Margaret

Margaret fell on Monday 21 and has been in the hospital ever since (it's Thurs). Her respiration rate was too high for her heart to continue as things were, and there was suspicion of pneumonia, so the hospital put a bi-pap mask on her to help her breathe. Her heart rate increased and her prognosis was not good. The doctor told us even if she got out of the hospital, she would never walk again and be in and out of the hospital / nursing home for 2 years. So, the kids made the decision to follow her wishes and remove the mask. Everyone said an emotional 'good-bye' and we expected her to go quickly and peacefully. However, she's a pretty strong woman and she is still with us. She is even being discharged tomorrow. She's not really responsive and we are following her wishes of "comfort care" treatment at this point. Hospice is being called in and she will go back to Assisted Living with Don and I taking shifts watching over her. It's been a heart-wrenching process to go through and watch her kids go through. We don't expect her to last long - but, as I said, she's a pretty strong person and surprised us all already. Thanks for all of your support, prayers and kind words. We'll keep you posted. (Obviously, things are on-hold at the house).