So this post is both sad and enlightening for me. My sister's husband has been on an up and down battle for almost a year now, and it seems that he is going to run out of time for his fight- he now is on hospice and can only communicate through a whiteboard. I am going to post a little excerpt from the email I received today because I think that there is something hauntingly beautiful and strong in their love for each other. Anyhow, if you want to, please send some thoughts out for their family and if not, maybe you might get a little inspired like me.
"Although Joe sleeps for most of the day now, he has made sure to let me know that he is comfortable and happy, and that he loves us and is so thankful for his family and friends. He wants me to let everyone know that his pain is controlled, and he is at peace with the situation. Our priest comes in weekly, and that gives both Joe and I a lot of comfort. He is still a fighter and his heart is still strong, and pretty much, I think he is amazingly strong and courageous. The boys are doing well, enjoying eating all of the meals that their mom didn't cook, being spoiled by our friends, and playing Paper Mario pretty much around the clock (as much as I let them, anyway). The partners at my firm have supported and encouraged me to be with Joe and the kids during this time, my mom has been spending the night, Aunt Flora does most of our housework, and really - our entire family and our friends have given us so much support, allowing me to really focus on just being with Joe and the boys and on keeping myself healthy. I get to sleep next to Joe's bed on a mattress on the floor, and I am with him and pretty much am able to do most of his day to day care each day (a nurse comes in twice a week, and like everyone else, she is an angel). This is such a blessing - I love him so dearly and every minute with him is so precious to me and I will never be able to express how much it means to me to be able to be with him through this."
Thank you,
Ari
