Bill passed away this morning. He went peacefully in his sleep. Even though I thought I was prepared, it was pretty overwhelming. He was stirring around 3:00 a.m. and I got up to give him some more pain medication. I sat with him and held his hand for about and hour while he settled down and seemed comfortable again. He did squeeze my hand, at least I would like to believe that he did.

When I awoke this morning to check on him he was gone. He finally made his peace. He fought a very long, painful battle and didn't really complain very much, he never was bitter and tried to keep a positive attitude throughout the fight.

We will hold visitation on Friday at the Highland Funeral Home on Taylorsville Rd from 2-4 and 6-8. The funeral mass will be at St. Agnes Church on Newburg Rd at 1:00. I want to thank all of the many family and friends who have been praying for him and sending positive thoughts throughout this ordeal. I know he is at peace now, and soon I hope I too will have that peace.

It's been a rough week for all of us here at the Nolan home.  We're holding vigil by Bill's  living room bedside but it is not easy to see him this way.  I don't think he is in much pain which is a good thing, but he is not really awake or coherent very much of the time either.  To put it bluntly, we are watching him deteriorate and the feeling of helplessness is overwhelming at times.  

 

We're (the kids and I) trying to stay positive, remembering stories and good times, looking through the pictures from a lifetime together and sometimes that works for a while.  We are lucky in that we have so many family members and friends offering their love and support.  We know we are blessed in that respect, thank you.  I feel as if we have actually been grieving for the past 18 months and sometimes I think I'm going to run out of steam.  But I guess God knows how much a person can take and hopefully I can remain strong for as long as it takes.  

Hosparus (Hospice) is a wonderful resource from where we sit.  They have already been a huge help and their services extend beyond the medication and medical equipment.  We are grateful for their support.  

I hope this part doesn't linger.  I think he has suffered enough.  Holly

Home Again!

We were able to bring Bill home from the hospital last night.  He was glad to be home, and we have set up a bed in the living room for him with the couch nearby for me.  Hospice is helping us to care for him at home now.  He has fought a long and very difficult battle.   He is very weak, but fortunately the Docs have been able to control his intolerable pain and he is able to rest comfortably here at home.  

The past 18 months have been rough on all of us.  Right now my emotions are all over the place.  We are so grateful for the prayers and support, cards, visits and positive thoughts along the course of this journey from our friends and family.  Our priority right now is to keep Bill comfortable, pain free and surrounded by love.