So . . . praise be to God . . . the great healer . . . the comforter . . . for guiding and directing Donnie’s caregivers, and for giving him much needed rest.  Donnie is still talking in his sleep just a bit (like 4 or 5 times tonight), but it is just a few words, and he is back to sleep.  He got up around 5 am to go to the restroom, and he was not in any significant pain (his pain level is ALWAYS a 3 on a scale of 10, and it was a 3).  The best part of that is he has received NO short-acting pain medication all night.  That has not happened in 3 weeks.  Please keep praying for him.

Our families are simply amazing!!!  Of course, everyone that knows the “Macs”, realizes they all love each other with fierceness!!  So, Donnie’s brothers Ronnie (and Darlene, too) and Rodger and his sister Lorraine have come over during this difficult time, to help care for him, and love on him.  His favorite Uncle Eddie and Aunt Judy came yesterday, and it was obvious that it lifted his spirits, as this was a difficult few days for him.  Maegan (our niece), brought us food.  I am so grateful to our 4 children, who selflessly plan their schedules to help stay with Donnie and care for him and for me.  My sister Wendy and brother-in-law Robin came to Orlando from Naples to help me for 2 days, and stayed with Donnie on his worst night of “CRAZY”.  They paid my bills, washed my clothes, mowed my lawn, etc.  My brother Don and his wife Elaine came down from Memphis yesterday to help.  Dad helps us and makes food whenever we ask.  Donnie’s Mom came over from Brandon for a couple of days.  This weekend more family is coming to love on him and care for him, which helps me physically and emotionally so much.  We are so BLESSED to have so much family that loves us.  I am overwhelmed and grateful!!!!

Donnie is still not eating much.  He seemed to be a little hungry last night, so hopefully his diet will be able to advance today.  I am hoping he could have some grits for breakfast today, rather than clear ensure, jello or a popsicle.  He will not get chemo until he can recover from these past few days.  He has said that he wants to try another round of chemo, so pray for his recovery so he can receive it.

We are letting Donnie “call the shots”.  It is up to him how he wants to be treated, and we are all in it with him.  We pray you will respect his wishes, and support him in his decisions.  He has always amazed me with his quiet resolve and patience, and even during this storm, even when he was hallucinating, he was still kind, saying please and thank you to anyone caring for him.  He NEVER complains.  We are so grateful for all the caregivers that have touched his life and mine during this time.  We are appreciative of all the staff that “put their heads together” to come up with solutions for him.  We are so grateful, and pray special blessings on you all . . . our angels of hope.

Here’s to an improved day of nutrition . . . Much love, Tina