Hello–it’s me–Julie

I have been wanting to write this blog for almost a month because that is when I went silent for a variety of reasons.

Since going into Hospice at the beginning of October, our life has become easier, yet still very complicated.

My meds have been tweaked many times, and we have been having to figure out which side effect comes from which medicines.

One of the biggest changes to my life is how much I sleep. A few of the meds make me so very tired. Unfortunately, they do not distinguish between nighttime and daytime hours. Every day we make adjustments to our timeframe to make accommodations for the medicines.

We have figured out how to manage most of the side effects with the exception of random nausea. That has kicked my behind more than once. However, we are finding the right steps we hope for even that nasty feeling.

I want to take the time to try and answer some questions that I am frequently asked.

1. (Q) When’s a good time to call?

(A) Definitely after 8:30 AM– I used to be an early bird, but no longer so much. Not after 9:30 PM. If I give you a heads-up that I’m sleepy–I may fall asleep in our conversation. More than once. Feel free to hang up on me, it will be ok.

2. (Q) Are you taking visitors?

(A) I am. I’d prefer you to schedule this with Ben and our family calendar, because you may tell me, and I might just forget we even spoke or perhaps even fall asleep in our conversation–it has been known to happen.

3. (Q) How are y’all really doing?

(A) We have good moments and not-so-good moments. We are still trying to do some normal family activities and play games, sit around and laugh at old memories, watch a good action/thriller together, and right now we are working on a 1000 piece puzzle. (only a few of us)

4. (Q) Can you be left alone or does someone need to be with you?

(A) I basically need someone around. One of my crazy reactions to medicine last week was to temporarily lose the ability to walk. I literally could not stand and move from one place to the next. Thankfully that went away within a few hours.

5. (Q) Are you traveling very much?

(A) I rarely leave home now–just because we feel like we have to pack a variety of stuff–just to be pre-parred, so, no, I’m not doing a lot of extra traveling–not much farther than an hour to an hour and 1/2 from Jesup.

6. (Q) How’s hospice working?

(A) Hospice has been a Godsend. They have worked with our family to focus on my comfort. We have re-vamped the pain meds and feel like we have reached the best solution for the moment. I get twice-weekly visits from the nursing staff. They come to my house and make weekly assessments. They have an “on-call” Nurse 24 hours a day. We have had to use this service more than once, and the nurse has always been friendly and helpful–even at 11 p.m. and 12 midnight. The Chaplin, Case Worker, and Social Worker have all met our needs, and there is a sweet spirit of unity and joy when they arrive.

7. (Q) How are you doing physically?

(A) Besides random nausea, dry mouth, and extreme sleepiness–from the meds. I am still able to bathe and dress myself. Most of the chores are accomplished by Ben and Hannah. Some of the other chores have been picked up by other kids. Like Leighanne who prepares 2 meals a week. The other kids help out in other ways and within their time constraints. I help out as I can, but truthfully it’s sporadic at best.

Lots of other helpers show up with frozen meals and fresh soups, deep cleaning in our house, monetary gifts, and send encouraging letters/cards, etc.

Also, I have not been driving since early October. We don’t feel like it would be safe for myself or others.

It’s been almost a year since the Lord gave me James 1:12 as my verse for the year last January.

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.

James 1:12 ESV

Do you remember how much I didn’t want that verse in the beginning? Then how over weeks and months, the Lord gave me a love for that verse.

Lately, we have received many physical blessings, monetary blessings, words of encouragement, and lots of prayers given for our family. God has generously poured out His love by using the hands and feet of His precious children to deliver these blessings.

We can see how He continually desires for us to simply have faith and trust in HIM. He knows our every need, and HE knows how HE plans to meet those needs.

It is an amazing place to be—within the hands of God and KNOW that HE is taking care of us and loving us while we follow his path.