Praying and crossing our paws for our friends John and Gert

Never in my life did I imagine that doing volunteer work with Josie would be THE most rewarding experience of my life. But at the same time challenging and heartbreaking. Last night, Gert had John moved into a Hospice Care Center, after learning that the doctor's refused to allow her to take John home to care for him. They said she couldn't handle it, that he would need too much care. The Center which John is going to is a small center, only 6 beds, so he will be getting care 24/7 and the facility is quiet and about as nice as a place can be for that purpose. I held her hand the night before, the last night in the hospital as she was distraught and cried and said to me, "I feel as if I am just bringing my husband somewhere to die..". I didn't know what to say. I am not trained in hospice work. I am only a volunteer. But I am now her friend. So I spoke from my heart. I looked into the Center and it turns out that this particular center is quite well known in our area and there is usually a waiting list to get in. I looked it up on the internet and asked staff members about it and then came back and told Gert that if she has to go through this, and she does, to go through this with the best care available in the best place possible.

So last night was a very emotional night for all of us. Once we got John settled into the Hospice, I sent Gertrud home so she could take a shower (she spent the last 2 nights in the hospital) and get some extra clean clothes. John's sister and her husband ran out to get something to eat and Josie and I stayed with John. Josie slept with him and I held his hand and sang him Beatle songs until they all arrived back. Gert's sister-in-law brought food back for Gert and I set up a tray with all the food on it for her so she would eat.

I kissed Gert and John good-bye before I left and told John (who I call "Handsome") that I would see him tomorrow.

All I can ask of all my blog friends is to keep John and Gertrud and her family in your prayers. These next couple of days will be very up and down and emotional. I will keep you posted when I can.

I will be checking your blogs as soon as I can, so keep them light and funny for me and Josie because we will need that. ;-)

Oh, I made a card for Gert and this is what I wrote inside:

"I'll cry with you,
until we run out of tears.
Even if it's forever.
We'll do it together."
There it was a simple
promise of connection.
The loving alliance of grief
and hope that blesses both
our breaking apart
and coming together again.

When I get a chance, I will post a copy.

Please post any support messages for Gert and John that you would like to post. I will print them out and share them with them. Love you all!!!! Woof!

Much Love to all of you. Woof!
Josie