Hi, everybody, Bonnie speaking here: this website that daughter-in-law Cindy and Henry’s brother John created is just wonderful. I’ve been in the other room with Henry 98% of the time, and rarely surfaced to see what is going on here. The kids have kept me posted to some degree – but tonight what an experience, to read your thoughts and remembrances of this wonderful man. Each story triggered additional memories – such good friends! Such wonderful people we have been so lucky to have in our lives. I just want to get on the phone and call each of you. We didn’t realize we were living through The Good Old Days until now they are about over. So, I thought I would write you a journal entry tonight.

Henry’s condition today: Actually, started yesterday. Son-in-law Chris took half a day off school and stayed with us, then he “did” the children, and Allison spent the night here. We got Henry up in the wheel chair, he sat in the kitchen for awhile, we “walked” him around the house a bit. In the early am he was awake, as usual, and quite miserable and could not get across what he actually wanted. He usually refuses any medication – Mr. Macho to the End – but last night I finally talked him into the pain medication at 2:30 am and the relaxing medication at 3:30 am, and he fought it until five am, when he finally fell asleep. Allison and I got him up this morning, “walked” him to the Dodger Recliner where he sat awhile, and ate a pretty good breakfast. Doug George stayed with him a couple of hours while I went to the dentist. Henry slept, and slept, and slept.

Late afternoon, Terry and Karen Smith arrived from Corpus Christi, via Reno and San Antonio, and there was from Henry no recognition. Henry continued to sleep. Karen concocted a great dinner for us from mysterious ingredients she found in the kitchen, we brought our trays in to the living room and ate by Henry, who continued to sleep.

John stopped by, and we all four tried to get Henry up about 8:30 pm, just so he could move a bit - this was not a successful venture. For the first time since coming home, Henry was not mentally with us; we finally got him back into bed and called the Hospice Nurse, who arrived shortly. He was very kind and gentle, demonstrated a way to turn a sleeping unresponsive person, gave some good advice, and left me with his personal cell number.

So, we are anxious that tomorrow will be a better day, but the odds are slim.

The Hospice Nurse asked me some very pointed questions about how I am handling this situation, and do I really accept what will obviously be the final outcome.

Well yes, and actually, no. With this great outpouring of love and support from wonderful family and wonderful friends and a great faith, of course I can and will manage, but I don’t like it much.