Dad has transitioned to the more active stages of dying...he has become increasingly weak and exauhsted with very minimal food intake.  Thankfully his pain is well controlled on the pain pump and he has a lot of support from Hospice.  He has been able to visit with Becky, Alex & the kids and his sister, Margie, came in town --so he has been able to have some nice visits with her.  He tends to sleep most of the day, but does perk up when people come to visit.   Last week he was able to get out of bed to use a wheel chair to get to the bathroom and sit at the table to eat, btu that changed a few days ago.  He stays in the hospital bed in the living room and they have 24 hour in home help as needed.  Through it all he remains very gracious for all the help he is recieving and he continues to be the gentleman he always has been.  It is difficult to see him in this condition but we have comfort knowing he is very well cared for by Amy and the Hospice help.
This whole processes is very reminisent of mother's passing, which is very hard for Bill to see--it has only been 4 short years since we lost her.  Bill takes comfort in all your thoughts and prayers, we all do.  We know both mother and dad's memories will be kept alive through all the great memories they shared and created with us and we share those with our children.  It is also very comforting to know we will see them again...

Ali put it beautifully when she said,

 "When Poppa goes to heaven he will be all better and so happy.  We are lucky beacuse we know we will see him again and we will all be happy together!"