Day 949 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends,

Early this afternoon my sweet sister-in-law Julie breathed her last. Her hospital room was filled with her loving family including her husband (my brother), her two daughters and two sons, daughter-in law, granddaughter, two sisters-in-law, nephew (Grayson) AND her 101 year old mother. While Julie's battle has been long, the end came quickly today leaving her family with a bit of disbelief.

The tears mixed with smiles as we gazed for the last time on her gentle, smiling face. There were extra long hugs as we held each other and tried to process what life will be like without the vibrant, happy, loving central figure in her family. She meant so much to so many of us.

The hollow feeling after we left the hospital this evening was filled with the promise of warm memories, hope, and a renewed determination to love each other better.

Within minutes of my leaving the hospital, Brant arrived home, Austin and Xixi came by to return a borrowed car (and join us for dinner), and my birthday gift from Lauren arrived. After the tearing apart in the hospital, I received the gift of family togetherness.

The gift from Lauren is a figure of a mother and daughter embracing. The timing couldn't have been more perfect.

Embrace each other tonight.

In peace and hope for tomorrow,

Regina

Ecclesiastes 3

A Time for Everything

¹There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under the heavens:

² a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
³ a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
⁴ a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
⁵ a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,
⁶ a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
⁷ a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
⁸ a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.

⁹ What do workers gain from their toil? ¹⁰ I have seen the burden God has laid on the human race. ¹¹ He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet^[a] no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end. ¹² I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. ¹³ That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God. ¹⁴ I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it.

Day 948 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends,

The roller coaster continues on this first day of summer.

This afternoon and evening Grayson was jittery and unfocused. He couldn't sit still even to eat or watch TV. He had a tough time verbalizing any preferences and didn't want to play any table games with his caregiver today.

There seemed to be a lot of neurological noise going on inside.

I wonder where the journey will take us tomorrow.

Regina

Day 947 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends,

As bright and up as Grayson has been lately, he was slow and confused today. He had plenty of sleep, was hydrated, no fever, and lots of moderate exercise. There was no apparent reason for the set back.

The one constant is that he is always affectionate. When I tucked him into bed this evening and kissed him on the forehead, he grabbed my hand and wouldn't let go. Finally he kissed my hand and said "good night".

It melted away the frustrations of my day in an instant.

May you feel the warmth of our Father's love when you retire tonight.

In peace,

Regina

Day 946 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends,

A new caregiver started working with Grayson today. I spent a good portion of the day familiarizing her with Grayson's patterns and routines.

She brings different gifts to our family along with a great big smile and Grayson seems to like her. We are off to a good start.

With a hopeful heart,

Regina

Day 945 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends

Today was a beautiful day – and it was an awesome Father’s Day. It was great to spend the evening with Austin, Xixi, Rita, Richard, Grayson and Regina.

Thanks to all who honored their fathers today. We are all humbled by your love and affection.

Pax!

Brant

Day 944 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends,

Grayson saw Brant this morning after nearly a week.

Throughout the day Grayson couldn't stop hugging his dad. Neither could I.

"…and the greatest of these is love."

Peace,

Regina

Day 943 – Grayson’s Journey

Dear family and friends,

Grayson did several things today that were out of the ordinary.

This afternoon Grayson and I walked up the driveway. I grabbed the large trash barrel and started wheeling it to the patio area. Grayson was several feet behind me. Without any prompting he grabbed the green waste barrel and also headed down the path to the patio.

This evening after restroom visits, he managed his clothing successfully, completely on his own without prompting.

Several hours after dinner, Grayson walked up to me and pointed to his mouth. I asked what he was trying to say and he replied, "hungry".

As he was getting ready for bed this evening, he took off his socks. Instead of trying to shove them through the small ventilation hole in the lid as he usually does, he actually lifted the lid and put them in.

Not everything today was this independent but it is obvious that are in an up cycle. Of course the up cycles also bring things such as his still being awake over an hour after putting him to bed. He just came out of his door, carrying a pair of shorts and a magazine – in the dark, at midnight. Sigh. I just have to smile.

Brant just sent me a text message that his plane landed. Yay! It will be wonderful to have him home for the weekend after his trip to Philadelphia this week. Of course he leaves again on Monday.  Another sigh.

Peace and good night to you all.

Regina