Stahlke Adoption

My Sister Anne's Facebook Post Today

Dear Friends and Family,
My Dad has entered the end stage of this very difficult journey and decline caused by dementia, fractures, heart attack, etc. over the past 14 months. Mom brought Dad home from the nursing home in July and we’ve been blessed by this time together – talking, watching games on TV together, listening to science CDs, strolling outside to see the fall colors, visits from friends/family, just being together, and even an outing to watch Ben play soccer a few weeks ago. We started hospice care in late August when Dad developed a respiratory infection. As he has done so many times before, his body fought through the infection and by mid-September he was better. We have been so grateful for the home health aides who have cared for Dad during this time in a loving and caring way.

For several months now, Dad has been completely dependent physically and unable to walk. His confusion and anxiety have steadily increased and about a week ago we noticed major declines in his cognition and functioning. Now, in the past 72 hours, he’s been sleeping almost continuously and has been unresponsive at times. Thankfully, he is in no pain. My sister, Mary, arrived Monday night from Chicago and we’ve all been taking turns being with Dad. Monday night Dad rebounded and was able to sing along as we celebrated Andrew’s birthday and then later he was awake and participated in a special worship service of Holy Communion with our Pastor (Dad specifically asked that we take this family picture so we could remember our special time together). We had a chance to share and reminisce about his life and the many gifts he has shared with his family, friends, and church communities. Again, after sleeping all day yesterday, he rebounded last night and enjoyed watching videos of the kids’ sports games and smiled and laughed with us. Now today, he is mostly sleeping with labored breathing. Singing has been our gift – at times Dad has been able to join us as we sing Holy Holy Holy, Children of Heavenly Father and his favorite, Beautiful Savior. Thank you all for your support, prayers and thoughts during this time of waiting. Anne and Family

The pictures are with Ben and Annika (September), at Ben’s soccer game (October 2013), and our Monday night worship service (Nov 4th, 2013). — with Mary Stahlke and Karen Brau.

posted by Stahlkes @ 9:52 PM