Why am I writing this blog?

Euclid (Cleveland), Ohio, United States
Here I share the amazing spiritual journey I began on July 19, 2007. I received the diagnosis of a golf-ball-sized tumor on top of the left parietal lobe (motor functions) of my brain. I had severe symptoms all up and down the right side of my body and had received an MRI scan of my brain. In August 2007, I learned that my diagnosis was a Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM). This is a common form of fast-growing brain cancer with a challenging prognosis. That's the external story about that moment in time. In the spiritual world I found (actually more like it found me) what I came to call the Fact-Based Spirit-Guided Path, and I began an amazing journey. After October of 2008, I lost the use of my right arm, and in early 2009, my cognitive abilities were struggling, and treatment options ended. My wife, Susanne, then began doing most of the blog postings, with my review and input whenever possible. I continued to apply the Fact-Based Spirit-Guided Path as the adventure continued. My soul then flew to the Kingdom of God on July 1, 2009. Thanks for your interest in my journey. Craig

Susanne's Perspective

During this entire journey, my wife, Susanne, had an entirely different kind of experience. Initially she added comments to some of my posts describing her experience of the moments I discussed and offerred perspectives on our relationship. In the latter stage of this journey, she is writing the blog, as I am no longer able to do so. I am truly delighted that she is doing so. Susanne and I work together as marriage educators/relationship coaches and she has written many books on preparing for and strengthening marriages so you can count on her comments to be insightful and poignant.

Friday, June 26, 2009

Different Today – June 26, 2009

After a full, alert day yesterday, Craig went soundly asleep at about 10:30 p.m. last night and slept all night. However, this morning when we tried to wake him, it was clear that it wasn’t really possible to arouse him. He is not in a coma and still responds with facial expressions and noises to the unfortunately necessary things we are doing to him (enema, catheter, bathing, etc.). But, he does not open his eyes and isn’t generally interacting with us beyond a random “okay” once in awhile when we tell him something.

Full-time hospice care ended today after it was clear that Craig was somewhat stable. We still have 24-hour access to the on-call nurses, and he will receive visits all weekend, but friends and I will be monitoring him for challenges. His chest congestion keeps coming and going, as his heart is now apparently too weak to effectively remove fluids from the lungs. Right now, he is in minimal pain as far as we can determine by body language. If that changes, he’ll be assessed and probably medicated. Otherwise, he is now on no medications, food, or liquids.

Barbara T-Q, our art therapist, came by this afternoon and glued the last poem he did in his art journal. We had hoped he’d be able to paint today, but that activity now seems to be done. I’ve played music and prayers set to music for him off and on all day…the same pattern we had in previous days. It’s a beautiful and quiet day, temperature in the 70’s, with the windows open to a light breeze. I now have a desk set up outside of Craig’s room with the same view into the trees that he has from his room. It’s been harder to focus today on doing anything though…too restless to settle down for much of anything for very long.

Thank you all for your prayers for God’s will and Craig’s peaceful transition (and that we have the strength to effectively handle any last minute adventures!).

Much love,

Susanne

p.s. We also appreciate your prayers for daughter Jennifer as she approaches the birthing transition with our granddaughter on July 16th.

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5 comments:

Ronbo said...

hi suzanne - prayers are with you - you're doing an amazing job for Craig!

June 26, 2009 at 6:11 PM
Julie Rosser Iraninejad said...

Yes, prayers are surrounding you and Craig! I pray for a peaceful and smooth transition for him into the arms of Baha'u'llah, strength and confidence for you and your family, and now I will add a smooth transition into this world of your precious grandchild. With much love and many thoughts of you both daily
Love,
Julie

June 26, 2009 at 7:08 PM
Anonymous said...

Dear Susanne, you and Craig have my prayers and love at this difficult time. May you be surrounded with the love of Baha'u'llah continuously! much love, millie

June 26, 2009 at 9:57 PM
Lenore Lawrence said...

Dear Ones,

Love and prayers are surrounding you.

Warmest love,

Lenore

June 27, 2009 at 9:30 AM
Karyne said...

I have been following your blog from some time now and really appreciate your honesty, sincerity and spirituality and for sharing this time with us. It will help me to see transitions in the light of the new revelation. thank you,
Karyne Hyde

June 30, 2009 at 12:26 PM

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