As more light is opening and awakening our days both figuratively and literally, I can more clearly see that which needs to be attended to. For weeks my only focus was standing by and supporting Doug, and guarding his life. Now with the crisis at bay, like Doug looking around and seeing the nurses faces, I am looking around to see what next needs to be done. There is now a little space to live outside of the narrow stream of light that is Doug's life.
My dear friends Ingrid Sitton and Sherry Barrett stepped forward and asked me if they could help to organize some friends to offer Doug companionship and care while I return to work. They met and thought through all the considerations on what a person sitting with Doug would need to know. These two wonderful women have been ministering to us since we first decided to get HSCT for Doug. They were the main organizers of our fundraisers. They have literally been the wind beneath our wings as we began this pilgrimage and now as we continue on the path.
Ingrid has agreed to be responsible for organizing people to be with Doug, so that I won't have to worry about the schedule and so that I can attend to work, Doug and my family. I have decided to go back to work on February 1, 2017. I will only be working 19 hours a week. And so for now, I am thinking my schedule will be 8 to 4 on Mondays and Tuesdays and 8:30 to 11:30 on Wednesdays. Doug really does not need anyone with him before 9 or 9:30. And so I think that there will be two, 3 hour shifts on Monday and Tuesday and one shift on Wednesday morning. That would mean that we need a total of 5 volunteers a week. We don't know how long Doug will be in the hospital or rehabilitation facility. It all will depend on his recovery.
You might ask, why does Doug need someone to be with him. He said, "I would like some companionship." I think this is important for him, to keep him company but also to support him in this journey of healing. My hope is that someone would be there to scratch an itch, adjust his pillows or legs, call the nurse, and cheer him on. The staff at Vibra are wonderful. They do a very good job of caring for him, but they can't be there all the time. When Doug gets movement back he won't need anyone with him all the time. Regular visits from friends will be enjoyable for him. So many of you have asked about what you could do. This is something that would be so wonderful for both of us.
You don't need to know anything special to volunteer. You are only there as a friend. For his health, we have to be vigilant to keep germs away. It is important that all visitors are well and have not been around a person who is sick or feel like you might be getting sick. If you have been sick, it is best to wait a week before visiting. Sickness, could be catastrophic for Doug's health. Right now he is healthy; just finishing the antibiotics from his pneumonia. We have to protect him from getting sick again. When going to visit you should leave your coat and purses in the bathroom, in his room (I put my things on the shower seat), as these clothes may carry germs. You need to wear clean clothes. Before entering the room you need to carefully sanitize your hands. Hand shakes are fine if you have sanitized, but it is probably best not to hug. As a companion you are there as a friend. Doug is an extrovert and loves visiting with his friends. You don't have to provide care outside of helping him with an itch or a pillow re-position. When the staff provide personal care please step outside the room. If he is tired he may need to nap. He tires very easily. Please know that Doug is talking and very able to communicate his needs. You don't have to anticipate his needs. I will leave a log book for you to sign. If you have considerations or concerns you may put them in the book and I will attend to them while I am there. I will be there after work each day.
If you feel like you can help out, instead of contacting me, would you please call Ingrid? She will let me know who is visiting and when.
Her home number is: 898-4776
Her cell number is: 867-8351
Providing love and companionship for Doug is the greatest gift you can offer us right now. I will be so thankful for your help. With the skills of the Vibra staff and the love of his friends and family, I know he will do well. Together, we will weave the light of healing around him and cocoon him in our love. For now I think we should only schedule the month of February. It is very hard to know when he will be well enough to leave there. One step at a time... Bless you my friends!
And so we pray:
God of life and light, your warmth and brightness stretches and fills the night sky. We are drawn to gaze upon you and to wonder. Who are you; what do you call us to? Guide us as we seek you. Heal the parts of us that need healing. Fill us with hope and joy, knowing that your presence is always with us seen or unseen. And as Doug sleeps this night light his dreams with your presence. Comfort and protect him, help him to know he is never alone. In your name we ask it. Amen
Thanks for the kind comments. Ingrid and I, with so many loving, caring people ....literally hundreds have stepped up to support two incrediable people who have given so much to enrich so many others through their ministries, we are so thankful we can Assist in any way to walk this incredible path with you. True faith, never ending hope and cradling love lights the way...all of us wish to hold you up as you have done all your lives for others. Please dear God, let us lighten the load and soften this path to healing for these two. Guide us to bring all the many talents and precious time to your service for these dear ones. And so another day begins......
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