My issue as of late is a bed sore. Yuck! I also have issues getting sick to my stomach. With persistence, both of these issues are going away, but they sure do slow me down. The bed sore is very sore and has kept me in bed, laying on my side most of the time. Dad and I spend lots of time trying to figure out how to get rid of the stomach issues. With the help of the nurses, we have tried to figure out why I toss cookies when I go somewhere in the car and the motion comes to a stop. Depending on the day or time or time of day, you could stop by the house and see me looking really good or really not. I just never really know.
I am getting used to the culture of Hospice. Our local Hospice helped my mom in her last few weeks of life and we had a wonderful experience. Once again they are being very helpful. I am very happy with their care and they give my dad some relief and reassurance. He is a very good caregiver. One day, while discussing my care, a nurse asked my dad if I wanted to continue treating the bed sore or not. To be honest, I had wondered myself if this was the end. But had decided that, after almost 9 years of fighting, I didn't want this bed sore to be the end of my battle.
A few days ago we had an incident that made Trent very emotional. He laid in the bed with me and just cried his little heart out. As I lay there with my arms around him, all I could think of was how much he still needs me here. Not having Brad is very hard on him and the thought of losing his me scares him very much. He needs his mom and he needs me to continue sharing stories about his dad. Lots of stories.
So I have increased my protien and caloric intake to help my body get stronger. I have started using my walker to walk in the house to work my muscles. I've gotten up and taken little rides in the car and tried to change positions more often in the bed. Wednesday night I achieved my first goal. I went to a Mass of healing at St. Leo church. It was a great Mass and I felt so refreshed when we left! I would like to thank all my family who attended and would like that I pray for all the people who are praying for their own healing.
Thanks to everyone for your support, your visits, food, help around the house,
Don't count me out yet....I still have some more memories to make!
Toni, your strength and courage are beautiful. I am certain that many people, just like me, are benefiting from hearing your story. Watching you handle everything that comes your way with grace. Facing unimaginable hardship with such faith. Showing gratitude for the blessings in your life...it's all so inspirational. It has shown me time and time again to slow down, take stock and live my life with a fraction of the appreciation you have. I cannot thank you enough for sharing your story. My thoughts are with you each day. I pray that you, Trent, Ian, Uncle Terry and everyone who loves you finds peace in the face of difficult times. God works in mysterious ways. I most definitely have NOT counted you out yet! You just keeping doing what you feel is right and I'll keep sending you all of the healing and peaceful light I can muster while I wait for your next update.
ReplyDeleteWith so much LOVE~
Hi Toni. This is Laura (Kee) Kaiser. You continue to be such an inspiration. You continue to remind me of what is important in life no matter how many days we have left. I always try to put my family first, especially our girls. Sometimes Bella wants me to play with her so badly, but I am usually cleaning or writing reports for work. I have been trying to stop whatever I am doing for at least ten minutes to show her how much she matters and how much I love her. We make little memories each day as I am sure you cherish as well with your boys. I will continue to pray for you and for your family, especially your sons.
ReplyDeleteToni,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your faith and strength through God with all of us. I will be praying for you and your boys. MUCH love to you! Love, Jill(Locke) - Jess Wright's little
This verse makes me think of you-
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
XOXO!
Toni, you are so amazing and such an inspiration to me and so many others. I am praying for you daily! I am so glad you still have that sunny side of life that I remember you having when I worked with you. God Bless you!
ReplyDeleteKelley
Toni,
ReplyDeleteHeaded to say the rosary for you and your sweet boys right now. Thanks for reminding me of what is truly important in life. God bless you and your family. You are so special to Him!
I saw on facebook that sorority sisters painted the rock at WVWC this weekend (8-26-12) in your honor. One of them posted the blog url so here I am. I read through everything and pondered over the pictures. Your family and Brad's family have such a special place in my mind and heart, along with many memories of long ago - that seems like yesterday. Love & Prayers to all of you. Celeste Porturica & Family
ReplyDeleteToni,
ReplyDeleteMy family continues to be inspired by the strength and love inspired by your family and your fight against your disease. Both of your boys are so special. Trent is Isabella's best friend. We were just talking about the trip to the County Fair that you and Brad and the boys took Isabella to last summer. As for the Runions, we are NOT counting you out!
Hi Toni,
ReplyDeleteI just wanted to say that I am praying and pulling for you. You are in our family's thoughts and prayers every day!
And I also wanted to say that your father is dad that aspire to be for my daughter.
Lots of love to you all.
Tom Barnes(Friend from College)