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.

Monday, June 29, 2009

Update on Craig – June 29, 2009

From about 4 a.m. on all day we expected Craig to pass. Nancy (sister) spent the night with me and all day here. His blood pressure was very low and all signs were that he was close. His children all arrived by the afternoon, and it seemed as if he held on for them. However, he is still with us. He is dying with his “eyes wide open” though – very conscious and aware all day (See blog from April 22). He communicated with us with his eyebrows, eyes, and body movements quite well. Our hospice nurse, Kim, was with us most of the day. Our music and art therapists came and spent time with us, with Ginny singing, and Barbara helping us understand the process. Craig began to refuse the morphine during this evening, but he does not seem to be in pain. There have been continuous apparent “mild” seizures happening. We are now doing shifts with daughters Leah and Michelle and Holly and I. Nik just left. So, we are quiet and peaceful and still expecting Craig to pass tonight. There’s probably more to say, but that’s all I can manage at the moment.

Love,

Susanne

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4 comments:

Natalie said...

Peace and love be with you both.

June 29, 2009 at 9:35 PM
Julie Iraninejad said...

You all are in our deep prayers.
We love you.
Julie

June 29, 2009 at 11:06 PM
Catherine said...

Thank you for continuing to post updates so that we can at least be with you and Craig in spirit... it must be difficult to write updates while going through so much.

June 30, 2009 at 5:38 AM
Constance said...

Susanne I lost my husband fifteen years ago. I know this is a painful time. I continue to pray for your strength and for Craig an easy passing.
Connie

June 30, 2009 at 7:04 AM

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