How might this circle protect Russ from outside danger? They will come to us, our home. They will help me manage his quality of life, ensuring symptom management. They will educate us and support us. If there is even discussion about hospice, there is a good chance that the timing is right. It was a little more than a year ago that the word was first spoken. He could still be on his own, transfers were not so perilous, he was not having eye issues; he was living a different life. Now? Now we have Nicole, hospice nurse. She will add the unique layer of specialized care and support. Of course we would love to ignore the need, to say its too early, but that would not be in Russ' best interest of support.
As I told my Parkinson's group: "Nicole was very direct and said all the things you hope you never have to learn. She brought what she called a Hospice Bouquet...a bag with some very heady drugs, (including morphine !!!!!). Phew. She gave me a crash course on each drug but said, as needed, she will teach me more about administering. We talked about dying and what the active dying process 'looked' like. I am glad I had heard that term through my job at the church or I might have been floored.
It was 'an introduction' (2.5hrs) and she will come once a week to the house until we get to know one another. It was all positive. Please know I/we are OK and other than some prayers by you we don't need anything right now. Nicole will be a glorious gift and mentor in our last days/weeks/months????
Sadness reigns here at Heaton house, but each day gifts of life flood our souls. So PICTURE THIS...
(That was a long ago Halloween costume...he was not partial to dressing up!)