River: Colleen -- Update 3

[mdlbear]

Not much to report. She's been in a slow decline. The kids came up to visit her Saturday, and Emmy came back again yesterday. I think familiar voices cheer her up, but it's hard to tell. This afternoon she was able to blink when I asked her to, and again when I asked her to blink if she wanted a song. I sang "Lily, Rosemary, and the Jack of Hearts" and "Eyes Like the Morning". "Desolation Row" a little earlier.

She could blink, but not squeeze my hand like she could yesterday. I think she's slipping away.

They tried to get her off the ventilator, but she wasn't breathing strongly enough to get the carbon dioxide out of her blood. Tomorrow they'll try again.

Comments

[alatefeline]

I understand. I love you my friend. I'm so sorry that she seems to be slipping away. Love to Colleen.

[mdlbear]

Thank you, feline friend. She's hanging in there, so I am too.

[tibicina]

I'm so sorry. Watching someone slip away and lose function is so, so hard. I hope she rallies.

[mdlbear]

She's still in there fighting.

[spiffyvoxel]

I know exactly how you feel, Bear. *hugs*

[mdlbear]

Thanks! *hugs*

[patoadam]

My love to both of you.

[mdlbear]

Thanks!

[kaberett]

I'm so sorry.

[mdlbear]

Thanks!

[ravan]

My love to both of you. I hope she pulls out of this.

[mdlbear]

So do I. Not certain, but there are hopeful signs.

[gingicat]

*defaults to gentle purrs*

[mdlbear]

Thanks.

[amaebi]

I'm holding my thumbs hard for you both and for you all, on this voyage.

[mdlbear]

Thank you. Still rough seas ahead.

[amaebi]

It sounds like it. :/

[lemon_badgeress]

oh, bear.

[redsixwing]

*many virtual hugs*

[mdlbear]

Thanks!

[mama_kestrel]

Something I learned when my grandfather was desperately ill and needed to be kept calm: even when he couldn't respond, he could hear. So I read to him. So long as I was audible, his heart-rate stayed steady. I read for hours, anything and everything. If Colleen needs to hear your voice, read to her. If you can do so and hold her hand at the same time, so much the better; if not, watch her for the cue as to what she needs more. But your perceptible presence - touch or voice or both - are going to be her anchor to life and the world.

That time my grandfather recovered. I pray that Colleen will as well. I'll say the Mi Shebeirach for her, and send hugs and strength for you and all who love her.

[mdlbear]

Thank you. I've been singing and playing guitar most of the day. It seems to help a little more than talking.

[jtthomas]

I’m so sorry. I sincerely hope she is appreciative of the music and love right now and that she can cuddle the cats again soon enough.

[mdlbear]

Thanks! She definitely appreciates the music -- I can tell.

[jtthomas]

At least it is a small comfort.

[jcfiala]

I'm very sorry, and I understand. I was hoping for better, and I'll keep hoping for both of you.

Thank you for taking the time to let us know, and take care of yourself.

[mdlbear]

Thanks! I'll try. Writing is part of my self-care, so it works out.

[madfilkentist]

I know how hard it must be. My thoughts are with both of you.

[mdlbear]

Thanks!

[ellenmillion]

Sending so much love.

[kshandra]

Thinking of all of you.

[kellan_the_tabby]

all I can do from here is *offers lots of hugs*

[cellio]

Ouch, this sounds really tough for all involved. You are in my thoughts.

[mdlbear]

Thank you.

[archangelbeth]

*hopes*

[mdlbear]

Thank you -- I can use more of that right now.

[septemberlilac]

Thank you for the update. Hoping for the best. Tell Colleen a lot of people out here love her.

[annathepiper]

I've been catching up on your posts lately and I'm so sorry to hear about Colleen. :/ I hope she hangs in there. I'll be thinking about you both.