Friday and Saturday

Friday, Becky left to go back to Seattle and won't be able to come back here until after November 10th.  It has been so good to have her here every other week since the first week in September.  What a lot of crossing the country she has done for me. 

On Monday or Tuesday every week, Melidy, my Hospice nurse comes out to see me.  Makes sure I have enough medication, listens to my heart and lungs, asks me if I am in pain and never quite believes me when I say no.  Sometimes I am in a little bit, but I don't like to admit it.  This past week, though, has been the best because of the patch.  It is still working and I am thankful to all who are praying for me, because that is why God is keeping me from suffering, I am sure.  This week Melidy tried twice, but couldn't get a blood sample, so we will try again next week. 

Every other Friday, a different nurse, John, comes to see me.  He and Becky talk about what is going on: digestion problems, swelling, etc. and he suggests different medications, which always end up helping.  He was happy to see me looking so well yesterday.

When I woke Saturday a little after Noon, Joann told me I was going to have a surprise visitor.  I had her write down the names of everyone who has said they would be coming up this way and sure enough, one of my guesses, dear friend Bonnie, was the one who came.  Her time with us was precious and I am thankful to her family for making a special trip to bring her over.  She brought me her baseball that Rocco Baldelli signed. Now it is on the shelf with the ball cousins Matt and Sherry sent me last week with many of the player's signatures.  When the counselor from Hospice was out earlier in the week, she said my den looks like a teenage boy's bedroom.  By that, I think she meant my passion for baseball has never faded.  And she's right.  The last two games have been hard for me to watch, I get so upset, but I will tune in tomorrow with hope that we play well, no matter the outcome.  My Rays have truly been rays of sunshine to me this season and I am proud of them.

Good friends Sonja and Marion also visited today, over from South Carolina, bringing much fresh produce, flowers and a plant which I hope Joann can manage not to kill.  The companionship was good for me and I will have sweet dreams tonight.  Our Internet was out and the phone man was here in the midst of all the visiting and fixed it, so I was able to hear my messages tonight.  Thanks to all who wrote.  I will try to dictate some return emails tomorrow. 

Love and prayers from here to there