Update-As we had left Cau Nam last night (at hospice), he was barely able to open his eyes for any length of time (maybe just a second or two or three at best--if even that) because it took all his strength to do so. As I was heading out to see him this morning, I did not even expect to see those same reactions on this new day. Especially since I have watched his rapid rate of decline from day to day.
But to my surprise, he was able to open his eyes for about 15 seconds when Co Lisa, Chi Da Thu and I were at his bedside talking to him and holding his hands. He was LISTENING to what we were saying. He really was.
Earlier in the morning before I came in, Co Lisa was also talking to him and he opened his eyes, brought one hand up out of his covers and tears ran from his eyes. He was unable to say anything. But he DOES HEAR US!!!!
I was so overjoyed to see his reactions intact from what it was yesterday but then the reality of it all set in. Nothing has changed!! I realized that he was unhooked from his IV bags (saline) yesterday before the transfer to hospice. He lays in bed as he did yesterday. Exactly the same! Nothing has changed!! That means, no IV bags...(equals) no nourishment. He is no longer being hydrated. He no longer eats. He no longer drinks. How long can a person be sustained without food and water? This is Day 2 in Hospice.
He knows we are there. I can't help but wonder if he is holding out so we can all have time to find peace and to find the strength in order to eventually get ourselves through...before he leaves us to enter the Kingdom of God. Whatever the case...the Lord knows what He is doing after all.
Rest assured, Cau Nam is comfortable and resting with less pain and agitation.
-Ha
No comments:
Post a Comment