Rest in peace, little Snapshot.

Flowers

I thought a lot of times, people will send flowers or plants to a funeral, and never see them. So I took pictures of the ones I brought home.

Thank you all so much, they are just beautiful!!

Many of you expressed your gratitude for the blog these past couple of days. Let me tell you, it was nothing. Really. I'm so glad that you all used it and found it worth while. I wish I could have done so much more.

If the arrangement you sent is not pictured, it's because I didn't bring it home with me. They were all gorgeous and it was a knock-down drag-out to see who brought what home. =]

At any rate, for us here in the Nandell house (the younger) it has been the most difficult week. I can't imagine how difficult it will be for Bob in the coming weeks. If you have a free hour, please give him a call. If you're in the West Des Moines area, stop by.

Bob has a standing invitation to come to our house EVERY Thursday night for dinner. Nothing fancy, nothing special. Just come over and spend time.

IOW don't call or come over on a Thursday.

=D

Flower Arrangement from FHLBDM

The card says,

"For Dave Nandell:

May your memories

give you strength.

Your friends,

at Federal Home Loan Bank Des Moines

IT Department"*

*David's employer

Flower Arrangement from Dave and Tracey Foster

The card says,

"With Deepest Sympathy.

Thoughts and Prayers are with you.

Dave and Tracey Foster"*

*David and Heather's next door neighbors.

Flower Arrangement from Doug and Livi

From Doug Nandell and Olivia Gatewood*

*Bob's nephew and niece. Uncle Charlie's Kids.

Flower Arrangement from the Stephens Family

The Card says,

"With Deepest Sympathy.

Donna Stephens,

Rich, Mary & Wade Stephens

Sandra and Family,

Bruce Stephens"*

*Heather's Family

Snapshot

It seems that all this time, little Snapshot the dog, has been holding out to take care of his Mama. Now that she is gone he has taken a quick downhill turn. The poor little fella can barely get around.

Bob is calling the vet on Monday.

You were a good dog, Snappy-doodle. Go run around the great big Barking Lot in the sky.

Diane's obituary

http://www.desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/dclassifieds?Dato=20100916&Kategori=Obituaries&Class=30&Type=CAT1320&Lopenr=100900396&Selected=15

Diane passed away this morning at 9:01. Her family was with her until the end.

The visitation will be from 5-7pm on Friday Sept. 17, 2010
at McLaren's Resthaven Chapel
801 19th St.
West Des Moines, IA

(see below for map)

The funeral will be held at 10 am on Saturday Sept. 18, 2010
at Grace West Church
6820 Ashworth Road
West Des Moines, IA


View Larger Map



View Larger Map

Nearing a finale....

Both the RN nurse and the health care nurse were here this morning to care for Diane. The compound ointment spread on the skin of the forearm so meds can be used without involving the digestive tract are working well and she is more comfortable. Right now she is nestled in totally clean bedding with a fresh nightie on, and old Snapshot the dog is on the bed 'guarding his momma.'

Friday update

As Diane's condition weakens we are ramping up the home health care nurse visits to every other day to assist in bathing, bedding. Also upgrading meds, particularly for supplies on weekends, which, it seems, is when downturns occur. -

Diane just had an intense 15 minute session of lucidity and happiness. I was able to tear the gate off the bedroom fast, get her into her wheelchair, and not only get her out to the four seasons room but out onto the deck into sunshine and she was able to say hi to Joy Gicoff, our dear neighbor, who was astonished to see her, and it made her day. She got to see her doggies romp in the sunshine, got to see her flowers. Then she got to see what I have done to the living room, kitchen, bathroom. She was so happy to see the pretty kitchen table cleaned off and polished. Then, we got her back into the room and into the bed. She collapsed into my arms, and had a fairly intense early evening (this is the regular time with or without meds) barf, and fell back and drifted into a deep sleep. I will treasure these few precious minutes on a gorgeous autumn day where the cool clean air is drifting through the room, the house smells great, looks great, and for a few precious minutes, Diane, with her hair brushed, one of her prettiest nighties on, and happy, was able to see her house, her dogs, her garden. We may not get another chance like this, so I made the most of it. She smiled. Just seeing her smile for the first time in days was a gift this day from the Lord to me, and through my despair of the situation gives me the grit to keep on doing what I have been doing. She deserves nothing less.

Sunday

Update: Sunday. David and his family were here today to see Diane. Fortunately David's boys were able to get our Basenji dogs to go out in the backyard and run off some steam. They think they're a bit forlorne because Bob doesn't have time to give them adequate pet-pet time.

Unfortunately Diane has had a bad afternoon with some repeated bouts of nausea.

She is finally resting comfortably now into the evening. She is quite exhausted from the day.

Heather's update:

Senator Charles Grassley called while we were there. He was concerned about Diane. Just thought I'd throw that in there.

Thursday Update from Bob

Diane has reached another turning point in her battle with the cancer, according to the attending Mercy Hospice nurse. She got a nice hair shampoo and in-bed bath today from the home health-care nurse. It appears that our time is growing short.