Home again, home again

After a week in the mountains at Eagle Rock, coming back to Murrells Inlet was a source of some confusion for Kenny. He was unsure of where he was. This past week has been a bit better except that he seems concerned that he is too weak to do certain things and does not grasp the concept that he is not ever going to be strong again. In truth, he is weaker every week; however, he still hangs in there. We are seeing a change in his sleep habits. With the exception of when I am not here, he sleeps through the night and many days awakes around midday. He sleeps much of the day in his recliner also. His appetite is waning a bit, except for sweets and breakfast. If he had his way, he would eat breakfast three times a day and have dessert at the end of each meal. Not a bad idea, actually.

Our week in the mountains was good for all of us because we felt a sense of accomplishment when he was able to sleep in his room that we had so meticulously planned. We did learn that the small shower (our only option for that particular bathroom) is not especially easy to use. We still have some adjustments to make to the shower mechanism itself. He and I nearly drowned giving him a shower but it was good for a laugh.

This last weekend, Larry and I went back up on Thursday (and came home on Saturday) to finish some furniture refinishing for Kenny's room. It was easily done and we both commented that furniture refinishing is a lot easier in 2009 than it was in 1967 and 68 when he and I and my mama did so much antiqueing (is that a word?) of old furniture. It was a many step procedure then. Today, once the piece is cleaned up, you can do it in one step. Now Papa has two small bed stands in his room that do not take up as much space as the original ones did. Larry was in his element. He should have been a woman. He loves nick-nacks (that was never on the spelling list)that go with decorating. He also loves to shop, a point of contention, I might add. I am not one for spending hours perusing shelves and aisles looking for bargains. I want to know where it is, get it, pay for it and go home. What is wrong with this picture? Anyway, we had a good time shopping together, something that we seldom get to do anymore.

I frequently say how much I appreciate all of you and your concern and your prayers. This weekend past was not a good weekend for most of our children to help us out by staying with Kenny so we had planned to leave about noon on Thursday and just come home late Friday. (You do what you can with what you have, don't you?) Larry was walking to the house in Conway after leaving our Suburban to be worked on and Kathy Faircloth, from our church, gave him a ride. He was talking on the phone (Say it isn't so!) and explaining that we would not be able to stay as long doing work in the new house because we had to get back to Papa. Kathy heard the conversation and offered to come over Saturday morning and stay when Jessie left so that we could stay a day longer. What a giving spirit she has! We were just overwhelmed by her kindness. God has been so good to us. He has showered us with blessings, many times when we least expect them. So many of those blessings are you all and your caring spirits. Thank you.

As most of you have gathered, we are just plodding along day by day, some more difficult than others. Most, though, are fairly good days, considering his condition. Thus far, Kenny has little pain from the cancer, few inconveniences due to incontinence and such, and few sleepless nights, so I consider that we are fortunate. It is my prayer for Kenny, that when his time comes, he will simply go to sleep and wake up in Jesus's arms. That might be next week, next month or next year. Nothing surprises me with him anymore. What a sense of survival he has! I guess that's why he will be 91 his next birthday. Keep us all in your prayers, please, as we keep you in ours. God bless each of you.