"Do not fear, for I am with you" ; one year later

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am you God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10

It has been one year that Susan came home from the hospital, after being in the Circle of Life room on the Oncology ward for several weeks. Those are rooms that people will go to when they only have days to live. NOT SUSAN. I am still amazed at Susan's will to live. We thought we had lost her on several days in the hospital (like March 19th, when we all danced with Susan) then she came back strong. And then to come home in Dalton Gardens. She had such a big smile on her face. Can't you just picture it. It still is ingrained in my mind. Dawson (our black lab) brought such joy in her life at home. That all was such a blessing to Susan, I am glad we brought her home. This is what was written last year:

FROM THE BLOG LAST YEAR:
Monday, March 24, 2008
Susan at home on Hospice Care
Over the weekend, our family started talking about bringing Susan home for her remaining days. Everyone seemed to agree including Susan. The trips to the hospital and coordination of care sitting became a little draining emotionally and physically. Susan came home Monday evening! Hospice has taken over with all her meds and equipment at home. She has enjoyed the familiarity and closeness to kids and the pets. She will remain on the same dose of morphine and ativan medicines as she was in the hospital. Susan continues with long naps and periods of time when she eats and talks a bit. This morning she ordered up a cheese omelet, pancakes and juice for breakfast. She nibbled on it and ate some of it. She still has a desire for food. So now that we are at home, we still need to request no visitors at home. Sorry but it is just too hard to determine when her awake times are and how much energy she has to communicate. Thank you. And thank you all for your prayers that have sustained us. It has been through the grace of God that keeps us going. You all are such a blessing to us in these tough times. God Bless!


This past weekend we went to watch Laura compete in the AWANA games in Spokane. Here is a video of Laura running a marathon relay, three times around the circle after two other team mates did the same. She was the anchor leg. Laura is FAST. Just missed getting the pin. What an amazing day. Hannah and Sarah even watched. They have so many good memories of AWANA and the games from years past.



Wednesday morning, I fly with Leah, Mary, Laura and Kayla to Phoenix to visit Grandparent Jack and Mary Carol, and Susan's brother Rick and family. Spring Break for a week in Phoenix. Bring on the sunshine and warm weather. Will be exciting and relaxing. This will be the first plane trip for Laura and Kayla.
Prayer requests:
1) Jason came down with this boil/infection behind his right ear. He is on antibiotics and some pain meds. Pray for healing. This could be serious if not treated properly.
2) Sarah gets her two wisdom teeth out on Friday. Should be routine but.....
3) Hannah has been doing real well on her tests of late. She has more tests and will eventually finish up with her nursing in July. So pray for focus and strength to finish strong. Susan would be so proud, since she was also a nurse.
4) Leah has been sending out her resumes to schools districts around the country. When we go to Phoenix, she will have an interview with for some positions down there. Also, sent to Bend Oregon and up in Alaska. She is looking forward to settling into a teaching position and getting into some teaching for about a year before she gets her Master's degree.

We will write from Phoenix in between pool time. God Bless.....