Diary: April 29-May 7

Tomorrow, Jeff, Mark and Ginny, Michael and CJ, Paul and Dawn (and Family), will be meeting over at Emmanuel Wesleyan Church at 10am. The Memorial Service begins at 11am. We will celebrate a life that has been rich in love, laughter, and spiritual truth. It has been quite a journey. Last May, Eunice called me after a Dr. appointment and asked me to meet her at the apartment. I had a feeling on my drive over that the news was not good. That day she told me that she had 3-6 months to live. We cried so hard. Then we got the idea to ask the Lord for more time. We prayed right then. God gave us the extra time we wanted, and she invested it well. At her next appointment we asked Dr. Heath how "the end" would be and he told us that once Eunice's liver stopped functioning, she would fall into a deep sleep and that would be right near the end. That day we walked out to the parking lot at the Cancer Center and danced a jig. She wanted to go out to celebrate God's goodness! During dinner she said, "I don't dread the future now. I know this is a merciful thing God has done for me." As I said in an earlier update, "She has shown me how to accept God's will with grace and dignity."

At 7pm Eunice left this earth to be with her Lord and Savior. We knew at 2pm that the time was drawing near, so we sang songs and praises around her bed. We prayed for God to show His mercy and favor to His sweet servant, and He surely did. My friend Martha read scripture to her most of the afternoon. Martha told me that she asked the Lord to show me by some sign that Eunice was safe and happy. Our Hospice nurse arrived at 6:55pm, went to her side and began to take out her stethoscope. As she was preparing to check vital signs, Paul and I stood at the foot of her bed. She exhaled 3 times and began to raise her hand slightly, as though she were reaching out for something. Just as suddenly she settled into her pillow and a smile came to her face. Our hospice nurse prepared her body for our children who were due to arrive home in 20 minutes. When they arrived home and saw her at peace, they cried for JOY. We sang Holy, Holy, Holy and Trust and Obey as we stood around her bed. Her passage was just as beautiful as her life. Even now there is a Holy Quietness in our home. I'm thinking back to Martha's prayer and the sweet smile on Eunice's face. I'm thanking God for that little sign, I believe the smile was put there by Him.

Mark and Jeff will be here in the morning to set a time for the memorial service and we will keep you informed about the family plans. Just let me say thank you once again for all of your prayers, meals, and the medical help from my friends Mary Ward, and Martha Pelish. Eunice was blessed by every act of kindness shown to her over these past few weeks, and so was our family.

Mark and Colin were away for the day so there was no one available to update the website until now. Saturday was rather routine with morning devotions, bath, and medicines every 2 hours. But I had a real treat! My friend, Martha, (an R.N.) came for 4 hours. She was such a blessing for both Eunice and me. Eunice has not responded verbally to anything since Wednesday afternoon. I know she hears us, though, because she scrunches up her face when we tell her it is time to turn her. Martha was so gentle and efficient that today for the first time, Eunice remained relatively relaxed while being turned. Her body has become stiff and sore from lying in bed, that is why it bothers her to be moved. The air mattress is helping to keep her more comfortable, too.

Bonnie is due to arrive at 8:00am and stay until 2:00pm. This will give the Campbell family time to go to church together. There is NOTHING like being with God's people on the Sabbath Day to strengthen our hearts for the things we will face next week. Eunice still has all of her emails read to her. It strengthens all of us when we read the words, "We continue to pray for all of you."

Last week when Mark and I were sitting with her, Eunice said, I'm so tired." I asked her if she was tired of her body and she said, "Yes." I asked her if she wanted to be able to dance again, and she said,yes!'' Ecclesiastes 3:4 states that there is a time to weep, and a time to laugh, a time to mourn, and a time to dance. If she could, I think she would tell me, "It is time to dance."

Eunice had a very peaceful sleep. She is not struggling in any way. One thing we have noticed is how young her face looks because she is totally relaxed. Just in case she can still hear me I keep telling her how beautiful she is! Today our Hospice nurse is bringing us a new air bed mattress to place beneath Eunice. It will fit on the bed she is currently using. This will help with circulation and keep Eunice from having to be turned so often. Until Eunice stops breathing we will read all of her emails to her. I want to believe that she can still take in all the love you are sending her way.

Today is sunny with temps in the low 70's. The windows are open and the breezes continue to fluff her hair and bed sheets. She loves mornings like this.

Today is May 2nd. Fourteen years ago today we went to Washington International Airport to pick up our daughter, Katy, and become known to her as "Mommy and Daddy." She is a treasure for sure, so today we celebrate with cake and a friend is bringing our dinner.

Today was such a beautiful day here in the Roanoke area. Eunice's bed (the headboard) rests in front of a window. I had her window open and the breezes flowed in and ruffled her hair throughout the day. She is sleeping in a very deep restful sleep. She hasn't responded to any of our questions nor did she flinch when she was being turned today. Her rest is almost a holy hush. Even though she does not appear to be connected to the world around her, we have still read to her today (all those lovely Emails!) and she had a bath and her hair brushed. Our family (Paul, Dawn, Colin, Paul Burton, and Katy) gathered for prayer (today is the National Day of Prayer) and included prayers for mercy.

Our night time nurse help, Bonnie, has been such a great relief. We got a full night's sleep for the first time in 3 weeks and it was everything we needed. Bonnie has a sweet, gentle, voice and talks to Eunice as though she can hear everything. Before she gives medication, she always tells her what she is going to do. I appreciate her kindness and consideration.

Throughout this whole ordeal Eunice has remained steadfast in her faith. She woke up a few days ago and was staring over my right shoulder, I was the only one in the room. At first I thought she was just not focusing when she asked, "who is that sitting beside you?" Later that day she asked the same thing. I asked, "Eunice, is it an angel?" Before she could answer she fell back to sleep. Since that time I have talked to several people who work with Hospice and many times patients speak about things they are beginning to see that we can not see with our earthly eyes. I think it is just like our merciful God to send comfort to her in that way. I will post any changes tomorrow before noon. Thank you again for keeping all of us in your prayers.

Love Dawn (on behalf of Mark and family, and Jeff we thank you with all of our hearts for your kindnesses)

Mom had a good day today. Kelly (the Hospice nurse) was at the Campbell's from 1:30 to 3:00 PM. Dawn gave Mom a bath. She even added tiny bit of rouge and lipstick, saying they were playing "dress up." Mom has not responded verbally today, unlike earlier days. Kelly said her blood pressure was low and she's had a fever, but Kelly said that's to be expected. We hired a night nurse to take care of Mom starting tonight. Mom needs to be turned in her bed every 2 hours which is the main reason for needing a night nurse. Bonnie arrived at 4:00 PM and will stay until 7:00 AM tomorrow morning. She came early today so the Campbell's could go to church tonight.

Also, the wind blew a lot all day. Mom loves it. The Campbell's left the windows open for her.

Morning: Katy sent me another picture from the birthday party that the folks from Hospice put on for Mom on April 8. Click here to see it.