Thursday, July 28, 2022 {This photo was taken in 2016 at Giant's Causeway in N. Ireland}

8:32 PM

Hello! Thank you for journeying with us!   (no proof reading, hope it makes sense)

  Today was so beautiful. It began when I arrived. I held Larry's hand and asked if he could squeeze. Ohhh I didn't want him to stop. It was so life giving for me and for him to be able to communicate love without words. When I played his "Caledonia" sung by Celtic Thunder, he was opening his eyes as much as he could. His feet were going, even his knees and continual attempts to open his eyes. When his eyes do open a bit, a tear always falls. I'm not over-analyzing, but it is very beautiful. I can't explain why.  Throughout the day, he tried to open his eyes. When our friends came to pick me up, they called & were shouting their "I love you Larry, we miss you, get better!" he definitely was responding to their love.

Larry's brother Gordon, from the Island had a wonderful visit with Larry. I didn't hear it, but he sang a silly song the two of them used to sing when they were young. Knowing that Larry was hearing & understanding lifts our hearts with such hope & joy, especially after the distressing struggles he's gone through. He is not coughing as much, and when he does, its still without coughing sounds. They really shook him up today 'literally'! The bed vibrated at the rate & sound of a machine gun. Actually, he enjoys that kind of thing…movement & noise. He 1st found out that I do not, when on our honeymoon, I refused to get in the vibrating bed, saying "You didn't put a quarter in that thing did you?" He said "No, I put 50 cents!" TMI from there!

 Great nurse again today, who enjoyed hearing about Larry's life as a therapist, musician, family man & Santa. They are hoping to take him completely off of the ventilator. His kidney function is still good. He responds to commands "move your feet, hands, etc." The nurse asked if he could shave his beard. "If it's necessary, or interferes with all the tubes in his mouth or nose, absolutely!" When the nurse saw Larry's Santa photo, he said he'd try to trim just enough away to make it tidy.

 I hope I didn't forget anything. I was just so filled with joy today and hearing Larry say "I love you!" without saying "I love you!" His love language to me and to you is often without words. I am so happy to relay all the beautiful messages of love, encouragement, appreciation & prayers, each day, and especially today as he made subtle motions that said "I hear you & I love you too!"

 The tremendous outpouring of loving support, that I am receiving is so incredible, but it does not surprise me. I have been blessed all of my life, surrounded by devoted family, friends and communities of generous, selfless people who 'shine' whenever anyone is in need. It's often easier to be the giver than the receiver of generosity, but I know this is Larry's & my time to receive. Your gift to us is appreciated also, by our sons & family who are so grateful for the love we are receiving in many ways, from a 'world' of people " Thank you Larry for uniting us all in such a generous, loving way!"

 OK, I'm off to finish the last of my Syrian yummies, on our balcony! My heart is so full, thank you for helping fill it!

xoxo

'Caledonia' is a song by Dougie McLean who wrote it when he became homesick for Scotland after traveling & playing music around Europe. Although it's about missing home, there is one line that has always penetrated my heart when I'd hear Larry sing it. "Let me tell you that I love you, and I think about you all the time, Caledonia your calling me, now I'm going home!" As powerful as the meaning of those words are when applied to Larry & I today, they hold me firmly to Larry as they always do, when he would sing the song, repeatedly for a good hour. Google it & think of us when you hear that line!