More Devices

It is with continued disappointment that we report a couple more evidences of decline. In our last blog we noted that Dawn was having breathing problems. After discussing this with Hospice oxygen was brought in. Dawn is now using this at various times in the day, as well as at night when she sleeps. This has seemed to help make things a little easier for her breathing.
We are thankful for this, but one more 'device' sitting in the house is a reminder of the steady decline. We can chart the downward progression by recalling the addition of devices. It began with canes, moved to walkers, then wheelchairs. Dawn needed a speech device. We brought in a food blender, suction machine, and had a feeding tube put in. Shower chairs, hospital bed and a Hoyer lift followed. All these are visible reminders as they occupy floor or surface space in the house. All are evidence of the continual decline that is claiming life.
Another evidence of this decline is Dawn's difficulty in maintaining balance. She is finding it increasingly difficult to hold herself erect in a chair. You can imagine the difficulty this presents in even the basic necessities of life.
On a different note, her brother Randy arrived this morning for a few days with her. We are thankful for his presence as well as his ability to help in setting up such things as the eye-reader on the speech machine.
Randy's presence has also enabled Jill the 'free' time to spend about 24 hours with Jake in Minneapolis celebrating his 22nd birthday (Sunday).
Again, we thank you for your prayers, cards, expressions of love and support, as well as the fantastic meals prepared on our behalf. May God bless you today!