks long. No one is saying how long Joe has now. He’s exceeded everyone’s predictions.
Things are tough though – mentally and physically – for Joe and for the rest of the family. Joe continues to lose weight (lost another 4 lbs), is gone more than he is here and has more pain than ever before. They thought he had another urinary tract infection, but turns out it is probably just the cancer and organ failure causing the problem. I’ve had to tell him several times that he has cancer because he doesn’t understand why he can’t walk like he used to, why he has tubes and bags connected to him and why he sleeps on and off 24 hours a day. This morning was particularly rough as he couldn’t figure all this out. I sat with him for a long time today and explained every step of his journey from the first indication he was sick in November, 2011 to being diagnosed on December 3, 2011 to his seven surgeries, his treatments including chemo, radiation and experimental drugs to finally signing on with Hospice. It was a painful, yet comforting discussion. He seemed to recall several parts of the story and by the end, felt relieved that no one was “tricking” him, but instead just helping him. And then the light bulb went off and he asked for his basket of cards. The basket has been next to him in bed and we’ve been reading on and off today as he lay in bed. It was so comforting for him to know and understand how many folks are supporting him and his family through this entire journey. I’m guessing this is one of the reasons we are in week 7 of this journey. As always, we owe you guys a tremendous amount of gratitude.
XOXO
Sherrie
Mike and I have been keeping up with your journey for quite some time and are amazed at the stories you tell of Joe's continued perseverance and endurance. We are praying for your family as I know this is incredibly harder than anything you have ever done and probably ever will do. Yet, it is clear the Lord is walking beside each of you and giving you tremendous strength. That is a witness to those of us watching of God's great love and provision in so many ways. Thank you for taking the time to post and let us know how things are. I know God will continue to bless you all.
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