A sad update

It is Monday, October 24 and I am still in shock over Barb's passing. Everyone has gone home and, except for my little four legged buddy, Charlie, I am all alone. He is constantly underfoot and I frequently reach down and rub his head and ears.

I know it will take some time to adjust to my new situation, but I also know I am now and will continue for who knows how long to miss Barb terribly. Everything I look at or touch has her memory deeply rooted. Several friends have asked me over for dinner. I know I am really not alone as there are many good friends just minutes away. Then, of course, there's that brand new angel watching over me.

I probably won't have much to add for a while, but here are links to the four blogs I wrote about Barb that I also have listed on our website.

CLICK here to view “How to Find a Wife,” the story of how we met and married.

CLICK here to view “A Halo for Barb - Barb’s Miracle,” the story of just one of her struggles with health problems.

CLICK here to view, “Barb’s Last Days,” The personal anguish of one slowly losing a dear loved one.

CLICK here to view, “Postscript to a Beautiful Life,” Reflections on the days following Barb’s funeral.

Barb's back in the Hospital! October 6

Hi All:

It’s Friday, October 6 and I’ve just returned from Goshen Hospital where barb was admitted once more this morning. She’s in ICU, room 222, bed 1, right back where she was the last time. She has been quite sick for most of the entire week, running repeatedly at both ends. After a bit of a rally yesterday she had a really bad night last night. She became so dehydrated that her blood pressure dropped badly once more. I no sooner awoke this morning when I received a call from Lakeland telling me she was on her way to the hospital. I scooted out immediately and arrived at the ER about the time the doctor got to her.

In the ER they gave her several bags of fluid intravenously after having a hard time getting an IV in her arm. Her veins are so tiny they have to use a pedo needle and even then they are so flimsy they collapse or blow out. I was there watching them try to get an IV started for more than half an hour. She’s a real trooper, putting up with numerous, painful attempts to get a needle into one of her veins. They finally succeeded. Even then it took a long time before her blood pressure began to rise and it was still quite low when I finally left to come home.

Next came the problem of getting blood for the blood work she needed. After the nurses first attempt Barb asked for them to call the phlebotomist from the lab who had taken her blood before. I echoed her request explaining she had been through this before. The nurse still made several unsuccessful attempts before they finally did as she had asked. The phlebotomist even had a difficult time, but managed to get enough blood for the tests they needed to run. They didn’t have any test results by the time I left and probably won’t for some time. When I get the results I’ll let you know in another email. They don’t think there’s anything serious wrong, but will reserve judgement until all the tests are completed.

Up until this latest bout, she’s been progressing with her therapy and doing fairly well. She had to cancel her Wednesday appointment with the pain specialist because of this latest sickness. We were hoping he would be able to find a way to relieve her pain still more without so many narcotics. Since the pain specialist is right there in Goshen Hospital I’m hoping she will be able to make her next appointment. With the reduction in her pain medication she’s a lot brighter and about as aware as she normally is, but that comes with a price of more pain and discomfort. We’re both disappointed it is taking so long to address her pain problem with the new pain specialist. I pray she can get to him soon and get some relief. I still marvel at her spirits and continuing hopeful outlook. As optimistic as I am, I don’t believe I would be nearly so hopeful and pleasant about everything.

Keep her in your prayers.

Love, Ho

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