Journeys

Last night Bill had another struggle with the hiccups.  Staff were able to help with these painful "spasms" enough for him to have a somewhat restful night.

Today Bill felt like something to eat, so he had a few bites of soup which actually smelled quite tasty for hospital food.  We helped him into his favorite gray shorts and bright orange t-shirt that shocked the nurse when she walked in to give him his medicine.

The boys helped Bill into a cool wheel chair where his whole body was well supported.  Then off they went to the kitchen/family room.  Bill joked, "This is it?"  It is a beautiful mini kitchen with a round table and chairs, two couches, a TV, and washroom for families to use at their convenience.  It is really very nice.

I have often been in the "kitchen" with other families who are in the same situation as our family.  For the last five days, the Higgs family have been with their Dad.  He had cancer years ago, but it resurfaced five months ago.  Mr. Higgs came into the Langley Hospice the day before Bill.  They are a family of three girls who are in their thirties.  Their parents are about ten years older than Bill and I, and are in their mid sixties.  So between their family and our family, the family room/kitchen has been pretty busy.  Then this morning I woke up and they were all gone.  Mr. Higgs had died just after midnight.  And their lives that were on hold for six days now continues.   I was looking out the window thinking of all the families who have passed through this hospice.  There are only 10 beds at the Langley Hospice but everyday we have been there someone has died.  And the only way we know someone has passed away is that an electric candle is lit for 24 hours to honor their time at the Hospice.  Their beds are remade and a new patient comes in to occupy their room.  And so now, we are meeting new families with new stories to tell and new journeys to endure.

It is time to go back to see Bill.  His sister Christine, Peter and I have been spending most nights there.  Two of us share a twin pull out bed while the other stays up.  Christine likes staying through the night, so I may try to convince Peter to stay home tonight to have a good nights rest (update, Pete is staying the night with Dad again). Ben may go back to work and visit Bill during evenings.  I have encouraged Mike to go back to Victoria for a day or two to catch up on some project work if he has to. I may even stay home tonight myself as my back is getting tired.   We all...I need to speak for myself...I do better with a good nights sleep and I can be at the hospice within ten minutes of being called.

So good night to all of you wonderful and caring people who we could not do without.   May the Lord bless you the way He has blessed us through you.  Bill's prayer is to go Home to his God and Saviour.  He feels he is stuck in the valley right now  Please pray for him to finish his walk Home.

Love Judy