Thursday

Many people have been asking me if Casey is in a lot of pain. When we spoke with the hospice doctor yesterday he explained it to us very well by telling us about how mother nature understands what the body needs in times like this. With his body being so tired and starting to shut down in an effort to conserve energy, he really can't feel the pain and isn't in any. And when he does for some reason, like when we move him around, you can tell it hurts from the grimace on his face or little moan. So he's okay :) and he really does look so peaceful most of the time.

Despite his deepening and staggering breathes Casey made little smiles today!!! :) I think about 4 times! He smiled when he heard Angie and his mom talking about a bird making noises outside the house, and when he talked to my sister and brother in law on the phone, when I told him Angie was coming down from a nice nap to see him, and when she walked into the room... It was wonderful. There was quite a bit of arm movement too, and he was very alert with his eyes open wide this evening when lots of his family came over to talk and spend time with him and the rest of us.

With Casey seeming to do better today, it reminds me of being warned about the part where they seem to be getting better before they start the last decline. So we will see what happens during the night and then the day tomorrow; and until Casey is called back to the home from which he came, we will continue to cherish him, hold his hand, and love every single minute we hear him  breathe!

(some beautiful flowers from coworkers and the adorable wheeler family photo from spring 2013)