Sunday November 16, 2008

Hi Friends,
Well Michael has gone back to Ohio so no more pictures. Yesterday was busy day. My sister Cath and Tim and family were in from Minnesota and my brother Rick and Bonnie and son were in from Arkansas. Everyone pitched in to help put up the Christmas tree for me as well as our little Dickens village which was always Joe's' project. We aren't sure it is in the right order on the table but when Joe got up for dinner he got to see it and he really like it. He is spending all his time in the hospital bed now. I don't think he will get up today at all. The elders from the church came and anointed him and gave him communion. He has been on the leadership board for the last two years with them. Karen stayed with Joe this morning while Cas and I went to church and guess what the message was on? Heaven. Is God's timing perfect or what! Joe is more sleepy today and is starting to get his words mixed up a little. This is to be expected with all the toxins in his body. He is still joking when he is awake. He had a chance to talk with Jason and Ryan, our two youngest grandchildren (7 & 9), today and told them not to be afraid of death, that it was part of living and he would see them in heaven. We were able to talk about the songs he wants at his service with him. Everything is very open which makes it a lot easier. We alternate talking about how much Joe has meant in our lives and preparations for the wedding.
The hospice nurse comes again tomorrow. Karen goes back to Phoenix tomorrow but will be back in for Thanksgiving if not sooner. We just go day to day and count on God's strength. He is always there for us. As I say almost every time but I mean it, thanks for all your prayers. I will try and update each day. Take care and God bless. Mary Anne