Today 9Oct2023: Susie fades

I had a vivid dream of a party, and I had to carry a huge box turtle to a pond to ensure it was safe while the party was going on. It had some baby turtles, too, making it even harder. I had to walk around the party and carry this turtle to safety, and I was sad that the nearby ponds might dry, so it would be at risk. I wish I had a car and take the turtles to a lake to be safe. The partygoers ignored me and let me do my task. At one point, I was crawling as there was so much partying I had fallen and was still trying to move to a pond with my burden. A strange dream.

With the dream, I dreaded that today would be hard. I began my Monday as usual with breakfast and liberal coffee made in my French Press. I have been drinking liberal coffee nearly every morning since President Trump was elected–as a liberal, I need to remember to be watchful every day; even my coffee reminds me. I drink the Equal Exchange brand packaged in Portland, Oregon. Yup, liberal. I sliced a banana into my cold cereal and poured skim milk on it. I carried all of this to my home office.

I started at 7AM to have time to read the emails and Slack channel updates for today and the weekend. I was ready at 8:05 for the first Zoom meetings until 10AM. I received a call from Michelle Nixon of Alliegence Senior Care with the nurse Brittany after that, and they told me that they believed Susie should be moved to hospice for Susie’s comfort as she was still losing weight and was having trouble swallowing. I agreed but wanted to speak with Barb and Leta (Susie’s sister and Leta). I decided to start the process, knowing that medical stuff always takes longer than you want, and soon called Barb to let her know, and she agreed.

I got a call back from Michelle Nixon. Susie was fading, and I should head to her ASAP. I showered, dressed, boarded Air Volvo with a change of clothing, but not my meds (!?), and headed out. I was disquieted and drove carefully, but I do not remember the drive. The hospice folks, Wendy, called me, and we made the initial connection. I was clear I understood the hospice process, and we had to just do the initial paperwork and process. It was a complex conversation in Air Volvo, but traffic was forgiving.

I arrived safely, and the start of hospice was initiated for Susie. Susie looked unwell and could barely wake up to acknowledge me, but there was now a smile–she was resting and knew I was there. I had already told my boss that I would be unfocused today and would try to work as a distraction if nothing else. I can put in for leave, but I will wait then things are more defined.

I called Leta and Barb on a three-way call on my iPhone. They were affected by Susie’s condition but were grateful to have a chance to see Susie, and we got a couple smiles from Susie. Susie rested some more, with Jennifer repositioning Susie every hour to prevent skin issues.

Susie’s weight has fallen to 65 pounds, her blood pressure is 57/85, and her oxygen levels have fallen to 90%. I spoke to Wendy from Serenity a few times, and a nurse will be here in the evening. Susie is considered an emergency hospice case. We want to treat Susie for comfort and leave her here in Alliegenace with in-room services.

I did a meeting and had lunch at the hummingbird house, pizza from the previous dinner–it was perfect. I then sat with Susie, who improved a bit, and Rosalie, the evening nursing aide, managed to get a few bites of dinner for Susie to work. Susie also had some more Ensure.

While all this was happening, Mariah drove from Portland to the Volvo Cave and picked up my meds I forgot to pack this morning. Mariah discovered the construction near the Volvo Cave and got to try the detours. Mariah did reach the hummingbird house after quite a tour. Thanks, Mariah!

Many folks called or sent messages. Thanks!

I was then sad to learn, in another unexpected text, that a good friend had passed away–making the day even harder. I will not cover the details here as it is the family’s story. Well met, Paladin! Travel well, Paladin!

I have now met with the hospice folks and listened and signed. David Smith brought Michelle and Cat by FaceTime to Susie while I continued with the paperwork. Thanks–perfect.

I have been writing the blog since early evening and until late.

A harsh day. A voyage one would not wish to take, but a passage that one must pass through. Be well!

Thanks for reading.