Week 2: Monday Update:

When Tim and I arrived to see Roy this morning we were both shocked.  He was totally out of it and talking all sorts of nonsense.  His breathing sounded pretty laboured and he couldn't seem stay awake for very long.  It was very distressing to see.

The nurse came to talk to us and change Roy's syringe driver.  She told us that they have decided to again change Roy's anti nausea med to see if it helps with the sleepiness and that for the time being he would be staying in the hospice until he was stable.  I guess eventually they will run out of meds to try.

This afternoon after Roy's sleep he was a bit more alert, we took him for a walk outside in a wheelchair and he really enjoyed it and I think it helped blow away some of the cobwebs.  Roy felt quite refreshed afterwards.

Roy's right leg is still very swollen and I'm not sure what they plan to do for or about it.  Because it's been a long weekend there hasn't really been a lot going on so maybe we'll learn some more tomorrow.  His speech has also become slower and much much quieter - sometimes making it very hard to understand what he is saying.  This seems to get even worse when he gets tired.

The throwing up continues to happen - 2 times while we were there today and Roy said he'd also thrown up after breakfast.

Tim noticed that when there are too many visitors Roy tends to fade out more as he finds following the conversation that go on around him difficult.  When you come to visit please keep it short as Roy tires quickly and please try and keep him involved in the conversation.

I have really enjoyed having Tim here for a few days and later in the week Ryan, Ineke and Inge are coming for a few days which will be great.

I am always amazed - although I really shouldn't be - how God send just the words you need to hear at just the right time.  Today I received the following from my niece in Australia - thanks Melinda.

Devotion by Kathy Hicks.

"Be still and know that I am God" Psalm 46:10

This verse always speaks to my soul.  Maybe it's the hectic pace of life that makes the thought of being still and meditating on the "Godness" of God so appealing.  One day as I was contemplating this verse I wondered "What does being still really mean?  And just what does God want me to know about Him?"
Here are some thoughts God spoke to my heart:

"Be still, and know that I am God."
*  Be calm and realize that I am in ultimate control of what touches your life. It is my love for you that motivates me as I work on your behalf.
*  Be quite and listen to what I want to say to you. Allow me the chance to speak to your heart about what I'm doing in your life.
*  Be content and believe that I know what your needs are before you ask and that it gives me great pleasure to meet those needs - and even to give you the desires of your heart, as you delight yourself in me.
*  Be patient and realise that what I'm accomplishing in you and through you may take weeks, months, and even years to complete - so what may seem like unanswered prayer to you is really my perfect timing for you and for those in your life.
*  Be thankful because I am all-powerful, all-wise, loving, just, patient and so much more. I am all these things on your behalf. You can trust me with your life.
"Be still, and know that I am God"

Father, quiet my heart so I can listen to yours. Muffle the distractions and show me what I need to understand about you today. Thank you for all that you are and all that you do on my behalf. Amen.

Thanks again for taking the time to read my blog.

Love and blessings
Jolanda