Asking for light and blessings for my father-in-law

[LiberalEsto]

John is almost 89 years old. His birthday is May 31, but he is very ill and we don't think he will make it to his birthday. It looks like he could go at any time.

Last week he was admitted to the hospital in New Jersey with abdominal pains. The surgeons had to remove part of his intestines. Since then he's been in and out of icu, back in again, and last night he had a major heart attack. His kidneys are functioning poorly.

My husband is driving up there tomorrow morning to join his brothers and sisters. I can't go, unfortunately.

I fervently wish John a peaceful and painless passage, if this is his time to depart.

[Mnemosyne]

1. A peaceful and painless passage for John.

[yellerpup]

2. Peace to John and to all those who love him.

He is so happy to know how well you think of him.

[magical thyme]

3. may his departure be swift and painless...

Light and love to John and all his family.

[LiberalEsto]

4. Thank you for your good wishes

John seemed to be doing a little better yesterday. He managed to talk and eat some Jello, his first "solid" food in 11 days. Nobody knows whether he will recover, but at least everyone is getting a chance to see him. I'm heading up to NJ in a couple of hours.

[OneGrassRoot]

5. Safe travels, and continued prayers...

for John and the entire family.

[Habibi]

6. Peace to John and his family!

Thank you for bringing it to our attention. I hope he recovers! If that is not the way of things, may he pass surrounded by his loving family, sending him on his way with light and love, and thoughts of "Til we meet again!"

[LiberalEsto]

7. Update: We just got back from visiting John in the hospital

His doctor told us there is no hope that he will recover. Some of Dave's sisters and brothers are taking turns staying with John at all times to oversee his care.

Unfortunately he is in a lot of pain, because they won't give him enough morphine.

Bless you for your good wishes!

LiberalEsto

[LiberalEsto]

8. Second update: John has been moved to a hospice

Since the family was told by the doctor yesterday that there was no hope of John's recovering from his present condition, I did a little research and found an inpatient hospice right by the hospital that had some good reviews. I ran the information past my husband at work, then left a message about it with my sister-in-law, who has power-or-attorney for her father.

They (two of my husband's sisters and eldest brother) decided it was a good idea, and discussed it at their meeting with the doctor this afternoon. It was decided to move him there right away.

Now John is getting enough pain medication to be comfortable, and is in a large, private, comfortable room. There's no hassle about visitors like there was at the hospital. That's a problem when one had eight grown children, 25 grandchildren, and numerous great-grandchildren.

None of us could bear to see him suffering, and I am much relieved. At least he has a chance of spending his final days, or hours, in some kind of peace.

Thanks again for your good vibes and wishes for my father-in-law!

[LiberalEsto]

9. Update: John passed away Friday afternoon

The hospice did everything possible to reduce his pain and keep him comfortable over the past four days. He received Catholic last rites from a priest on Tuesday. There were three of his sons, two daughters and a son-in-law at his side when he died. They say he seemed peaceful.

Thank you all for your good wishes and good vibes and blessings. I'm sure they helped John's passage.