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.

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Staying at Home – June 1, 2009

After the last postings, when it was clear that this part of our journey is physically difficult, especially on me, a few people asked why we didn’t go ahead and move Craig to a nursing home. Let me try to address that.

We consider and experience our home as sacred space. It is full of spiritual vibrations, prayer, and love. The view out the back windows is of a ravine full of trees. We can see the sunset down through the trees and catch glimpses of its reflection on Lake Erie in the distance. It’s very quiet, especially in the evening and at night. We can sit and pray together over a cup of tea. I can crawl into his bed with him for snuggling at bedtime. If he’s hungry for ice cream, his favorite flavors are in the freezer nearby. Friends and family can easily stop in or call. Craig’s painting supplies are easily accessible, and the CD player is handy for favorite music. I know when he needs to sing the short healing prayer. If I need to work or rest, my office is upstairs and the bed close by. I just needed some daily help, and I have that now.

The staff at the nursing home seemed caring and helpful. But, overall, I just couldn’t see it working for Craig. The nursing home reeked of urine. The residents and staff make the place full of activity and noise. Craig is losing enough mental abilities, that the new place would be confusing, and it would be difficult for him to rest or figure out new routines and even how to work the bed controls. We think that this time of challenges is actually very short. We are confident we can cope for a limited amount of time. Then I plan to sleep for a couple of weeks!

And…life has unexpected curves, so we’ll continually re-evaluate as needed!

Love,

Susanne

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1 comment:

Susan said...

Thank you for the clarifying description of your warm and spiritual environment. I can see why you both want to be in the loving home that you have created. We can only help by offering prayers daily, for both of you and applauding all of your efforts and joys.

June 3, 2009 at 10:50 AM

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