The hospice nurse came today and assessed mom. She figured out why mom has been sleepless and agitated these last couple of days. She fixed the problem and mom says she feels "much better". She has been relaxed and peaceful ever since. I am grateful for nurses who know what they are doing and experienced Aunts who offer their input on how to make mom more comfortable. I and probably Kanani and Dad are learning lots from this experience. Who knows maybe I'll become a nurse! Ha ha j/k! Mom has told me more than once "good luck. . .college" So now I need to figure out what she wants me to go to college for!

I can't thank-you all adequately for all your love and support. Your prayers are felt as it gives us strength and understanding. Thank-you!

You never know what kind of day mom is going to have. We are still in awe with the drastic changes that can occur from day to day. Mom hasn't slept all day! Which is very, very unusual. Dad and Kanani were up with her at 6:30 this morning and when I took over at 9:30 am she was still awake. She never slept while I was on duty this morning or Kanani this afternoon. I came back for night duty at 9:00 pm and she still was awake! It's 9:37 and she is finally dozing off.

I had some good quality time with mom this morning. I had to be creative since she wasn't sleeping so I cut her nails and filed them. I even entertained the thought of painting them just to see what it looked like since I've never seen them any color but natural! I didn't though. . .no polish in the house. Mom was rotated up on her side facing the pictures of all us kids and grand kids. She just stared at those pictures and kept trying to say all our names. She then said "gether together", "gather together" I asked? "You want me to gather all the children together?" With determination in her eyes she said "gether together." I thought for a second. "Oh together forever?" "Yes together forever." I went on to say yes our family will be together forever. She sorta got a semi grin. I told her she didn't have to worry about leaving because we'd all be together someday. She repeated over and over "family forever, forever." And then with my teary eyes and croaky voice I sang Families can be together forever. She sang a word or two and I knew without a doubt that this principle of the gospel is true.

She also said "It's good to be here." And of course this is surprising me because the last two days we haven't been able to understand her. Kanani said on her shift that mom was talking in understandable sentences too. All we can say is wow!

Mom got a bath today which she loves. She loves getting her hair combed, her teeth brushed, and her hands and feet massaged!

Dad says he is doing so-so. Not great, not bad. . .just so-so. I do want you to know what a caring husband he is. I watch him tuck mom in at night making sure she has covers and is comfortable and that she takes her pills faithfully so she won't feel pain. He also makes sure she has her breakfast shake in the mornings. I know he loves his wife dearly and I am so grateful that they have an eternal companionship.

Not much to update on today. Just the same condition as before.

Mom is very much the same today as she was yesterday , but today she is having a difficult time swallowing. Moms feet are swelling back up, but her arms are looking better. We are starting to learn her code words for things. Good as Gold is lemon slush, Kale is bathroom, and Galileah is water. She has been dozing in and out of sleep for the last 6 hours with a good nap in between. When she is awake it is for a short time and she stares blankly into space. We try to rotate her from side to side to prevent bed sores. Once while trying to put her on her side dad was a little rough. In an angry tone with jibberish words she let him know she wasn't pleased! It was kinda funny.

Today has been a rough day. Mom is getting weaker and weaker. She has gone back to drinking through a straw in comparison to being able to drink from a cup herself. It breaks my heart to see the deterioration of her body. She is just so fragile. Mom's thoughts are clouded. The hardest part is not being able to communicate clearly with her. We have a tough time understanding what she needs and I know she settles for what we offer just so she doesn't have to try to explain anymore.

She has always been so strong in all she does and it hurts so much to see her this way. I can't wait for the day when she will be pain free. When she will have the freedom to move as she pleases and be able to have control of herself again. The day soon will come and I will be sad that she is gone, but will have joy to know she isn't suffering anymore.

ThanksgivingChristmas

Wednesday

Mikki, Webb, Clarence McBride, Gary McBride, Leora Taylor, Philis Bryce, Marja Hansen

Yesterday was a busy day for mom. Her brothers and sisters and their spouses came down to visit. All but Aunt Marie who lives in California. They were here by mid-morning. Mom enjoyed her time with them. She was coherent and had a good time visiting. Us girls stuck around in the background listening to memories of the good old days! They took pictures and said their good-byes, most of them for the last time. It was very emotional. It was a happy reunion. Mom was worn out after they left, but it was worth it to see them all again.

Today Mom is exhausted. She isn't as lively as she has been for the past two days. She is just worn out. Hopefully she will be doing better tomorrow after a good days rest.

LAST NIGHT: Mom slept all night again! We are so grateful that she is able to get a good nights sleep.

YESTERDAY: Mom was quite delightful again. She drank lots of fluid and had a bite of ham and cheese. She slept alot, but while awake was quite perky. Leilani gave her a haircut which she enjoyed. She actually watched 30 minutes of news on T.V. which surprised us because she hasn't wanted anything to do with it since going into the hospital. She takes her medication without complaint except for the "NASTY" potassium. It is given in a liquid form and she doesn't like it one bit. We fight over who has to give it to her in fear of when we do we will be on her bad list!

Aunt Leora kept us busy making cute tutu's for her grand-daughter's 6th birthday. We are grateful for distractions and it felt good to be productive!