Reid was put on oxygen yesterday & we transferred him to a hospital bed which replaces his recliner in our family room. He was on the cusp for needing oxygen all week and after his shower yesterday we made the call as he was so out of breath when transferring him to his wheelchair. Hospice said that it was the right decision. He is comfortable, still very much aware of what’s going on around him and surrounded by the family & friends who love him. Some days are better than others. He sleeps most of the day and still has a good appetite. One of the highlights of his day is the nice breakfast Reid Jr. & I make for him. What could top grits, eggs & bacon with Frank Sinatra’s tunes playing in the background! Really the only thing he ever complains about is stomach discomfort & amazingly has very few headaches. Reid Jr. has been out of town all week & we somehow have managed to survive without him. (Although, I can’t wait until he returns today) Robert, the caregiver, is doing a great job & knows exactly how to handle Reid. I can truly say that we are blessed to have the most amazing friends in the world. I’ve had to call for “back-up” several times this week, and whether it’s a request to help shower Reid, take apart & move the hospital bed, remove bathroom doors, take care of the pool, hang the American Flags drapes in front of our home for Memorial Day, sit with Reid for a couple of hours & be “On Call” throughout the night in Reid Jr’s absence – They are There! Thank you from the bottom of my heart. It takes a Village and a few Brave Men! We are forever grateful for their kindness. We had a wonderful visit with Reid’s family last weekend. They are just what the doctor ordered & we thank his brother, Bodie, for driving them up here. In the midst of this journey, we have had some good laughs- One of which happens on occasion when we shower Reid. It never fails, about once a week, someone will accidentally hit the shower control for the Rain Head on the shower ceiling. That means instantaneous cold water hitting you from above while you’re trying to carry Big Reid out of the shower. I can assure you that what happens next is nothing like that great scene from the movie, “Flashdance!” Love, Lori
One of Reid’s favorite Songs:
On Eagles Wings
By: Michael Joncas
You who dwell in the shelter of the Lord, Who abide in His shadow for life,
Say to the Lord, “My Refuge, My Rock in Whom I trust.”
And He will raise you up on Eagle’s Wings; Bear you on the breath of dawn,
Make you to shine like the sun, And hold you in the palm of His Hand.
