Journal entry by Heather King —
To those of you that only get updates through Caring Bridge, I apologize. (This is daughter Heather.) I update a lot on Facebook, Instagram, and now with writing on Substack and forget to update here. But I remembered today. :)
Our time as a family on hospice has been beautiful. Or "brutiful" (brutal and beautiful) as writer Glennon Doyle likes to say. There are so many ups and downs, and we are constantly learning how to ride those out.
For several months, dad stayed about the same. He didn't lose more weight, he was walking well for a guy in his situation, and he didn't have a lot of pain. That has changed in the last month or so. His Graft Versus Host Disease has been working on his legs, skin, lungs, and most likely other places we don't know about yet. Dad is short of breath a lot, and his muscles seem to have decided to only weaken now. It's getting quite difficult to walk, but he's still plugging along. There have been days when we thought we were very close to him being bed-bound, but he rallies and keeps going despite the pain and stiffening from the disease ruling his legs.
I have been his main caregiver, with some other caregivers coming in for respite. Shelly has had a lot of life changes and recently moved to Florida. That move ended up not sitting well with her as she ached to be here with dad. She has made trips back to New London and stayed for about a week at a time and is now coming back to stay at dad's house indefinitely. The band is back together and we all have more peace because of that. She will head back to Florida, Dave, and Jarvis the dog in time.
We are so blessed to be able to spend this time together. We are grateful for every moment with dad, enjoying his quick wit, hugs, and everything about caring for him. He is patient in his suffering. He shares a lot of stories from his life and continues to love as well as he always has. We are so grateful for him. The loss that is coming will be very difficult for us, and at the same time, we really want dad at peace and free of this horrible disease. Please send your love and prayers dad's way. And if you have a moment, send him a message (he can still see his Facebook messages) or note in the mail. He is cheered by every kindness.
204 Pine St SW
New London MN 56273
We love you.
Our time as a family on hospice has been beautiful. Or "brutiful" (brutal and beautiful) as writer Glennon Doyle likes to say. There are so many ups and downs, and we are constantly learning how to ride those out.
For several months, dad stayed about the same. He didn't lose more weight, he was walking well for a guy in his situation, and he didn't have a lot of pain. That has changed in the last month or so. His Graft Versus Host Disease has been working on his legs, skin, lungs, and most likely other places we don't know about yet. Dad is short of breath a lot, and his muscles seem to have decided to only weaken now. It's getting quite difficult to walk, but he's still plugging along. There have been days when we thought we were very close to him being bed-bound, but he rallies and keeps going despite the pain and stiffening from the disease ruling his legs.
I have been his main caregiver, with some other caregivers coming in for respite. Shelly has had a lot of life changes and recently moved to Florida. That move ended up not sitting well with her as she ached to be here with dad. She has made trips back to New London and stayed for about a week at a time and is now coming back to stay at dad's house indefinitely. The band is back together and we all have more peace because of that. She will head back to Florida, Dave, and Jarvis the dog in time.
We are so blessed to be able to spend this time together. We are grateful for every moment with dad, enjoying his quick wit, hugs, and everything about caring for him. He is patient in his suffering. He shares a lot of stories from his life and continues to love as well as he always has. We are so grateful for him. The loss that is coming will be very difficult for us, and at the same time, we really want dad at peace and free of this horrible disease. Please send your love and prayers dad's way. And if you have a moment, send him a message (he can still see his Facebook messages) or note in the mail. He is cheered by every kindness.
204 Pine St SW
New London MN 56273
We love you.
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