Louise Menne

Welcome to our CaringBridge website for Mom.  The last 2 1/2 years have been a tough journey for her.  It all seemed to start with a fall.  We thought nothing of it.  She just tripped getting out of the shower.  Months later it was discovered that Mom had a mild stroke.  She also began losing her appetite and some weight.  While she liked her slimming figure, we all became concerned as we did not have an answer as to why and she was not trying to lose the weight.  The doctors kept pointing back to her stroke.  We also noticed that her strength in her hands was changing.  Then this past May, she was struggling eating soup and ended up on a feeding tube due to her extreme weight loss. In June, Mom ended up in the hospital with an infection.  After that stay, a doctor mentioned ALS (Lou Gehrig's)  and referred her to a specialist where it was confirmed in July.   

Given the diagnosis, Mom and Dad made the decision to move back to Wisconsin to be with us kids and all their grandchildren.  I flew with Mom and Johnny, Trent and Pam made the cross-country adventure with Dad and Cloe.  Grandma has been busy teaching all of her grandkids how to play Farkle (even though some of us are debating those Arizona rules).  We were able to enjoy Thanksgiving together as a family for the first time in 9 years. 

Many of you know of Mom and Dad's very spoiled and lovable dog Cloe.  Cloe suffered some health issues and the day after Thanksgiving went to doggie heaven where we know she is running around and getting lots of treats.

In the beginning of December, Mom ended up in the hospital as she was struggling with her breathing.  She was a bit dehydrated as well.  Mom was out after 4 nights and back in again two days later.  ALS is a disease that attacks your voluntary muscles, one of them being the diaphragm.  Mom has made the decision that she does not want invasive assistance with her breathing and is now in hospice care.  She is spending her time visiting with family and friends, along with watching NCIS, Criminal Minds or Leverage.  She will hand over the remote when football is on, especially her Vikings. 

We can't say thank you enough to our family and friends, near and far, who have been their to support Mom and Dad.  It means more than we can ever say.