Numb

We have decided we absolutely made the right decision coming to the Dougherty House.  The staff has shown incredible kindness, support and direction.

Dad's breathing continues to worsen.  Dr. Malone stopped by this afternoon and talked "plain talk" to us ...which we greatly appreciated.  He said Dad's respiratory reserves are down to nothing.  Breathing is very shallow and it could be anytime.  Hours to a couple of days at the most.  We are hunkered down in Dad's hospice suite.  Mom in a chair on one side of the bed.  Lynette and I trading off on a chair on the other side and a mattress on the floor.  Bill is on his way from Cheyenne.

In a way this doesn't seem real.  The ALS has ravaged his body so quickly and relentlessly.  As he lays here struggling to breath, the twitching in what is left of his arm muscles continues.  It is a beast. 

We brought pictures from home and it's fun to hear the nurses speak about Dad's good looks.  He is such a handsome man, so kind, so loving, temperamental, fiercely protective.

Dad has been showered today with hugs, kisses and hand-holding.  I am so proud to be his daughter.