Alan's still in hospice at Saunders nearby, but he is not responding to my voice. I am hoping that he will let go and leave his body. I told him I loved him and that I would be ok. Lots of nurses and aides at Saunders who are contributing to his care.

My daughter leaves on Friday to return to California. I am so grateful for her presence here that there are no words to express my gratitude.  My younger daughter and daughter-in-law are here, so they will be my close helpers now.

I wrote a poem on Thanksgiving that I sent to my creative writing group and thought I'd share it here:

                                        FLOATING by ellensue
                                            Thanksgiving Poem

                                                       Nov. 2022

How do I celebrate LIFE
While honoring your dying?
Can I manage both:
the smiling and the crying?

So many memories
to sort & remember:
Each year together
From January to December.

I feel like I’m drowning
And also floating.
I remember Idaho and
White water boating.

I remember Italy, and also Paris,
Where I got stuck in the Loo
And Costa Rica was so lovely,
As were you!

When diagnosed, you said:
“Remember the good times.”
Now I can call them up
In long & short rhymes.

I miss you so in our bed:
The spooning and the passion
Loving quietly…..
In your very own fashion.

Your way of moving on
After a fight.
No grudges or recriminations
As we hugged good night.

The ups and downs….
I will miss the good and the bad
Your going too soon
Leaves me forlorn & sad.

You are in between
Life & Death, I know.
Still I want to say,
I love you so!
P.S. The photo below is from my 75th b'day 10 years ago.
My 85th is Friday, but Alan looked the same until he became ill.