Encore

The evening before Chris Darrow's funeral, Linda Darrow and I attended a concert of the Alma College Percussion Ensemble. It was incredible. They recieved two standing ovations and played encores after each. I whispered to Linda, "This could go on all night." And I wouldn't have minded one bit.

Early last week, all of Mom's symptoms indicated her time here was ending. We were all bracing ourselves for her finale. But once again, Rosie is back with another song.

Friday morning Suzy, Paul and all their kids took off for Birch Run and Frankenmuth for Christmas shopping and time away. Suzy had considered cancelling the trip after Mom's sleeping spell over last weekend. But there was no need for them to stay. Once again, Mom rallied.

(The Wise Family in the van, on their way to Birch Run)

Dr. Karkosak stopped by for a home visit early Friday evening. After all of the medication discussions and concerns shared with Suzy earlier in the week, he was very surprised to see her awake and responsive, and to hear that she'd eaten two eggs for breakfast and ice cream for lunch. He checked her vitals - blood pressure 120/60, pulse 78 and mostly regular, lungs clear, legs and ankles not bad. He said to me, "This is a miracle." He said to continue with one milligram of dexamethazone since she could still swallow (we were weaning her off of it in anticipation of her losing her ability to swallow). I think Dr. Karkosak left happier than he came.

(Mom with Dr. Karkosak 12/12/08)

After Dr. Karkosak left, Mom and I resumed decorating her room for Christmas. It's a little Vegas, but we're not ashamed to live large.
Saturday morning Bill, Pattie, Jessy and Tyler came from Traverse. Mom slept through most of the visit, but was very affectionate when they said goodbye.

The rest of the day was fairly quiet. We watched a couple of movies - nothing notable. The family returned at about 1:20 a.m. Sunday morning with amazing bargains. Suzy showed Mom a couple of the items of which she was especially proud. Mom was impressed.
This morning I read her most recent Christmas cards, from Jacque Flynn, Marlene Coglianese and Roleen Carpenter. I told her that Roleen had recently emailed her hugs and kisses, and mentioned they had always been favorite cousins, since they were the same age. Mom smiled and said, "Well, there's a few months difference." Roleen will understand the significance of that remark.


We read the poetry of Chaucer, Campion, Browning, Shakespere and Sydney. We couldn't recite it back to you, but we enjoyed it.