I don't really believe in coincidence. I've always believed that things happen for a reason and that God shows His love for us by opening doors that ease our burden.
Jeff's Hospice nurse wasn't due back until Tuesday but after several calls back and forth last night while trying to get Jeff stabilized and comfortable they sent a nurse out to check him today. After a consult with the Hospice physician she suggested that it might be time for Jeff to go to the Hospice house, a private residence with just five private rooms and RN's on staff around the clock. Her concern was for Cherene since Jeff's care would continue to become more and more difficult. What a blessing that the nurse came out for the assessment even though she wasn't scheduled and that the Hospice house had a bed become available today.
I'm thankful that Cherene agreed that it was time for some help. The last few nights she and I would sleep on the couch next to Jeff's chair and I would wake up to see her preparing his medications in the wee hours of the night and morning, keeping careful notes of the doses, always putting Jeff's comfort above her own. I don't know how she did that night after night with so little sleep and then keep the boys happy during the day. I told Jeff that he has done some great things in his life but by far the best thing he ever did was to marry Cherene. I've never known anyone as patient and loving.
Jeff's hours on this earth are few, but we continue to find comfort in the promise that we will be together again for eternity.
I wanted to show you a few photos of our afternoon in the park selling wrist bands. The boys did it all. I just sat in my lawn chair and beamed with pride as those two amazing boys sold wrist bands and talked to people about ALS.
Encourage one another,
