Calm day

Dear Friends and Family,

We are in the middle of a hot spell here in Discovery Bay, it was about 100 today but the systems are working so we were cool inside. Nan and I had a decent night with only a few times of being up to care for things. At 8:30 this morning she was awake and tired of trying to go back to sleep and ask to come down. So we made our way downstairs with Nan walking the first part to the stair chair, then riding down, then into the wheel chair for the ride to the recliner. She put the soft pillow behind her in the chair and stayed there until about an hour ago. She even found relative comfort in the process. There were moments of throwing up a bit and we have pumped many times today and used the syringe to push clear water into the tube and then pull back immediately to break the blockage. In that manner we have got things flowing several times where before we just gave up until it broke itself, sometimes hours later. Nan tried a bit or two of jello this morning and some ice water, took her pills and then settled in with some trusty reruns and marilyn by her side. She helped me early this morning get ready for the visit to the Social Security office and I left around 9. The interview went well and the lawyer had covered everything with me and we were totally prepared. We are told it will take about 2 to 3 months before any money might be granted. Then since I was next door to CostCo I zipped in and got some mochas by Starbucks, cheaper there than anywhere else. Then to Longs to turn in prescriptions, then to Burger King for Marilyn's lunch and then home to hook up with Art and Connie who had driven up from Gilroy for a visit. Connie made Nan's day by rubbing her feet. After we visited for awhile Art and Connie took me to lunch in Brentwood for some very decent Mexican food. Then back to say good bye to them and back to work at my desk. Nan slept for about 3 hours in the chair and finally woke up early evening. Her stomach hurts nearly all the time sometimes more and almost unbearable. She just tried the hospital bed but only stayed there a few minutes since it is less comfortable than you can believe. Now she is back in her chair to take her pills and then we will go up to try to rest.

We are both very aware that the time is passing slowly until Friday afternoon when we get the results of the PT scan. We really don't know what to expect and so the waiting.

I just spoke to Irene Wing, her procedure went as expected at UCSF and she is home and busy as usual. She will not find out results for up to 10 days so she too is waiting. I know she appreciates our prayers and concern for her.

Late this afternoon the dogs went crazy, someone was at the door, it was a flower delivery person with a wonderful bouquet of flowers in a cute basket. See photo. Thank you Dolly, Nan was thrilled with them and had us put them in a place where she looks directly at them. Thank you so much! And thank you for your emails of hope and courage.

I think it is time to get busy with TPN, Atavan, pumping, transport etc. Having the ramps sure makes it easier to get about the house, thanks first Art and then Bob for sharing ramps with us.

Nan got to talk to Sharon and Dana today, Dana's husband Ronnie has had knee surgery and is slowly recovering in lots of pain, Dana took a fall on a knee she had surgery on, not good at all. Sharon is busy as usual helping people young and old.

Thank you Art and Connie for the visit today, for lunch and for your constant support and encouragement to us both. How blessed we are to have friends and family, just possibly the best friends and family in the world!

Please pray that Nan can feel better. Also pray that the lovely people at Social Security will get off the dime and process our request for disability for Nan.

love to each and every one of you,

tim and nan and marilyn