Today’s post is probably next to the worst one I will have to write. I met with hospice this morning at 8:30. We discussed her current ups and downs before entering her room, where she was sleeping soundly, albeit noisily. Carrie, the hospice nurse was able to change her bandage and she never woke up. This is very unusual.

Upon close observation, we found that the skin on her legs and feet had become mottled. This had not been the case yesterday. Her breathing has become labored, congested and extremely loud.

Tyler met us here before his 10 a.m. appointment. It was very difficult for him to leave but he was able to cancel his work related trip to Phoenix and come back to Handmaker. Sara, the social worker from hospice told us that our natural inclination is to try to stay here and be with her as she passes, but that her instinct is to protect us from that. So, I am trying to talk myself into walking out the door. But I can’t seem to…..