Dear Readers of A Disgruntled Republican,
If you are one who checks this blog on a regular basis you may have noticed that I have not posted in a little over a week. Those who follow me on Facebook know my circumstances but for other readers of this blog, I want to explain my circumstances.
My lovely wife Louella has Alzheimer's with which she was diagnosed in November of 2004, but which she probably had since about 2001. Recently she developed chest congestion and after a sleepless night last Sunday, she was taken to the hospital on Monday when she would hardly respond when her caregiver tried to wake her. She was taken to the hospital by ambulance and diagnosed with pneumonia. We were informed that she aspirates, that is, she inhale food or liquid rather than swallowing it- it goes down the wrong way. She has reached the point to where her mind can not tell her body weather to swallow or breath.
On Tuesday of last week, we met with the palliative counselor of the hospital and the options were explained. Knowing Louella, I know she would not want to be put on a feeding tube or have other extraordinary efforts made to prolong her life when there is no hope of recovery. She left the hospital on Friday and Friday evening we met with a representative from Alive Hospice. They will be providing her care from here on out.
After an almost sleepless night Sunday I was at the hospital until late each night, meeting with doctors and counselors and just staying with her and comforting her. Also, all week, in the day, I was in a class that is only offered once a year and which I needed in order to maintain my professional certification. My last week has been exhausting both physically and emotionally. I have had no time to blog, but no inclination to do so even if I had had the time. One of the last things I want to do right now is read and comment on the Metro Council agenda.
This week and still as of today, I do not even want to watch the news. I certainly don't feel like being argumentative. I don't even want to listen to country music about lost love or watch violent stressful movies. So, I am going to be good to myself and do what ever helps me deal with this ordeal and focus on what is most important. I will only blog as much as I like and I will resume my full blogging when I am ready, which could be soon or could be longer depending on circumstances and my state of mind. I will post some links of interest and announcements and such from time to time, but for now blogging is taking a back seat.
At work this past week while in training, I was blessed to be surround by very loving supportive people. Some of them I have know for over 20 years and some I just met. The distraction of the class was really probably good for me and being with such good supportive people was a blessing.
I am fortunate to have Sue Deuss as Louella's caregiver. She has been with us for four years now. She is more than a trained paid caregiver; she is our dear friend and she has grown to love Louella. I could not ask for a better person to help me care for Louella than Sue. I also have another trained professional if I need additional help. I also will have the services of Alive Hospice.
I also have the support and love of my family. My sisters have been here to help me deal with facing reality and to ask questions and think clearly when I could not think clearly. My daughter is flying in from New Orleans today to give me a big hug. I appreciate my family, my co-workers, my friends and Facebook friends who are praying for me and Louella and who are showing me such kindness.
I know there is only one outcome to this situation. I have know this day was coming since she was first diagnosed; still it hurts. Please pray that Louella will leave this world at peace knowing she is loved and pray that I will have strength to deal with saying good bye.
Thank you,
Rod
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