Happy New Year, everyone!

Dad came over for dinner on both Thanksgiving and Christmas! To say we are grateful is an understatement. We didn't think Dad would live past February 2023, let alone enter our home again. It was very, very nice. 

Dad did come down with Influenza A just after Christmas and was released from quarantine yesterday. After being stuck in his room for seven days, he was happy to return to his dining buddies. He is feeling okay, but he is still a bit stuffed up.

He continues to eat a huge breakfast and sometimes skips lunch and/or dinner. His aides and I have asked him to eat three meals, but you know how that goes. Dad has never really liked it when people tell him what to do (then again, who does like it?) We are monitoring him and hoping that he doesn't drop more weight. He is holding steady at 103lbs, which we realize is not very heavy, but we are happy he weighs that much. 

As hospice typically lasts six months or less, we are all happy that he is still around! He continues to be in a good mood (unless he has Influenza!), and we are glad he is still here. ❤️ This process is very different from my Mom's death, and I have to say that I prefer knowing that someone is dying as opposed to losing them unexpectedly. We have been blessed with the gift of time, and don't take it for granted. 

I continue to visit with him almost daily, and Paul visits a couple of times a week. We even managed to bring Snowball (our dog!) to visit, but as she hasn't yet learned that people don't appreciate being jumped upon, we will most likely keep her at home. 

He loves receiving your cards and hearing from you, so go ahead and send a note if you have the time.

We hope all of you are doing well and enjoying your year so far!

Love, Nickie, Paul & Snowball

6904 Sheridan Av S, Richfield, MN 55423