Please forgive the fact that I have not been more diligent in keeping this journal up. I will do my best to update it on a more regular schedule.

I recently spent a few days in SC (a couple of weeks ago) to check on mom and visit with family a bit. A number of negatives have impacted Mom’s health in the past year: having to be apart from family and friends has been difficult, I think; she’s a social butterfly and loves being around people! Another issue is the bout with Covid she endured. All these issues have taken quite a toll on her physical and mental beings.

I received a call this morning from one of the nurses (from hospice care) that she is sleeping most of the time and beginning to refuse food. She also told me those circumstances often occur prior to a sever decline. Thankfully, Kelly was able to go by and see her this morning. When he arrived, he was able to feed her some lunch and caught her in quite a good mood. I’ve attached a pic.

Today’s situation with the nurse’s call and then Kelly’s visit foreshadows what we will be facing in the next period of this disease: up one day and very down the next one. With that in mind, I’m praying that God will imbue a peace beyond understanding for her – well, and all of us – during this difficult process.

Katt has lived a wonderful life; however, it's also been one that is often marked by times where she had to have strength beyond what one person should be able to handle: a child with spina bifida who eventually passed at a very young age, losing two husbands to cancer, working multiple jobs to remain financially solvent. But she loved her life and being with all her family and friends. Laughter, music, and so many enjoyable experiences have brought her joy.

We are all praying that joy is the emotion that will reign as she walks through this deep valley. I hope you will join us in asking for God’s strength for Mom, and for those who love her. Personally, I am hoping that neither fear nor anger will creep into her daily living – that is just not her normal behavior. I thank you in advance for the prayers, care, and compassion you have shown Mom and will show as she travels on. A peaceful transition would be such a blessing.

Photo 1: today after a visit from Kel

Photo 2: after getting her hair done (she loves to look good!)