Thursday, November 04, 2010

New phase of decline

Yesterday, Wednesday, Dad did not wake up at his usual time. Mom went to rouse him at 9 am and he was not able to open his eyes but was able to indicate that he was not in any pain. His right shoulder had been twitching off and on most of the morning which was an indication that another seizure might be in the beginning process. Dad was given some medication to hopefully prevent another seizure. After that, Dad never woke up the rest of the day. Today, he has mostly been the same, just sleeping. Mom has tried to rouse him several times today but he does not wake up. The hospice nurse said yesterday that Dad has entered a new phase of the end decline. We don't know how much longer dad will be with us for sure but the nurse did say that if he is not drinking any water more than likely it won't be more than two or three weeks. He could also be gone sooner if the brain tumor swells and causes that to happen.

Pray for steadfastness and faithfulness to the Lord for all of us and we go through this difficult process.

Thanks to all of you who have left your comments on past posts. They are an encouragement to us as we read them.

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

Praying daily for all of you.

Ephesians 3:18 (NLT) - "And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is."

Dave Jacques
New Beginnings - Ambler, PA

Diane and Warner said...

Kristin
Just want you to know we are in prayer for all your family. We're comforted to know that your Dad is not in pain. Please let us know if we can help in any way.

Nancy Tyler said...

Kristin, would you please give your mom a big, long hug for me and squeeze your dad's hand for me? I'm sending you a hug too. I know it's so hard to write these updates.

Lots of prayer for everybody,

nancy

Anonymous said...

We love you Joel and Dottie. You guys have touched our hearts and you came along side of us at times when we really needed a friend. You are in our prayers, especially you right now Dottie.

God Bless

Andy and Phyllis Wallin

Anonymous said...

May the peace of God which surpasses all understanding guard your hearts and minds today!!! Praying that God would strengthen and comfort each of you in the coming days and weeks! You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Anonymous said...

We will be praying for God's perfect peace and His perfect timing.

Much love, Olivia for all the Welkeners

Andy and Mary Ann Sullivan said...

Your Mom & Dad continue to inspire us as they have for many years. We had a very good visit last week. Your Dad was alert and very pleased that his book was just finished. We had a good conversation, where he continued to be a pastor, even from his bed. We are praying for all of you.

Anonymous said...

Praying for you all.

Eric and Donna said...

Dottie, Kristin, Kara, Brian, and Bethany:
I remember Joel saying at someone's funeral a number of years back that even if we live to be a hundred years old, life is very short. The twenty-plus years we have known your family has flown by, as will the time we will all meet in glory. We rejoice that Joel has run the BEST race. Yes, you are all in our prayers.
In Christ, Eric and Donna Shrift

Anonymous said...

Pastor Joel, you have always been an inspiration and I've always looked up to you and respected your teaching - both at the pulpit and by watching the way you live your life. You have given so much to your loved ones and to the congregation of Southwood.

May you and your family find comfort in God during this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. May God's love continue to embrace you with warmth and peace.

Anonymous said...

17 plus years ago Pastor Joel gave Jennifer and me the best advise we might have ever received. It was certainly was not easy but it was right. I wish I had not waited so long to tell him. Soon he will hear what we all hope to “Well done good and faithful servant, Come and share your master’s happiness”.

Brian Gilliam

Tom & Barb said...

We continue to pray with you. Words can't express the love we feel for all of you and the impact your entire family has had on us. Thank you.