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Today, I made the painful decision to place the Vorlon on Hospice Care. He is very weak and needed additional help with his care. He seemed receptive to it.
I also got some friends lined up to move some desks and filing cabinets from the office to the storage unit. A free truck rental comes with the move-in to the storage unit. Len will drive the truck. He is my friend Phyllis’s husband. They invited us for Christmas dinner when Ted wasn’t able to make the trip to PA. Len also stayed with Ted while Phyllis and I went to a dinner meeting of the Human Resource Assoc. of SNJ. I had not been able to attend for a while and Phyllis thought I needed a night out.
The building manager for our office recruited her daughter and son-in-law to help. Rob has a truck so he can bring some things home that I will need at the house. My brother will come and our friend Ray from church will come. It has been wonderful to have so many great friends who have supported us.
Now, I have to get the computers out and set up at home before Sat. I called our hardware person three times and I’m not sure he’s interested in doing it. I have a couple other people I can contact so I hope all goes well.
The Vorlon was sleeping but I woke him up when I rolled his bed over next to mine. He was still sleepy so I’ll be going down to see if he needs anything. I’ll do some reading and then it’s off to bed for me.
Vorlon news from the Vorlon wife.
HI TED - FROM AN OLD STUDENT AND FRIEND FROM UNITED ASPHALT.. DROPPING IN TO LET YOU KNOW THAT YOU AND KAROL ARE IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS. LOVE AND BEST WISHES... GLORIA (thank you Karol for the updates)
Posted by: GLORIA KAUFFMAN at February 14, 2007 9:25 AMI only want you to know thath think in you all every day.
Love Mauricio.
Karol,
Hospice is a very difficult decision, but the prime thing is Ted's comfort. They can help quite a bit with meds and teach you how to make him more comfortable at home.
Nora wanted me to tell you to get an 'egg crate' type cushion mattress to go over the regular mattress on the bed. This helps out in his comfort.
Hospice will also be able to show you how to help him move around and change position. A large firm pillow at the bottom of the bed is helpful. He can push against it to slide himself back up in bed. Also use two pillows for his sides. If you can get him at about a 12 degree angle from one side to the other, every two hours, that will help stop bed sores.
The use of a 'draw' sheet is necessary. The hospice nurse can show you all about that.
Posted by: Reb Orrell at February 14, 2007 9:36 AMKarol- the Hospice nurse is not my friend BJ as I originally thought. However she is a friend of a coworker here. She says she is really caring and you and Ted are in good hands. Hugs!!!
Phyllis E
Posted by: Phyllis E at February 14, 2007 10:15 AMDear Karol,
I know that was a very tough decision to involve Hospice in Ted's care. My sister's and I had to make that painful decision twice (for my mother and my sister). What a blessing they became to our lives. They helped immeasurably, cried with us, cheered when we had a good day, calmed us when times were very rough. They will offer a great deal of assurance to Ted and to you Karol. I have heard of a few times when the mix of your personality and needs didn't meet the same goals as your hospice caretaker. Please call the Hospice Center if, indeed this should happen. They are so accommodating and understand this being a most difficult time in your life and their wish is to totally make it work the very best it can for you and Ted. I thank God for their guidance through our dark journey, and I am so very thankful they will be helping you too. My warmest blessings to you and Ted. And, know that my prayers are faithfully offered many times each day. Thinking of you Karol and admiring your strength in asking for the Hospice help. It's probably the most painful decision you ever had to make. God Bless You Karol. And, thank you again so very much for taking the time to include us in this painful journey. We have all walked as friends with Ted through this mighty challenge, via the blog and so appreciate that you are continuing to help us also. Sincerely caring for you and Ted. Ruth
Posted by: Ruth Berlien at February 14, 2007 11:36 AMHi Karol and Ted
The snow storm blew itself out here in Central Mich. Ending sometime last night leaving the Temps. in the single digits.
Every thing looks good for our flight from Metro to Jersey.
Mom, I and Tom scheduled to arrive in Baltimore 12;25 pM. Tomorrow wirh a 2 Hr. drive
to vineland. Hoping to see every one then.
The Good Lord willing.
Hi Karol,
I hope the Hospice care is a help to you both.
I've been fighting a sinus infection which got a little better but came back this week!! Everyone at work seems to have it.
The ice/snow storm we have had caused an 8hr power outage here yesterday. Hopefully you don't have that in NJ.
As soon as I'm better (hopefully by the weekend) I want to stop by for a visit. I'm glad your friends and family are there to support you.
Also good to hear Danny didn't run away. That is scary when they run past you.
Hope Ted has more good days than not so good.
We are thinking about you.
Love,
Cheryl and Ed.