4/29/2010

Pam passed away this afternoon, following a nearly two year battle with cancer. This past week, Hospice has been with her around the clock and they were professional and committed in caring for Pam. Although Pam was asleep all week from the effects of morphine and other drugs, she looked radiant and comfortable. She was strong to the end in her valiant battle with this insidious disease.

Peace came to Pam at about 6:00 p.m. She was surrounded by her family, two grandchildren and extended family who sang hymns, prayed, and reminisced for nearly six hours. Pam was aware of our presence and heard everything that was said.

We will have a celebration of life on May 8th at 2:00 p.m. at the North Stuart Baptist Church, 1950 NW Federal Highway, Stuart, FL 34994. Pam's sister, our family and our friends at the church are planning a service dominated by Pam's favorite hymns. Music was Pam's passion that shaped her contributions to the ministry of all the churches she ever attended.

We thank you all for your prayers for Pam's peace and comfort during this ordeal. We all have been strengthened by your continuous support.

4/29/2010

There has been no change in Pam's condition for a couple of days. She looks comfortable and in no pain. She seems to hear us when we speak to her and I even noticed a slight acknowledgment of our presence by a toe twitch. She has round the clock care by concerned nurses and frequent visits from our family.

May God bless you all for your prayers and support.

4/28/10

There has been no change in Pam's condition for more than a day. She looks to be comfortable and certainly has the full attention of the Hospice nurses. We all agree that Pam is a strong woman. At this point in time, however, there is little, if any, hope that she will wake up.

We thank you all for your prayers, cards, and calls.

4/27/10 Pam's condition rapidly deteriorated during the day yesterday. The Hospice nurse indicated this was part of of the natural process of Pam's system shutting down. Pam looked comfortable and relaxed and she responded to the family with a slight smile or glow. Pam definitely knows where she is going.

This morning brought no further noticeable decline in her condition. In fact, she looked more comfortable than she did yesterday. Maybe the fact that our dog Sadie was on the bed with her was more comforting than the pain relievers.

Hospice has been a real blessing and responsive to Pam's needs. We will monitor Pam's condition and update this blog regularly.

4/25/10 Pam is now in Hospice critical care and will be receiving around the clock nursing starting tonight. I thought the nursing coverage would be for 12 hours, which is all I requested, but I learned that once a patient is assigned to critical care, 24-hour coverage is offered. Beverly will still be able to tuck Pam in at night and be here to get her up in the morning as she has done for a couple of weeks. It's a blessing that Hospice is here to help the entire family and not just the patient.

Pam has become very weak and I felt additional assistance , particularly at night, is necessary for her comfort and safety. It so happens that Pam and I know the nighttime nurse and Pam thought that was wonderful, even though we had nothing to do with this assignment. I know she will be in good hands.

God is watching over us through the continuous support and prayers of our friends.

4/24/2010 Pam has two aides from 9:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M. Our daughter Bev, who works from 11:00 P.M. to 7:00 A.M., comes in the evening to get Pam ready for the night and stops in the morning for a couple of hours to get Pam ready for the day. Pam sleeps much of the time, but is alert when awake. The medication affects her speech and causes her to slur her words.

Pam has been comforted by the support of all our friends. She knows God is talking to her through your cards, calls and prayers. Pam is not afraid of dying and has expressed this to all our family, pastors, her business partners and nearly every one else who has visited. Pam is strong in her faith and truly an inspiration those who know her.

4/19/2010 Pam is resting comfortably after a weekend of activity. Her sister extended her visit until yesterday. Son David spent two days with us. All our family members in Florida stopped in to see Pam. The pain management seems to work, although some of the medications make her very sleepy. She has had little energy and limited mobility but she has had an active mind and good recollections with the family.

Hospice has been very accommodating and responded to our medical needs. We continue to bless all of you for your continuous support and prayers. May God bless you!