James-Billie Schafer
July 31, 2012 · Update on my sweet wife, Billie. Brought her home last Thursday evening. Debbie and Bridget had made everything ready at the house. Debbie, with her experience, had set up the feeding pump, so that really went well. I have learned how to administer the pump and that's good. Yesterday was the best day for communication we have had in some time. She does not carry on a conversation, but at least she answers some questions with a brief word or two.
She melts our hearts when she says "I love you!" and causes us to laugh when she answers me with a cute word, like, yesterday I was trying to get her to tell me if she was comfortable (we had just changed her in the bed). She just looked at me, finally I said "answer me 'yes, or no' and with a slight grin and a twinkle in the eye she responded "yes, or no." Couldn't help but laugh and I'll take all those I can get since there hasn't been a lot to laugh about lately.
We are still much in need of your prayers. I met with a representative of a Hospice company yesterday. In the process of discussing all this with family, our Doctor and Druggist. Hardest decisions I suppose I have ever, or will ever make.
Now, in spite of all this, or maybe I should say, through all this, the Lord has been so gracious. He doesn't always remove or take us out of the valley, but His Presence is all sufficient. My prayer is that He be glorified in our lives by our responses to His guidance. May our attitudes be detected by those around as ones who, although sometimes filled with grief, yet manifest a pure trust in Him.
God bless each of you for your faithfulness to pray and for your many kind words. You'll never know how much they mean to us at this time. We love each of you in Christ our Lord.
