The Last Couple of Days

04:48PM -- The last couple of days have been pretty much uneventful as far as Larry's health is concerned. While he's dealt with nausea and pain, it hasn't been as bad. He's been really tired today, but hasn't asked for any additional pain or nausea meds. His appetite hasn't been great, but that tends to vary lately. The hospice nurse will be here tomorrow (Wednesday) with more pain patches. Anyway, it's been emotional, yet uneventful as far as his health. I can handle the emotional pretty well.

We discussed several things including his final arrangements last night. He told me if he hemorrhages again that he doesn't want to go to the hospital. Just let whatever happens, happen. He said he's got to go at some point. And he wants to be here at home. He told me to make sure that the hospice nurse is called and brings some heavy duty meds so he doesn't have pain. And that I had better give him a 'goodbye' kiss. I told him I will be lying next to him, hugging him. Kisses are a given. I explained to him that I had already been in contact with the funeral home after last Sunday's scare. I asked if he wanted chapel and graveside services or just graveside. He told me "don't spend a lot of money". Then said, while laughing, "You can explain to the families why you were so cheap." Of course, I replied with "Thanks a lot; I love you too." His attitude is just amazing. I told him that his sons, Rob, Craig, and Kevin have agreed to be his pallbearers. My son, Richard, will also. My oldest son, David, - due to 2 bad knees - will help with the flowers. I asked if he wanted to call his son, Chris, and ask him. If he didn't want to do it, I would make the call for him. Lyn said Mike and/or Matt could do it as well if necessary. I told him that there will be 3 Navy personnel there: 2 to present the flag and 1 to play Taps. (Military Honors funeral) He reminded me that the government (veterans) and social security will both pay X-amount of dollars towards the funeral. I'm working on memorial cards and have written out a temporary obit so that I make sure I don't mess any of that up. I know I'm going to be a basketcase when the time comes and I don't want anything to go wrong with this last tribute to him.

He told me last night that he was getting tired of going to dialysis. He's never said that in the past and I guess it's his way - whether consciously or subconsciously - of telling me to expect him to quit going. I don't know. I didn't press it. All I said was I wasn't going to comment one way or the other. The decision to go or not go is all his, but that I would support him no matter what his choice.

Perhaps I'll get back here later to add a few more notes, but don't quote me on it. My track record for posting here has begun to waiver a bit.

01:31AM -- Well, this really should have been posted on Wednesday since it is technically Wednesday morning, but it's just the middle of the night for me on Tuesday. Getting ready to go to bed, however, I wanted to get in a quick update. Larry has had some substantial pain this evening as well as nausea. He has taken additional pain meds and a nausea pill. Hopefully, he'll feel better in the morning...umm...later this morning.