Jeff (son) drove over Monday night to be with us for a couple of days.  On Tuesday morning, Donnie got up to eat breakfast, and he was communicative for about 30 minutes, and he ate a good breakfast.  We’ll take it!!

Yesterday we had to increase his Dilaudid to 3 mg/hour (up from 2 mg/hour).  He is very pain controlled.  Unfortunately, he is quite psychotic, due to his pain meds.  All night long, and all day long, he is having fantastical dreams.  He is throwing baseballs, counting to three with his fingers (maybe its for striking out), throwing fishing line on a rod and reel, hugging Kaia (grandchild), yelling out loud, talking with Brianna (grandchild), talking about all kinds of crazy stories that make us laugh, and being happy and funny.  Darlene is with us today.  Donnie was lying in the bed with his eyes closed telling me, “Don’t worry, Darlene took care of it.  She kicked their a#*@!  We were dying laughing, and Darlene was strutting around like Super Woman.

Donnie ate dinner at the table with us tonight (Wednesday).  It was Donnie, Momma, Darlene and myself.  He hugged his Momma so sweet in the kitchen while she was preparing our dinner.  We served our plates, and headed to the table.  Donnie said the prayer.  He thanked God for family that cares for him, and for God that is taking care of his needs.  It was a special moment for all of us.

The good news is that he has very little pain, he is not nauseated, he is eating 3 small meals a day, and he is quite happy.  His dreams must be like he is tripping on LSD.  He is never angry or mad.  Even Rachael and Jeff were here Monday night, and he had them cracking up.  He’s being his funny self, without pain and nausea.  I am thankful for that for sure!!

Although he is still eating and still walking around in the house with assistance, he is not able to carry on a conversation with us.  He goes into his dream world, and starts talking about lots of stories in his head.  He will make sense for about 3 or 4 sentences, then “off to the races” with the thoughts his mind is conjuring up.  We are all very grateful that his world is full of happiness.  At this time, you couldn’t ask for more.  We are so grateful for such grace from God!!!

Even at the dinner table tonight, he took a bite of food, dozed off to sleep, and then woke up laughing.  He told us he dreamed Bubba (1st cousin) was in a 1942 Sportster, in a tux, smokin’ a stogie.  He was looking SHARP!!!!  Hahaha!!! Still dreaming about his family that he grew up with and loves so much.

He is getting lots of Haldol for his psychosis, and that seems to be helping him.  I have had very little sleep over the past 3-4 days, as Donnie has been very, very busy day and night.  Hospice is sending a nurse tonight to stay with him for 8 hours, so I can get some much needed rest.  They are going to do that for 3 nights.  I feel like I’ve been working the night shift for several days in a row, even though family is here supporting us.  So grateful for Hospice, and for our kids and our family that check on us, stay with us, and care for us.  I would be in a puddle in the corner without them.

As always, we cherish your prayers.

Love,  Donnie & Tina