Family and Friends:

 

It has been over a month since we shared about Mark Lee's terminal cancer.  He has been a real trooper in his fight, but this is one he will not be able to overcome. He had been resisting hospice, but finally relented after reaching the point where he had no energy and needed help with the simplest of tasks and efforts.  He has been on oxygen continually for the last week and to complicate his breathing he now is in congestive heart failure.  he has tried to continue his dialysis as it helps with his breathing, but we are no longer able to transport him as he is unable to get in and out of a vehicle.  We had him set up with nonemergency transport and they come and pick him up and bring him home.  Yesterday after a very rough day he talked to the nurse and doctor about what would happen if he quit.  He greatest fear is suffocating, but they told him the pain medication and the body  itself would  allow him to slip into a comma and pass on peacefully.   It is a tough decision for him, and as parents and caregivers it is something we know is going to happen, your never ready for it.   The good side is he has maintained a sweet and pleasant attitude and spirit and is at peace with himself.

 

Connie took family leave to be home to care for him around Thanksgiving time, It has helped that after 26 years of teaching she has built up enough leave to do it.  With the end so close and his needs many, I too have taken family leave starting Monday.   We can't say enough for all the prayers,  kind cards, letters, emails and phone calls from everyone during this difficult time.

 

God is Good!