Today has been a busy day. Dad had a visit this morning from a hospice nurse named Helene. She went over all of the details about hospice procedures with our family, looked at dad's current medications and discussed a variety of ideas to further alleviate his discomfort. It is an enormous relief to us that all of dad's care will now be handled under one roof rather than juggling prescriptions and recommendations from multiple doctors.
Helene will not be dad's primary hospice nurse, we will meet Nancy later in the week, but today's appointment was very helpful. One of Helene's suggestions was that we get in some oxygen right away to help address dad's increasing shortness of breath. She arranged for that to be delivered this afternoon, and already dad is feeling better and breathing easier.
Posted by Dani at April 12, 2005 05:05 PMI feel like I am a bit late to this party, but better now than later. My mother (Jennifer Johnson) sent me the link to the blog in late August but I was busy with our new baby Eliza and didn't get the big picture. I stumbled across the blog last night while researching blog software ("I seem to remember Martin has a blog, I wonder what he uses?"). I am sure glad I did!
Donel, I am very pleased that you are reaping the benefits of the community that you have helped to build. I find the support of your family and community as represented on this blog inspiring. I think it is a suitable reflection of the impact you have on people's lives. I will always appreciate your huge contribution to making our wedding day as perfect as it was.
I would like to bring the family up from Seattle for a short visit. Perhaps some weekend in the near future? We will come with ice cream. Any flavor preferences?
with love,
Chris
Miracle? Coincidence? That in separate cities, my son, Chris, and I each find your current blog at the same time?
I'm spellbound by Nancy's poem of early April. What an honest, powerfully naked poem. I'm
awed by the truth of it, as much as by the ongoing truth of the McClellan family.
We all wish for closeness with someone, the kind expressed in your family writings....each one a tender sweetness,
as longed for by each soul alive.
Your loving dance blog may be your masterpiece gift to us. Imagine how far and wide it will keep teaching....the heart of each McClellan author...into vast cyberspace...remarkable lessons of daily gratitude, embraced in giving.
You Donel, are teaching what I asked for. Long ago and far away (1975 St. Joseph's Hospital, Burbank) my father was dying. In those days they kept a patients' family in the lobby, with periodic updates from a nurse. It was torturous being alone, cut off from Dad and his process.
When the nurse gave the final word, I snuck in to say goodbye to Dad. It was a good thing. Then I called you from the hospital. How to handle my pain?
You offered a book to read for solace, and said I could see you. I drove across the valley, straight to your office. I remember the stained glass window, the butterfly, the purple quiet, the peaceful Donel....the comfort in my unbearable pain.
Now you write the book, for me and the many you have led through the Richter Scale times of life.
I see the wry smile, the twinkle of Donel curiosity, the assurance something fascinating is going on, and a peace that passes my understanding. Thank you for your answer. (The magic ingredient is Marilyn, right?) I hold your journey in my highest esteem and awe. Thank you dearest friend. What a family you have created...
Love, Jennifer (Johnson Wilkins Fralick).
Dear Donel and Marilyn,
I caught up on my blog reading last night and ended my day feeling at peace and restored at the evidence of God's great wisdom in granting each of us gifts that we may share with others. I am very grateful for people like Elizabeth, Helene and Nancy are called to hospice care. I am so glad, but not surprised, that you have found these wonderful people in our community.
Also, I'll be on the look out for those new ice cream cups from Ben & Jerry's! Thanks for the tip!
Linda
Posted by: Linda at April 13, 2005 07:30 AM