Comfort Care V Curative Care

Cathy enrolled in Hospice Care a few weeks ago, at the recommendation of her medical advisors. It is an opportunity to establish trust relationships with end-of-life staff before it gets critical, and we are thankful for that opportunity. Every hospice person we have met has been wonderful in their demeanor and attention to Cathy’s needs.  We are in the monitoring mode and have been for several months. Short of a miracle, there is no cure for her decline, no experimental pill waiting for her next tumor. Her brain swells and headaches occur more often along with the intervention of more steroids. Nonetheless, her smiles continue to light up the world around her, her inspiration remains contagious and her faith has never been stronger.

We are so blessed. So many people are praying for us. Lots of hugs get exchanged at mass and other public places. Communion is brought to us several times a week, we have nine hours of exceptional daily home care, laughter is a huge part of our daily medicine, and our prayers for family, friends and mission are the sweet spot of every day. Speaking of mission, a hemorrhagic fever outbreak in West Africa triggered the cancelling of our January trip to Serabu. The safety of our surgeons and village community is paramount, so we look to June as the next mission date. So far, the closest reported cases of the fever are in Bo which is 35 miles away from Serabu. In the meantime, clinic and surgical care continues on a limited schedule.

We welcome visitors to our home. If our car is in the driveway, feel free to stop in at 611 S Main in Athens PA. We have a couple of spare beds for long distance travelers. All are welcome. Perhaps someday we will see our two sons who have been absent from our lives for a while. That’s one of the miracles of God’s peace that we pray for daily.

Happy SBSBS ! (Sunday Before Super Bowl Sunday) The next scheduled update is March 2nd.

We so enjoyed Nell’s recent visit!!! (Tom’s sister)