Earl 12/3/08

We brought Earl home late Tuesday night. I signed the Hospice papers this morning. Doctors say we are looking at a few weeks... possibly one month, maybe two. Won't be long.... for which I can only be thankful, for Earl's sake. If this is how it has to be, let it be quickly over for him.

He has had a little issue of some congestion and not being able to cough much up. EMT Richard (friend of Liana's who transported Earl for Rural Metro last night) says the lung congestion is likely fluid buildup that is just part of the body shutdown process. Earl has swelling in his hands and legs. His body can't process and get rid of the fluids.

At times his mind is still so sharp and clear. Pain meds make him sluggish and his speech is slurred. The mornings are better after he has slept and is not on meds.

Stacie & Liana were with me last night. They split the late night shift and let me sleep... first real sleep in almost a week.