Ahh, the obligatory blog post…just kidding, gentle readers. It’s just that it’s been a tough couple of days. I’d like to wait till there’s better news—some breakthrough treatment, some miracle drug—well, it ain’t happened yet and the clock’s ticking.
Our day started about 4 am. I again awoke without Angelique in the bed. I found her on the back porch, a favorite hangout of hers. I played the question game with her.
“What’s our address?” I asked. She looked bewildered for a few moments.
“925 Hausmann Gin Road”, she answered.
“Who’s the President?” was the next question. This time she slurred her words, but answered more quickly.
“Barack Obama”, she said.
“What are your children’s names?”
“Danielle and Bailey”, she told me.
“What about the other one?”, I baited her.
“There’s another one?”, she wrinkled her nose and inquired.
“No, baby, you did just great. Let’s go back to bed.”
She slept till about 8 and then Nurse Kelly from Hospice paid us a visit. Nurse Kelly played the question game too, asking her what day is was (Angelique thought it was Thursday), then asking what month it is (I gave her a hint, that her birthday is this Friday) she stated that her birthdate is “August 14, 1961”. So there, f*%k you people who think I’m losin’ it; is what I imagined she was thinking.
We gave her the next dose of her “mind-clearing” drug and she slept till about 5 or so. At the suggestion of Nurse Kelly, I offered to take Angelique out for ice cream. She wanted to go very much. About that time, Fred showed up, so we all toddled down to Dairy Queen, wheelchair and all. She enjoyed a strawberry shortcake blizzard (about 1/2 of one, actually), and we headed back home. It was nice to be out. I believe she enjoyed it. We got her home and got her changed, after which she asked for a margarita. I gave her one that she didn’t even take a sip of before she drifted off to sleep in the easy chair.
Even in her current state, I think she enjoyed getting out, having “a drink” and seeming to be “normal” for a short time. The girls, particularly Danielle, are beginning to acknowledge her deteriorating condition and may be moving closer to accepting it. I have no choice. I have been her caregiver all along. All I hope and pray for is her peace and comfort. This morning as the nurse was quizzing her, one question was about her pain level. Her response was that she really didn’t have any pain. That made my day, my week, my month. Please pray with me that it’s true and that it continues.
Thanks for caring. Stay tuned.
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Thank God for no pain for at least some time. Please give her a hug for me Chris. All of you are in my thoughts and prayers. You should have more hits on this. I printed business cards with your address and blog on them and passed them out at the reunion. Many people asked about her. I was asked if Angelique knew how many people loved and cared about her. I told her i thought that yes, she did know that. It sucks though that Angelique has to be in this condition for everyone to finally tell her.
ReplyDeleteStacy
I really am lost for words....Chris you have done an amazing job with keeping everyone posted in great detail with Angelique's condition. Praying everyday for some type of miracle as i'm sure everyone is. Keeping you all in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteChristy
Please let her know that we are praying for peace and comfort for her and all the family
ReplyDeleteDezare Peal
angelique, i have often thought about you and what you are doing. we haven't spoke since high school but you are in my thoughts. i am so glad that i found this page to let you know you are in my prayers and thoughts. god bless you and keep you, make his face shine apon you in thought word and deed.
ReplyDeletecherie click james
Chris, I too went to high school with Angelique and was told of this blog and her current status....I appreciate this blog and that you are such a dedicated man. Please know that we love her too, and are praying for her and your family that you may feel God's grace wrapped around you by knowing you are not alone, your family is being lifted up. I do not ever remember seeing her without a huge smile on her face, she loved to laugh!! Cyndi Trahan Bettinger
ReplyDeleteChris - Keep up the good care and know that you'll never regret a moment of the time you've spent caring for Angelique. I know you are utterly exhausted, and the days and nights seem long. Sadly, this will all end soon. Angelique knows she is loved, and if our lives can end, knowing we are loved, then what a wonderful life it has been.
ReplyDeleteYour friend, Laurie Q.