We’re still here . . .

Just when we all thought 2020 had generated enough confusion, dread, and frustration for an entire lifetime, along came September 18. Jon said everything went dark when he arrived by ambulance at French Hospital with only a faint recollection of being semi-conscious. We really believe he was very close to not pulling through. Truly, without our neighbor summoning 911, the EMTs swiftly coming to our home, Emergency Room personnel’s immediate action, and God’s intervention . . . Jon probably would no longer be alive on Planet Earth.

Kathryn has returned home to San Francisco. She was of immense help as she quickly stepped in to oversee my care, helping calm me, taking over household chores, and even assisting with the transfer of ownership of our seven hens to a trusted friend. That was especially difficult for her as she had developed a special bond with our friendly, productive chickens. At this time in our lives, we need to shed nonessential responsibilities and simplify our lives.

Laura assists remotely from Chattanooga making needed and sometimes critical phone calls on Jon’s and my behalf. Kathryn continues to help with the same. Liz and Todd have moved in with us and are helping establish a regular routine for Jon’s intravenous antibiotics which must be administered every eight hours. We have visits from Jon’s Home Health nurse, dietitian, and more as well as my weekly Palliative Care nurse visit. Medical supplies deliveries, too. Jon has upcoming doctor appointments, and Todd will provide transportation and accompany him. They are washing loads of laundry, sorting through items in our pantry, and shopping for food and other essentials. Liz is providing my liquid diet via my feeding pump, giving me bolus water injections in-between meals through my feeding tube, giving me nebulizer treatments in an effort to help with my increasingly thick, sticky mucus, and generally trying to make sure my needs are met. We have an essential oil diffuser and a humidifier running 24/7, too. As you can see, there are no dull moments in our lives. My grandmother would say, “Looks like you’ve got a 3-ring circus happening around there.” Each of us has been quite exhausted by midday, if not sooner. Additionally, Todd or Liz  have been responsible for breakfast, lunch, and dinner for Jon and themselves. Soon, our 3-year-old (going on 4) grandson, Finn, will be added to the mix!

Baywood Park Community Church where we attend will graciously coordinate some evening meal provisions. If you are subscribed to my blog and live locally, I will include you in an email with contact information. There is absolutely no pressure, but if you’re able and would like to participate, you’ll know how to do so. If you want to help and don’t receive my email today, please email me directly if you have my email address (not posting here to thwart potential spammers) or post a comment and I’ll make sure you get the details.

We appreciate your faithful prayers and uplifting comments as we continue to navigate through this most challenging season of our lives. I’ve always appreciated Jesus’ words as recorded in Matthew 6:34 (Revised Standard Version):

Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow,
for tomorrow will be anxious for itself.
Let the day’s own trouble
be sufficient for the day.

2 Replies to “We’re still here . . .”

  1. Leslie: wishing I could be there to help you out. If you need anything, let me know. I will be praying for you all….take care

  2. Oh Leslie. How I wish we were closer to help you both out. Our hearts are prayers are with you. Love you lots.
    Faye and John

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