It is almost 6:00am, Thursday April 2. All the kids are home - in Madison. We called them here because we thought last evening would be a last with mom. Yesterday, April 1, we made the decision to come to the inpatient unit here at Hospice. Mom was having terrible difficulty breathing. The last few days have been a real struggle for her. Upon consultation with medical personnel we admitted her here to try and get some control over the breathing issue.
Within an hour of arriving Mom took a sharp turn downward. Her breathing became very shallow, and it was obvious that she was struggling to exhale the CO2 in her body. Upon advice we called the kids home.
It was about 1 am before we all were gathered around her bed. We all had opportunity to tell her again that we loved her, that we did not want her to go, but also did not want her to have to suffer any more. She really did not respond to any of this. However, this morning at 6 she opened her eyes and smiled. She shook her head "no" when we asked her if she remembered the kids being here last night. But smiled when Jacque and Jill walked into her line of sight. She is responding to Jacque's questions and has just motioned to her that she loves her too.
We don't know how long this will last. The Dr. said he believes she has pneumonia and believes that life will only be a matter of days yet. Mom's mother and sister will be in-flight by noon, and we hope they are able to see her yet this side of heaven.
Thank you for your continued prayers.
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9 comments:
May you experience bundles of God's special blessings, all of you, throughout today and as you continue this journey. Our prayers are with you all.
You will continue to be in my prayers. Some of my greatest high school memories are from the Van Essen home, and my heart breaks at this sad news.
Melissa (Dykstra) Warp
Thank-you for sharing your experiences as you travel along this difficult path. Your family has been an inspiration and example of Gods grace. You are in my prayers.
Bruce Van Dop
I pray for you all daily, which brings up some wonderful growing up memories with the Veenstra's. Thank you Doug for sharing this horrible journey with us, allowing us to be a part of Dawn's struggles and suffering.
I pray for you all daily, which brings up some wonderful growing up memories with the Veenstra's. Thank you Doug for sharing this horrible journey with us, allowing us to be a part of Dawn's struggles and suffering.
You are in my thoughts and prayers in this most difficult time.
Dawn and Doug and all the J's much love and love you
becky
Dawn is so loved and will be so missed. My prayer is that her Mom and Nancy will get to be there to help her in the homegoing. May God wrap His arms around all of you and comfort you as only HE is capable. Love to all.
Melissa Collins
Dear Doug, Dawn, and family,
We uplift each of you in our prayers at this time...your family means a great deal to me with many special memories. May God bless you and keep you...Heidi Glover
Dear friends,
We just got the email about Dawn's worsening condition. This is such a difficult journey for you. We want you to know we are praying God will hold you tight and that you will feel our love even though we are miles apart. We were going to come visit in May, but I just told Keith the other day I wanted to visit sooner than that..... things have just changed so rapidly. I have prayed each day for Dawn, asking God to help her so she wouldn't suffer too much. I am praying that prayer tonight, as my tears flow for a wonderful friend, and for her very special husband and children, and darling grandchildren. I pray God's spirit surrounds you, and gives you comfort and strength as you walk this road together.
Love, Pam and Keith
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