Saturday, January 26, 2019

1/26/19 Settling down a bit

I think that Gabrielle is transitioning out of the “restless” phase into a deeper sleep.  Her breathing is smooth and steady, and she has been comfortable just remaining in bed, which is where she stayed all day yesterday.  It was the first day that she did not want to go downstairs and settle into her much beloved blue living room couch.  In keeping with the travel metaphor from before, I like to think that the past couple of days, she was bustling around the train station, getting ready for her trip.  Now she has boarded the train and has settled quite comfortably into her cabin on the train…first class, of course, with private attendant, no less! Rumor has it that she may be on her way to a gated community, adorned with pearls no less!  What’s not to like about that?
As for how all of us are holding up, I can only speak for myself.  The kids don’t like me to assume that I know what they are thinking, but I will say that it has been unbearably hard on all of us.  No doubt, the hardest thing any of us have had to go through.  They are holding up amazingly well, with grand servant hearts that make a father proud.  And their partners have been so helpful as well, so thanks to Riley and Adrienne! You are real gems!
I try and get out a little bit in between my time at home with Gabrielle.  I have popped into work from time to time, which helps center me in many ways.  I may go for a swim today.  It is sunny, after all.  To help process things, I am reading a short book by Henri Nouwen, who was a Catholic priest. It is a set of reflections on losing a significant relationship in his life. On the “lighter” side, I am also reading a Russian novel and one by Stephen King.  If I asked you to guess which one has the devil roaming the streets unchecked and features a black cat that rips someone’s head off, I’d bet you’d get it wrong.  That’s the Russian novel.  Reading a book like that makes my life look downright easy.  The Stephen King book is a departure from his horror books, which I don’t read.  This one is called Elevation and has been called “the feel good book of the year”. And that’s enough of Steve’s book reviews for now.
Daniel just spent the night on the floor next to Gabrielle and he texted me that he wants to get up so he can get some real sleep. So I guess I will wander upstairs with my Russian novel and relieve him.  Someone’s got to put the brakes on that black cat.  


Now here's someone who is all set for a tough day at the beach!  If I'm lucky, she's got the cat back in the bag.

5 comments:

  1. Steve and family - praying for comfort for all. Thank you for your lovely writing and loving heart. On the reading list - I'm just finishing The Nightingale for my bookclub. WWII and the French resistance. Moving, but difficult for all of the hardship and loss. Perhaps not now for you. :) - I will check on the King book - I don't read his horror, but like his other stuff - the old one "Eye of the Dragon" for instance.

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  2. You ALL have such caring and loving hearts - Gabrielle knows you're there for her. I am so grateful for the love and support you are giving and sharing for those of us who are not there with you. My heart goes out to you - please know that you have many out there who are praying for your comfort. Many thanks again for your updates - what a blessing. 🙏❤️

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  3. So glad that you all have each other and have no problem communicating what you need when. Thank you to each of you who are watchkeeping right now, making sure Gaby enjoys her last travel this side of heaven. She sure loved to travel and that photo! I can just hear her big laugh as clear as if she was right here beside me. She wouldn’t like to see my tears right now, but my mourning will be turned into joy. On my lighter side, you guys might consider getting a dog. That will keep you centered for sure (much more fun than a job), and get you out for walks, and be happily wagging its tail, or just cuddle up next to you on the couch. Friends have told me Steven King books often have doggie heros in them. We’re big into God’s name spelled backwards around here! And speaking of pets, how are Sunny and the other bunny doing? Sending hugs and prayers to all, at this most difficult of times. He is near to all.

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  4. PS I’m really enjoying David Redding’s Before You Call I Will Answer, on prayer-type themes. Short, but deep!

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  5. Steve you are such a lovely, good man. Gaby believes you will be alright when she leaves or should would never go...wishing some of the hard parts could be taken away or softened, there must be a reason or purpose for them. Thank you so much for taking your time to share your entire family with us, it's beyond love. Much love, prayers for peace and comfort, each day, every minute ♡

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