Weekend

After a week filled with the emotional ups and downs of learning that my former mentor and colleague, Andy Lonigro, passed away and Kelly's desire to find a way to insure she would have her mother present, in some way, at her and Doug's wedding, the weekend was a welcome opportunity to slow down some. Ryan and Kelly stopped by so we could wish them a happy 6th wedding anniversary, and to see how Kelly is doing at 5 months pregnant. Nancy loves to see her children -- and even with all of the activities that are part of young peoples' lives, all of our children have been here often for Nancy to enjoy their company. Nancy's IV fluids had been increased on Friday and we are now trying to determine whether they have been increased enough. Nancy is still more thirsty than she feels is comfortable so we may still need to increase the fluids again. For now, she is drinking apple juice, tea, Gatorade and water -- lots of each. I am getting my exercise keeping her glasses full and NG-tube collection canister empty.

Yesterday, Nancy was treated to a manicure by our friends Jennie and Scott Iverson. Nancy will now have beautiful manicured nails painted a neutral beige color for Kelly and Doug's commitment ceremony on Monday. I can tell you that looking forward to this event on Monday has made a huge difference in Nancy's attitude. Being confined to a bed set up in the living room, tied to an IV pump and a vacuum pump to evacuate fluids in the stomach and denied the opportunity to eat when those around you continue to do so, I see how important it is to make sure Nancy continues to have things to look forward to. After Monday's ceremony and celebration becomes part of the past, Nancy will be looking forward to the next weekend -- during which her father, her brother, Dick and his wife Sharon and his children, Becky and Andy are visiting after their vacation in Door County, Wisconsin. Right now, family and friends are very important to Nancy's outlook.

Also yesterday, Ron Hazeloop, our neighbor Janny's son, who is visiting her for the weekend, helped me re-seat some of the paver blocks on our patio so it would be less likely that someone might stumble on them as we gather there on Monday night. Now I guess I need to do a little house cleaning -- between care activities -- before we have some of the immediate family members here tomorrow for the festivities. I guess continuing to plan "home based" activities is a great way to make sure I will keep the place clean and (relatively) neat.