I just woke up and realized I left out Heather's contribution of the video tribute for her dad. Please read  further into the post about her work. So sorry, Heather!

As I reflect on Lee's journey, I want to thank those who were his professional caregivers, and the  staff who knew exactly how he wanted the striped blue pillow under his elbow for easing shoulder pain, or how to set up his meal tray so he could reach his food, or how to adjust items on his tray table so he could locate them more easily. I must also thank those who supported  me on this uncharted path as I sought assistance to meet Lee's needs. St. Croix Hospice staff offered much needed support in the last few weeks and days of Lee's life and I'm grateful they offer ongoing bereavement support.

Lee's love for food  stayed with him until the last two and a half days. His pureed Jimmy John's sandwich gave him the flavors he craved, so then Heather and Jason decided to bring him a pureed Texas Road House steak with mushrooms. He ate all 6 ounces telling us how good it was! Thanks to them for the food treats they brought. Lee looked forward to Jimmy John's Sundays!

Pastor Nick and friend, Gwen, served Lee communion in his last week. Lee was so appreciative.

Thank you, Jeanene, for sharing the CD by the Hospice Singers from Hastings, NE. Lee and I listened to it before his last couple of days, and I played it several more times praying he was hearing it based on research that hearing is the last sense to go.

Over the few weeks before Lee's  death, he gave me a "to do" list for the house and yard which I  am going to try to honor. I do wish I had his skills and green thumb.

Thank you, Gale, for your comforting touch when Lee was in distress after a swallow of water, and agreeing he needed moisture added to the oxygen he was getting and it was added to make his last day and a half more comfortable.

In the last two and a half days of his life, his communication waned from an isolated word or two to sounds to silence. He was able to squeeze our hands in response early on. He raised his eyebrows high the night before he died after a friend from church  sang  "I'll Fly Away." Beth, this is a beautiful memory you gave me, thank you!

Lee's last exhales were after his son,  Jim, put a warm washcloth on his face and had begun to shave him while Heather and I were right there with him. One last loving touch of comfort!

Thank you, Carol and Allyson, for helping us move personal items from Lee's room while we waited for Jason, Jase and Brittany to come for a Bedside Memorial Service led by Brookestone's Chaplain Christy and also attended by available staff who had  cared for Lee.

Lee had pre-planned with Bryan Harvey's Funeral home in Plattsmouth after we worked with them after my mother's death. Thanks to Bryan, Lee was able to be buried in his AirForce uniform as he wanted with the help of a local high school AFJROTC instructor and students who rebuilt Lee's ribbon rack  because Lee's uniform jacket was missing after our 2019 move. Many thanks to their fine efforts and to Bryan for all he did!

Thank you Pastor Nick Dougherty for the lovely funeral service for Lee at our church and for adding in personal stories about him! Olga's organ music and Beth's solos were just beautiful! Also, Josh Groban's recording, "To Where You Are" added comfort (and tears). Our deacons provided a reception with beverages and delicious sweet treats...thank you all!

A huge thank you to Heather who learned how to put together a Google video of photos for Lee’s  service! Without her help, this would not have been possible, and her finished product was an amazing tribute to her dad and took her many hours of work.  I love her and her willingness to make this happen!

At Lee's graveside service, the OffuttAFB Honor Guard did a beautiful and precise job during the ceremony that would have made Lee proud. Hearing the 21 gun salute and the playing of taps was sad yet beautiful.  Despite a chilly, brisk south wind, the flag from the casket was folded and presented to me.

Lee's gravesite at the Omaha National Cemetery is in Section 4, #53.  His gravestone will be put in place in the next couple of months. Along with the statistical information, for the  personal two line inscription I chose: Deeply Loved, Servant Leader.

Please forgive me if I have made any omissions or errors in today's post. I thank each and every person, named and unnamed, who has offered and offers prayers and words of encouragement from near and far. Your acts of caring support, and understanding of how messy grief can be and still support me and our family as we adjust to life without our loving and beloved Lee are appreciated beyond words. ❤️🙏❤️

P.S. In the day after Lee took a turn for the worse, I privately told him I would need to know he's okay, and asked him for a sign like a miracle...maybe like our dead looking Clematis would show life. As I was pulling out dead stems a day ago, I glimpsed a bit of green under some plastic ground cover. As I pulled back the plastic, I gasped and cried when I saw dozens of little green leaves on a new small vine! For me, this was a much needed sign.💚🙏💚