Haven't been posting much....

My 86 year old father in law is in very serious condition.  I've been at the nursing home all day and just came home on DH's orders to get some rest.  (and here I sit.....)  

He is in the active stages of passing according to the hospice nurse and chaplain.  He went downhill about 3 PM.  After that, he was no longer able to talk to us.  His pupils are of uneven size.  His oxygen levels are down to 83, even with 4 liters of oxygen by mask.  His bp is 80/50, and pulse is over 100.  He's laboring to breathe, and the periods of apnea are getting longer.

His last words were to my DH - to take good care of me. 

DH came home long enough to drop me off and eat a bite, and went back.  We hope he'll pass peacefully in his sleep.  He's a WWII Navy vet - TLC did a special about 6 years ago, and filmed part of it at our house and interviewed him.  We have a copy of the program, so we have him on video.  I'll be going back there as soon as I get up in the morning, if he doesn't pass tonight.

Say a little prayer for him if you will that he passes peacefully with no more suffering.

If you're interested, this is the website that my DH created over 10 years ago to honor him and his shipmates from the USS Franklin:

http://benfranklincv13.tripod.com/index.htm

Christie I am so sorry about your FIL.  I am glad he is able to have hospice care, they are such wonderful compassionate people.  They really helped my family along during my grandfathers passing.  I am positive they will keep him comfortable and let him pass peacefully, he is in my prayers this morning for sure.  I hope you and DH will find peace in this time sweety.

Jeannie

so sorry for what you are going thru! big hugs! how are you feeling by the way? been to the dr yet?

Christie,  I am so sad for you and Wally to have to go thru this loss.  I know how hard it is.  I love the website.  It's so cool that he honored our heroes like that.  A special prayer is going up for you all and especially for your FIL.  Thank him for me and let him know he is forever a hero if you get the chance.

Huge hugs,
Tracy

How awful for you and your DH!! Waiting for my sister to die in hospice was rough.. we had to finally just give her some quiet time just holding her hand so she could slip away peacefully... With the whole family there she thought we were having a party and didnt want to miss any of it!!

My love and peace is going out to you right now... may the love of God support  you and yours this week.

Linda Kay

Christie..my heart goes out to you and wally and your FIL. Let it be quick, peaceful and painless. I will ck out the link...he sounds like an awesome man!

My prayers to God's ears that he be able to pass gently and stop suffering. I watched both of my grandparents suffer so much before passing and its just not fair in this world that the elderly endure so much physically in their end years. It sounds like he was a proud, respected man and the website is such an honor. It reminds us to be eternally grateful for those who fought to protect our freedom and rights. God Bless him and God Bless you and your family for all that you are going through with this.
BIG HUGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Christie, I am keeping you, Wally, and your FIL in my prayers. Praying for a peaceful passing. I will go check out the website that you posted. God bless.

So sorry to hear about your FIL, Prayers be with you all and a peaceful passing for him.. God Bless.

thank you all for your kind words.  He passed peacefully at 12:40 PM today.  My DH and I were with him when he passed along with the hospice nurse and chaplain.  I don't know what we would have done without them.  He waited till my SIL left to get my other SIL and MIL, then passed while we were holding him.  It was an honor to be with him.