My Mail
I has been more than 10 days since Mom passed away and her love, life, humor and, yes, absence, is felt more than ever.
Carrie and Olivia and I have been home for a week or so, mostly just keeping busy.
One of my jobs was to finish my new office (a closet with a surface for a laptop), and to clean off my desk in the old office.
As I was sorting mail I found two cards. One is a Mother's Day card I bought for Mom last spring, at least a month before Mother's Day. I was so proud of myself, because I'm terrible at sending cards, and buying a card in advance was huge! Unfortunately, I never sent it. Too busy. Not the right time. I'll do it tomorrow, next week, as soon as I can.....
Then, just under that, I saw a card with Mom's handwriting. My birthday card. She sent it the day we left Seattle for Mexico. It was just a day or so before she called Dave and asked him for help.
The card was sitting on my desk while we were in Mexico, while we were in Salt Lake, while we have been home on Seattle. Her words to me were simple and sweet, supportive and loving, unaware that these were her last written words to me.
If you're reading this and your mom is still alive, PLEASE jot a note to her and tell her you love her. Your dad, too. There are few things in life that, given any circumstances, you will never regret.
This is one.
I Love You, Mom.
Friday, December 4, 2015
Monday, November 23, 2015
Note from Tom & Virginia Clark
Dear Bonnie and family:
We want you to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. We have many fond memories of Bonnie and Alton, beginning first in Bountiful when they were first married and ending in Arizona before they moved again. Bonnie was always fun to be around and a gracious hostess. Even though it has been some time since we have visited, Geri has kept us posted on your family and many of your doings. May you find a greater love and unity as you rally around your mother and say goodbye. In the end this life is about families and eternal life.
Love,
Tom and Virginia
Bonnie Bell Clark passed away Monday, November 23, 2015,
after a difficult, but mercifully short battle with cancer. She chose to forego treatment and instead spent
her last months traveling to Europe with family, visiting friends and nurturing
her vast circle of loved ones.
To say we grieve the loss of our friend, mother,
grandmother, great-grandma – the pillar of our family -- would be an understatement. But to say we lost
the core of our family would be untrue, for that core is the living legacy she
left behind – unconditional love, generosity of kindness and spirit, and a
boundless capacity for forgiveness, all built on a bedrock of responsibility
and compassion.
Bonnie was born July 27, 1933 in Ogden, UT, to Henry M. Bell
and Selma Gorder Bell. She graduated
from Davis High School in 1951.
Bonnie loved family camping trips and trout fishing. She loved
gardening, horses, martinis and slot machines. She could beat you at golf. She
adored her Boston Terriers. She treasured family holidays, where visitors would
find a table of fine china, a steaming pot of spaghetti, a deck of poker cards
and a warm wit.
Travel was a particular passion. From China to Alaska, from
the beaches of Normandy to the crisp air of Mt. Hood, she delighted in sharing
the wonders of the road with the ones she loved.
But her real treasure was family. Bonnie raised her family
in Bountiful, UT and Boise, ID, and
lived for many happy years in Scottsdale and Nogales, AZ. As her children married, she embraced each
new spouse as another child, and her growing legacy of grands and greats
brought her immense joy.
Bonnie is preceded in death by her parents and two great
men, her first husband Russell James
Yeates, and Alton Clark, her husband for 43 years.
Bonnie is survived by her daughter, Jeanette Clark
Whitesides, and her children, Allison (Justin) Fox and Griffin Whitesides; her
son Michael Clark and his children Alena Clark and Jodi Lynne (Garrett) Magoffin
(and great grandchildren Jeremiah, Benjamin and Savannah); her son David
(Jeanette) Clark, and their children Jennifer (Patrick) Anderson, Kathryn
(Clayton) Pratt, and Angela (Joel) Simmons; her son Douglas (Carrie) Clark, and
their daughter, Olivia Clark.
We would like to thank the friends and family who rallied to
show Bonnie their love and support through her illness. In particular, we would
like to thank the professionals at Harmony Hospice, who helped us to give back
to someone who has given so much – a dignified passing, painless, and
surrounded by love.
Viewings will be held Tuesday, Nov. 24, from 6 to 8 pm, and
Wednesday, Nov. 25 from 9:45 to 10:45 am, at Russon Brothers Mortuary,
295 N. Main St., Bountiful, UT. Funeral services will be held there at 11 am.
Internment services will be held afterwards at the Bountiful City Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Huntsman
Cancer Institute. Online condolences may be sent to www.russonmortuary.com or www.bonnieupdates.blogspot.com.
Bonnie Bell Clark, July 27, 1933 - November 23, 2015
Today has been full of sweet memories and somber goodbyes. We woke up early to help Mom and she had people sitting with her almost every minute of the day expressing their love and support.
Alison (Sis's daughter) had to catch a plane back to Portland this morning early and Jen was kind enough to drive her. Before she left she had a good chance to visit with Mom and I could tell she was extremely broken up about her condition. Then, Katy (My & Jeanette's daughter) headed back to Michigan and her oh-so-patient medical student husband Clayton who has supported his wife being gone this entire week. Jen also drove Katy to the airport.
Mike was here all day and we held out hope that Mom could hold on until his daughters Alena & Jodi Lynn could make it to Salt Lake on Monday & Tuesday. But, after a hard evening Mom passed away this morning at 12:05 am surrounded by her kids. She will surely be missed as the glue / magnet / leader of our family since Dad passed away in 1999. We also rejoice knowing she is in a better place and with all of those who were waiting for her on the other side of the veil. Imagine the celebration going on in heaven as she meets with all of her loved ones!!
We want to express our love and appreciation to all those who have visited / called / sent emails / commented to Mom - we have read her every one. We will have arrangements made for her funeral services. We have chosen Russon Brothers Mortuary in Bountiful handle her services and will post when the viewing and funeral will be as soon as it is available.
Dave
Sunday, November 22, 2015
Sunday Afternoon
Grandma decided this afternoon the oxygen tube was uncomfortable and she wanted it off. She has rested the rest of the day. She has acknowledged her kids and grand kids as they have come to visit with her. She isn't speaking much anymore but still will give a facial expression or two during a conversation.
Saturday Evening / Sunday Morning
Yesterday we had quite the day. Grandma had a bath and got her hair done. She loved having her hair brushed. The bath wore her out so she rested for quite a while. Her granddaughter Angie (Dave's daughter) was making Grandma's rolls for a "Friendsgiving" party that she was throwing. Grandma needed to taste the dough to make sure it was all right. Angie also had a turkey cooking all day - grandma kept wondering when she was going to get the turkey leg.
Doug cooked up a feast last night - stuffed acorn squash. Between the wonderful smells coming from the kitchen and the sound of shuffling cards from the game of hearts her grand kids were playing she decided she wanted to be part of the action. She asked to be taken out to the living room in her wheel chair and sat with us for a few minutes as we played cards. When it was time for dinner she wanted to be taken to the table and have a family meal together. She had a few bites of the mushed up squash and told us all how proud of us she was. But being up for those 20 minutes wore her out and she went back to bed and rested.
Mike flew in last night. She was asleep when he came in and woke up for a few minutes and they had a chance to say hi.
This morning she has been having small conversations with people as they come and go. Mike made it back and they spent a while visiting.
We are keeping up on the pain meds so she doesn't feel anything and she is resting comfortably now.
She has loved hearing the comments and stories that you have posted here, sent to one of us or told us about. One thing is for sure - if she knows we are sitting outside talking she likes us to move the conversation to her or as she said "let's have a jam session in here". She will listen to us to talk them come up with something funny or sarcastic - true to her personality - and will have us all laughing.
Jen
Doug cooked up a feast last night - stuffed acorn squash. Between the wonderful smells coming from the kitchen and the sound of shuffling cards from the game of hearts her grand kids were playing she decided she wanted to be part of the action. She asked to be taken out to the living room in her wheel chair and sat with us for a few minutes as we played cards. When it was time for dinner she wanted to be taken to the table and have a family meal together. She had a few bites of the mushed up squash and told us all how proud of us she was. But being up for those 20 minutes wore her out and she went back to bed and rested.
Mike flew in last night. She was asleep when he came in and woke up for a few minutes and they had a chance to say hi.
This morning she has been having small conversations with people as they come and go. Mike made it back and they spent a while visiting.
We are keeping up on the pain meds so she doesn't feel anything and she is resting comfortably now.
She has loved hearing the comments and stories that you have posted here, sent to one of us or told us about. One thing is for sure - if she knows we are sitting outside talking she likes us to move the conversation to her or as she said "let's have a jam session in here". She will listen to us to talk them come up with something funny or sarcastic - true to her personality - and will have us all laughing.
Jen
Saturday, November 21, 2015
Letter from Jodi Lynne
I received a letter tonight from Bonnie's granddaughter Jodi (Mike's daughter). She lives in San Diego and hasn't been able to make it up yet. We are hoping she can Tuesday. She asked that I posted it on the blog. I just read it too Grandma as well. While she wasn't able to tell me I know it meant so much to her.
Jodi - your words are perfect. Love you so. Love, Jen
Jodi - your words are perfect. Love you so. Love, Jen
Grandma-
You have been on my mind constantly these past days and weeks. I thought of you this morning first thing I woke up. What were you doing, were you still with us? What were you breathing like, feeling like? How you were enjoying seeing all of the family… I thought of you this morning first thing - a little nervous to look at my phone, not afraid to find out what may have happened over the night while I was sleeping, but maybe just the uncertainty of how my emotions would hold up. I thought of you yesterday while I cut open an avocado for Savannah and used the avocado slicer you gave me. I think of you every time I use it and smile - best simplest gift ever award! I thought of you the day before when I saw a little Boston Terrier. I thought of you the hour before that when I used the phrase, “I’m just tickled”. I thought of you the day before that when I saw a lady at the store with some dangly earrings - as they reminded me of the ones you had made out of key chains, the ones with little dice on them. I think of you all of the time.
Then at Jeremiah’s last soccer game of the season this morning I thought of you again, yet this time I thought a little more about it, how often you are on my mind, perhaps more now than ever before. But then again, I realized that I have always thought of you a lot. I think of you every time I eat a green olive. When I see my big smile in pictures. When I prepare meals for my family. So many things make me think of you. Some big and some little - some things filled with emotions, and some just simply little pointless objects. You have filled all of our hearts with so many good memories. So many happy times, giggles, and smiles. It saddens me that I cannot be with the family right now, as I am attempting to juggle three young children, their last sporting events of the year, their last projects in school prior to Thanksgiving break. Although I do look so forward to seeing you and the family on Tuesday, I want you to know that if that day does not come, although I will surely cry, I will be happy for you. Happy that you have moved on to experience the next step. Happy that you are no longer struggling to hold on. Happy that you will be reunited with loved ones that have left before you. At the same time I will be saddened by the concept that I no longer get to see you, hear your voice while chatting on the phone, or see you at family gatherings. No longer will I get a card in the mail and spend a few minutes trying to decipher what you had written. But I will continue to think of you….
Although I would love to say I will think of you when I see an elderly woman on a roller coaster or an elderly woman floating on a lake in a little blown up floaty on her 80th birthday, these events will probably not happen - as the majority elderly woman are not like you… and would never think of doing such things as you did. I will think of you when I play with a deck of cards, when I am in need of some unbiased advice. I will think of you and smile when I realize I have makeup on my face from a hug I received from another. When I make a trip to Utah to visit. I will think of you when little Savannah Bell dances around in her boots. I will continue to think of you and be thankful to have had you in my life. Thankful that my children had the chance to meet you. Thankful that Jeremiah is at an age where he will hold onto his own unique memories of you, like the ones he talks about on your adventures in Alaska. I will think of you and smile. And when it is my time to move on from this small world, I will be so tickled to see you again. I love you dearly, you will always hold a special place in my heart. Thank you for being such a wonderful grandma, great grandma, and friend to us all!
Love you So,
Jodi Lynne
Hospice is amazing
This morning we have been reflecting on the difference between when dad passed away 16 years ago and now as mom is preparing. I don't know if it was the regiment of medicine or if I just wasn't involved in the management but I think Hospice had gotten this process down to ... as dad would say "down to the brass tacks". They know how much of what med and what combination to give and the people....In our case Laura and Shannon are just the nicest, sweetest and most professional medical people you coud imagine. Dad's last day was a day of thrashing, pain and discomfort and I can remember practically wrestling with him for 8 hours straight before he passed away. In Mom's case she is comfortable without being "drugged" and is able to communicate with us.
This morning she has had some very lucid moments and the theme of her discussions have been if each of us is ok. She's asked every one of us if we've gotten a good night sleep and worried about Carrie's back, asking if it is feeling better. She has woken up and talked to each one of us as we sat with her in her room. She loves the flavored ice chips we have started using instead of trying to have her drink through a straw. And Laura brought some little soaker sticks that we were able to dip in her coffee and have her suck off the little sponge on the end of the stick.
She asked Doug if this was real and if she is dying and he reassured her that she is but are here to take care of her. She also said that soon she will be "off to the wild blue yonder". She even told Katy that she thought she would be gone "lickity split". All great Bonnieisms that we will forever remember.
Thanks to all who have commented on this blog and via email - we read them all to her. Also, thanks for all of the memories.
This morning she has had some very lucid moments and the theme of her discussions have been if each of us is ok. She's asked every one of us if we've gotten a good night sleep and worried about Carrie's back, asking if it is feeling better. She has woken up and talked to each one of us as we sat with her in her room. She loves the flavored ice chips we have started using instead of trying to have her drink through a straw. And Laura brought some little soaker sticks that we were able to dip in her coffee and have her suck off the little sponge on the end of the stick.
She asked Doug if this was real and if she is dying and he reassured her that she is but are here to take care of her. She also said that soon she will be "off to the wild blue yonder". She even told Katy that she thought she would be gone "lickity split". All great Bonnieisms that we will forever remember.
Thanks to all who have commented on this blog and via email - we read them all to her. Also, thanks for all of the memories.
Friday, November 20, 2015
More milestones
What a busy day. We started early with helping Mom up at 6 am which tuckered her out. She is quite weak and she isn't able to drink water from a straw any longer. We've changed her medication over from pills to meds out of droppers. She has remained comfortable and has no pain. She expressed several times that she is "done" and "wants to go" but I think she is still holding on for the milestones she is looking for - the arrival of family. She also asked for a blessing so Patrick (Jen's husband) and I gave her a priesthood blessing of peace and comfort.
This afternoon Griffin (Sis's son) got in from Portland and went right in to talk to grandma. It was a fairly one-sided conversation but mom did acknowledge him being here. Tonight Allison (Sis's daughter) arrived from Portland and they are in visiting with mom - who is more responsive tonight. Apparently Grif has done something at some point that grandma didn't like because she said "Griff is going to get the dickens" when he is here. When mom was told Grif was already here she said "watch out Grif, you're going to get the dickens". Not sure what that means but Mom still has a great sense of humor. Even later tonight after a trip to the bathroom she got back into bed and told me to get Griffin in her because she didn't get to see enough of him earlier. He and Allison had a nice conversation with her before she got sleepy.
We got Mike's arrival date moved up to tomorrow - Saturday evening. A couple of weeks ago she made me promise that I would get Mike here when she was getting close to passing. It's tough because he's in the first week of a new job and Saturday was the best we could do. I pray that Mom can hold on until he gets here - that will make all 4 of her kids here at the same time.
We love you Mom!!
Dave
This afternoon Griffin (Sis's son) got in from Portland and went right in to talk to grandma. It was a fairly one-sided conversation but mom did acknowledge him being here. Tonight Allison (Sis's daughter) arrived from Portland and they are in visiting with mom - who is more responsive tonight. Apparently Grif has done something at some point that grandma didn't like because she said "Griff is going to get the dickens" when he is here. When mom was told Grif was already here she said "watch out Grif, you're going to get the dickens". Not sure what that means but Mom still has a great sense of humor. Even later tonight after a trip to the bathroom she got back into bed and told me to get Griffin in her because she didn't get to see enough of him earlier. He and Allison had a nice conversation with her before she got sleepy.
We got Mike's arrival date moved up to tomorrow - Saturday evening. A couple of weeks ago she made me promise that I would get Mike here when she was getting close to passing. It's tough because he's in the first week of a new job and Saturday was the best we could do. I pray that Mom can hold on until he gets here - that will make all 4 of her kids here at the same time.
We love you Mom!!
Dave
Friday Morning
Doug, Carrie and Olivia got in at 10 last night. She wasn't able to visit but did open her eyes a few times to see them.
She woke up for a few minutes around midnight for more pain meds and a bathroom break. But it was right back to bed and back to sleep. She didn't stir again until 6:30.
The periods of rest are getting longer and its getting harder for her to hold conversations. She likes to hear the stories we are all telling as we have "brought the party to her"and will smile occasionally and squeeze your hand.
This morning she was talking for a few minutes and was able to talk to her grand kids Alena and Griffin. She had a smile on her face when she heard their voices but wasn't really able to say much. When we asked how she was doing after a few moments she replied softly "Patty perfect"
Mike is now coming on Saturday and Griffin and Allison will be here this evening. We are hoping she will be able to hang on.
Oh how we love our Grandma.
Love, Jen
She woke up for a few minutes around midnight for more pain meds and a bathroom break. But it was right back to bed and back to sleep. She didn't stir again until 6:30.
The periods of rest are getting longer and its getting harder for her to hold conversations. She likes to hear the stories we are all telling as we have "brought the party to her"and will smile occasionally and squeeze your hand.
This morning she was talking for a few minutes and was able to talk to her grand kids Alena and Griffin. She had a smile on her face when she heard their voices but wasn't really able to say much. When we asked how she was doing after a few moments she replied softly "Patty perfect"
Mike is now coming on Saturday and Griffin and Allison will be here this evening. We are hoping she will be able to hang on.
Oh how we love our Grandma.
Love, Jen
Thursday, November 19, 2015
Rally time
After a great night's sleep and the Hospice nurse coming to give mom a shower and wash her hair she has felt better today.
She had a wonderful visit with Uncle George and some dear friends who stopped by as well as her "personal physician" (long time family friend). But, the rally came when Sis made it here this afternoon. She drank a little more water, ate a little bowl of mashed potatoes and is in pretty good spirits. She is still quite weak and needs assistance when getting up but we have another "milestone" coming tonight when Doug, Carrie & Olivia arrive. Then, tomorrow her grandson Griff (Sis' son) comes in and Alison (Sis' daughter) arrives on Saturday. Sunday Mike is flying in to round out the sibling parade :) and Jody + kids (Mike's daughter) will be here Tuesday
We are still praying she can make it through all of these milestones before dad and her parents put their feet down and come to get her. This is a hard time but a natural progression and she has had a wonderful life her 82 years. It's been so sweet talking to many of her friends as well as family and hearing the great stories each have shared with us about mom.
Please share a comment with us - we read all of them to her. Or, send me a text that I can read to her.
Dave
She had a wonderful visit with Uncle George and some dear friends who stopped by as well as her "personal physician" (long time family friend). But, the rally came when Sis made it here this afternoon. She drank a little more water, ate a little bowl of mashed potatoes and is in pretty good spirits. She is still quite weak and needs assistance when getting up but we have another "milestone" coming tonight when Doug, Carrie & Olivia arrive. Then, tomorrow her grandson Griff (Sis' son) comes in and Alison (Sis' daughter) arrives on Saturday. Sunday Mike is flying in to round out the sibling parade :) and Jody + kids (Mike's daughter) will be here Tuesday
We are still praying she can make it through all of these milestones before dad and her parents put their feet down and come to get her. This is a hard time but a natural progression and she has had a wonderful life her 82 years. It's been so sweet talking to many of her friends as well as family and hearing the great stories each have shared with us about mom.
Please share a comment with us - we read all of them to her. Or, send me a text that I can read to her.
Dave
Feeling refreshed and clean!
Katy here.
Grandma was able to take a shower today with the help of a hospice nurse. She is feeling refreshed and clean. However, it was exhausting! She kept trying to help the nurse -- go figure, years of practice will do that to you.
Allison and Jodi, granddaughters, called and talked to Grandma. She absolutely loved talking to both of them and it just brightened her right up -- just peachy were her exact words.
She is looking forward to Jeanette, Doug, Carrie, and Olivia arriving tonight. George Clark and a few other of Grandma's friends are going to stop by and see her this afternoon.
Grandma is on oxygen regularly now. The tube was getting occasional drips of water in it, but the hospice medtech came today and fixed it. We are good to go.
As part of the hospice service, a chaplain comes. Jennifer, the chaplain, came and talked with Grandma. Grandma shared her bucket list items she has accomplished, and Jennifer was quite impressed! She also asked Grandma who she is looking forward to seeing and she said her husband, her mother and father. The chaplain has also offered her services to anyone in the family.
Grandma was able to take a shower today with the help of a hospice nurse. She is feeling refreshed and clean. However, it was exhausting! She kept trying to help the nurse -- go figure, years of practice will do that to you.
Allison and Jodi, granddaughters, called and talked to Grandma. She absolutely loved talking to both of them and it just brightened her right up -- just peachy were her exact words.
She is looking forward to Jeanette, Doug, Carrie, and Olivia arriving tonight. George Clark and a few other of Grandma's friends are going to stop by and see her this afternoon.
Grandma is on oxygen regularly now. The tube was getting occasional drips of water in it, but the hospice medtech came today and fixed it. We are good to go.
As part of the hospice service, a chaplain comes. Jennifer, the chaplain, came and talked with Grandma. Grandma shared her bucket list items she has accomplished, and Jennifer was quite impressed! She also asked Grandma who she is looking forward to seeing and she said her husband, her mother and father. The chaplain has also offered her services to anyone in the family.
A different Thursday
What a difference a week makes. Last Thursday we were planning to have mom on a plane today headed to Oregon to spend Thanksgiving with Sis, Doug, Carrie & Olivia, Alison & Justin, Griffin, Andy and kids and the whole gang.
Today - Thursday we're praying mom holds on to see all of her children make it to see her. Sis arrives this afternoon, Doug & Carrie are flying home from their cruise in Mexico and Mike is scheduled to arrive on Sunday. My daughter Katy has been here from Michigan for a few days and leaves today. My other daughters Jen and Angie live here so they've had a chance to visit. In fact, my girls wanted to make mom feel a little more at home so we went to her house, gathered a bunch of photos and re-created her wall of photos on a folding screen in her room. When she woke up this morning at midnight she was thrilled to see the photos and has talked about them all morning.
Last night was a blessing. Mom slept another 7 hours until 7 am this morning, woke up with only a 1 on the 1 to 10 pain scale and was able to eat a half banana and a cup of water. She asked to look at the photos of her trip to France with Jeanette and made it through the Normandy photos up to the photos of Versaille when she needed a break.
She gets tired easily and will doze off in the middle of a conversation but she loves to talk when she can.
We love her and want only the best for her.
Today - Thursday we're praying mom holds on to see all of her children make it to see her. Sis arrives this afternoon, Doug & Carrie are flying home from their cruise in Mexico and Mike is scheduled to arrive on Sunday. My daughter Katy has been here from Michigan for a few days and leaves today. My other daughters Jen and Angie live here so they've had a chance to visit. In fact, my girls wanted to make mom feel a little more at home so we went to her house, gathered a bunch of photos and re-created her wall of photos on a folding screen in her room. When she woke up this morning at midnight she was thrilled to see the photos and has talked about them all morning.
Last night was a blessing. Mom slept another 7 hours until 7 am this morning, woke up with only a 1 on the 1 to 10 pain scale and was able to eat a half banana and a cup of water. She asked to look at the photos of her trip to France with Jeanette and made it through the Normandy photos up to the photos of Versaille when she needed a break.
She gets tired easily and will doze off in the middle of a conversation but she loves to talk when she can.
We love her and want only the best for her.
7.5 Hours of Sleep
The Hospice nurse left about 4 pm Wednesday after giving mom a med to calm her along with the pain meds. She slept until midnight and woke up to use the bathroom. We chatted for another 15 minutes or so and then gave her her meds again and she is sleeping peacefully now. The Hospice nurse Laura said she may sleep all the way through the night without having the anxious dreams she had last night which, is great news.
While she was asleep we went to her house and got a bunch of her pictures and created a wall of photos on a portable folding screen we have. You should have seen her face when she woke up!! She was so excited to see all of her photos that she gazes at when laying in her own bed at home.
We also have a new "Grandma" monitor so we can hear her during the night and get to her to help her if she needs to get up.
Love this lady!!!
Dave
While she was asleep we went to her house and got a bunch of her pictures and created a wall of photos on a portable folding screen we have. You should have seen her face when she woke up!! She was so excited to see all of her photos that she gazes at when laying in her own bed at home.
We also have a new "Grandma" monitor so we can hear her during the night and get to her to help her if she needs to get up.
Love this lady!!!
Dave
Wednesday, November 18, 2015
Wednesday, November 18
Katy & Jen writing this post (Granddaughters -- Dave's Daughters)
Yesterday was a big day for Grandma Bonnie. Hospice brought over a bed, shower chair, wheelchair, walker, oxygen machine and a few other necessities. We also saw the hospice social worker. After all of this excitement she was quite tired and rested most of the evening. She did eat some broth for dinner but wasn't able to keep it down. She did make three trips out to the kitchen to see her amaryllis plant that is growing rapidly. (She even marked it with a pen to see how much it has grown!) She also taught Angie and I about the Trivia Crack app game and are now hooked :) We have a pretty hip Grandma to teach us about app games.
We also let Grandma know immediate family has made arrangements to come see her starting tomorrow (Thursday). She is quite glad (and anxious) everyone is coming but is sad the people she loves will see her declining.
Her night was a little restless getting adjusted to the new bed, but is now comfortably settled. This morning we had a great conversation about how much she enjoyed seeing the Bayeux Tapestry on her recent visit to France to visit WWII sites. She was just amazed at the detail and how sewing was used to teach history. She ate a half a banana, some cinnamon chex cereal and a little coffee. Her nausea has increased and she has not gotten out of bed other than to go to the bathroom. She didn't eat much for lunch; however, hospice has encouraged us to only give her what she wants.
Today Grandma had two different visits from friends which was joyful but exhausting. The hospice nurse just left. The nurse has recommended that because of her low stamina that all visits should be kept to 15 minutes. As a side note, the social worker has offered her services to anyone in the family who would like to talk to her.
Grandma Bonnie is sleeping right now. We have turned down her cell phone volume to encourage her to rest. She is still checking it when she wakes. If you have questions, call Dave.
Thank you for checking in on her! We love Grandma Bonnie.
Yesterday was a big day for Grandma Bonnie. Hospice brought over a bed, shower chair, wheelchair, walker, oxygen machine and a few other necessities. We also saw the hospice social worker. After all of this excitement she was quite tired and rested most of the evening. She did eat some broth for dinner but wasn't able to keep it down. She did make three trips out to the kitchen to see her amaryllis plant that is growing rapidly. (She even marked it with a pen to see how much it has grown!) She also taught Angie and I about the Trivia Crack app game and are now hooked :) We have a pretty hip Grandma to teach us about app games.
We also let Grandma know immediate family has made arrangements to come see her starting tomorrow (Thursday). She is quite glad (and anxious) everyone is coming but is sad the people she loves will see her declining.
Her night was a little restless getting adjusted to the new bed, but is now comfortably settled. This morning we had a great conversation about how much she enjoyed seeing the Bayeux Tapestry on her recent visit to France to visit WWII sites. She was just amazed at the detail and how sewing was used to teach history. She ate a half a banana, some cinnamon chex cereal and a little coffee. Her nausea has increased and she has not gotten out of bed other than to go to the bathroom. She didn't eat much for lunch; however, hospice has encouraged us to only give her what she wants.
Today Grandma had two different visits from friends which was joyful but exhausting. The hospice nurse just left. The nurse has recommended that because of her low stamina that all visits should be kept to 15 minutes. As a side note, the social worker has offered her services to anyone in the family who would like to talk to her.
Grandma Bonnie is sleeping right now. We have turned down her cell phone volume to encourage her to rest. She is still checking it when she wakes. If you have questions, call Dave.
Thank you for checking in on her! We love Grandma Bonnie.
Tuesday, November 18, 2015
I picked Katy up at the airport last night at midnight and when we got back to the house mom was asleep. Katy was up a little later and mom woke up and was able to visit with Katy for a bit and she was able to help mom up to use the bathroom.
This morning mom said she is now not able to get out of bed by herself so we got her a cup of coffee and a 1/4 banana. She decided to walk around to see if that would strengthen her legs a bit so, we got her walker and she made it to the kitchen where she had to sit for a while and rest.
She was in a bit of pain today and is now taking two of the oxycodone (per the Oncologist Doctor's direction) each dose.
Today we are expecting the items listed before to arrive to make things more comfortable.
This morning mom said she is now not able to get out of bed by herself so we got her a cup of coffee and a 1/4 banana. She decided to walk around to see if that would strengthen her legs a bit so, we got her walker and she made it to the kitchen where she had to sit for a while and rest.
She was in a bit of pain today and is now taking two of the oxycodone (per the Oncologist Doctor's direction) each dose.
Today we are expecting the items listed before to arrive to make things more comfortable.
Resting better - Monday, November 16, 2015
Sunday Jeanette and I along with Angie & Joel took food out to mom's to fix dinner for her because I had surmised that she wasn't eating very well the few days prior.
We fixed one of mom's favorites - Pork Chops, Baked Potatoes & Salad but she only took a couple of bites. She even had to excuse herself from the table so she could lay down.
We left about 6:30 pm and she said she was doing great. I got a call from her that night at midnight saying she was in excruciating pain all through her abdomen and back.
Many may not know that she has continued to grow a large pot-belly because of the cancer spreading to her lower bowels. This has shut off communication from the upper to lower bowels and caused her to be extremely bloated. They tried to drain the stomach but were only able to get about .62 ml out (average is 5.0ml) .
She had taken some pain meds at 10:30 pm so, by the time Jeanette and I drove out to get her to see whether she needed to go to the emergency department but mom said she could make it to our house.
She got up again at 5:30 am to take more pain meds and went back to sleep. Today she's eaten 1/4 banana, 1 scrambled egg and some broth from French Onion soup Jeanette made.
Jeanette called Dr. Sharma (her oncologist) and he signed the order to be able to call Hospice. The nurse came to the house at 6 pm and did a thorough assessment of her and had recommended we get the following items:
Shower Seat
Oxygen
Wheelchair
Walker w/seat
Toilet riser
Hospital Bed
Medicine Pack - contains liquid Morphine
Currently she is taking 2 oxycodone every 4 hours and we seem to have gotten ahead of the pain.
We have pulled the plug on the trip to Oregon for Thanksgiving because she is just not able to travel sitting up for more than 35 - 40 minutes and she needs to lay down after even the shortest of times.
I have sent text messages to Mike, Alena, and Jody. Mom would like Mike to come and visit her fairly soon.
With the medication she is not suppose to drink wine or even drive her car.
We fixed one of mom's favorites - Pork Chops, Baked Potatoes & Salad but she only took a couple of bites. She even had to excuse herself from the table so she could lay down.
We left about 6:30 pm and she said she was doing great. I got a call from her that night at midnight saying she was in excruciating pain all through her abdomen and back.
Many may not know that she has continued to grow a large pot-belly because of the cancer spreading to her lower bowels. This has shut off communication from the upper to lower bowels and caused her to be extremely bloated. They tried to drain the stomach but were only able to get about .62 ml out (average is 5.0ml) .
She had taken some pain meds at 10:30 pm so, by the time Jeanette and I drove out to get her to see whether she needed to go to the emergency department but mom said she could make it to our house.
She got up again at 5:30 am to take more pain meds and went back to sleep. Today she's eaten 1/4 banana, 1 scrambled egg and some broth from French Onion soup Jeanette made.
Jeanette called Dr. Sharma (her oncologist) and he signed the order to be able to call Hospice. The nurse came to the house at 6 pm and did a thorough assessment of her and had recommended we get the following items:
Shower Seat
Oxygen
Wheelchair
Walker w/seat
Toilet riser
Hospital Bed
Medicine Pack - contains liquid Morphine
Currently she is taking 2 oxycodone every 4 hours and we seem to have gotten ahead of the pain.
We have pulled the plug on the trip to Oregon for Thanksgiving because she is just not able to travel sitting up for more than 35 - 40 minutes and she needs to lay down after even the shortest of times.
I have sent text messages to Mike, Alena, and Jody. Mom would like Mike to come and visit her fairly soon.
With the medication she is not suppose to drink wine or even drive her car.
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