It's almost 7:30 AM, and I've been up only an hour. I've been hitting the hay early and rising late. Seriously early, like 6:30 or 7 PM I've been getting to bed as I cannot keep my eyes open. I'm exhausted.
I'll have some energy here in a few, and I'll head off to work at the Greenhouse for 7 hours. Gonna be a hot one today, almost 77 degrees, which feels like 90+ in a hot house. that's OK, as I love the heat....... it soothes my bones.
Yesterday as I cared for Jimmy, I see he's getting that stare a little more often. His eyes roll back in his head more and he's more confused.
Still in relatively good spirits, though.
He opens his mouth wide to breathe, but only is able to actually use his lungs about 1 out of 5 attempts. This is when he's asleep.
Watching his body struggle for air reminds me of my dear little granddaughter, Kaylee, who died shortly after birth. She hadn't developed lungs yet, and was not "viable", so the doctors left her to die on a table while my daughter and son in law consoled each other in their grief. I held that sweet little Kaylee, all ten inches of her, as she opened her mouth to breathe, but was unable. I watched her little body struggle, and rocked her and sang her songs she probably could not hear. But I sang to her as she left this world.
I let her know she was loved, and comforted her the best I could.
That is what we are doing for Jimmy. Comforting him, keeping him as comfortable as he can be, and helping him laugh his way out of this world.
I'm honored to be able to do this, as I was honored to help my granddaughter.
Time to get ready for work. It is beautiful there, and helps add balance to this life and death cycle staring me in the face of late.
Peace,
Cat
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Comments: 21
I hope your day brings you as much serenity as you offer your readers.
Waiting for our time
Making the most of this stay
Warmth, beauty, comfort
The honor and priviledge I feel from helping my friend humbles me.
I am not the major caretaker of Jimmy...... That is Josh, his faithful friend who moved here from Pennsylvania to care for him so Jimmy's wife could continue working. I only help out. Dorrie (Jimmy's wife) tried to schedule one of Jimmy's friends a day while she works, and my day is Wednesday. Others are not able, and that's why Josh came. I go over every Sunday after my little radio reading and also help out during the week if I'm able.
Dorrie's daughter also is involved in his care as is his youngest son Dylan, and Crystal, Josh's wife, comes and stays when she can. She's Dorrie's rock.
I'm honored to be around such extraordinary people. Thank you all so much for your continued encouragement. It means so much, I cannot express.
I do not know the story behind your situation, but I respect your dedication to your friends. Nicely written article.
Hannah and Stephen, thanks for your warm thoughts and also, rest assured Stephen, I'm making myself have fun. I'm volunteering for 91.3 The Summit radio tonight at Rockin' on the River...... Big Brother and the Holding Company are playing!
All of you are so wonderful.
Many of JImmy's friends were by today. He's ready to sail.
Jimmy ended up dying on Father's Day, surrounded by family and friends who were toasting him and singing to him.
Thank you for your kindness.