The weekend is coming up, and Karen wants to spend it with me without any visits or calls, even from hospice. She’s having more trouble breathing and although the morphine helps a lot with that, she’s needing more of it, and more often.
The morphine really is helping quite a lot. The bad part is that even though she’s taking more of it, she’s not taking enough. She still lets it go too long between doses, but has accepted my offer to give her doses when she is uncomfortable, instead of waiting for a set amount of time, or waiting on her to decide she needs it.
She’s not eating much at all, and drinking less. This has certainly contributed to further decline, but we’ve spoken about this. Karen and I don’t tend to hide our thoughts from each other. She knows that she’s slipping, but she’s okay with that. Aside from her worries about me, her fear is the breathing and pain as the time gets closer.
I’m afraid that the time for calls and visits has probably passed, because even speaking short answers takes great effort. I’ll continue reading notes and comments, as long as they are positive, provide comfort to her, and aren’t likely to cause her anxiety. I’m sorry I had to qualify that. Her mental acuity is declining a bit, and I’d like to only give her positive and simple thoughts to consider. We love her.
It’s hard to say how long she’ll choose to hang on this way. I’ve done my best not to burden her with worries about me (but she still does), and will work with hospice to continue to make things easier. I still care for all her physical needs, and have not reached out to hospice for assistance, but will if needed.
Perhaps she’ll hang on long enough to see her wildflowers come up (and a few have already), or to see the next episode–or three–of Billions on Showtime. I expect she’ll hang on while her enjoyment for these small things outweighs her discomfort. I’ll continue to post every day or two, and appreciate all your thoughts and prayers. <3
Karen, we love and think about you everyday. This will never change.
With Peace,
Wes
God has her in his hands and our prayers are for you to continue the love, patience & understanding you’ve shown throughout her journey .
Barbara
Charlie, the two of you have redefined courage, compassion, and love!
Move over Joan of Arc, ISIS, and Wonder Woman. Here comes Karen!
You are both wonderful and amazing and I love you very much. Continuing positive, healing thoughts and prayers. <3 <3 V3
Our love is with you and Karen.
—Rick & Molly
Thanks Charlie for the update and post.
Thank you both for welcoming me into your business, your life and your friendship. I am a better person because of you and Karen and Karen’s smile will live in my heart forever.
Continuing to lift you both up, covering you with prayers and sending love and peace to you.