Our Mom on Mother's Day 2008

It's hard not to post a note or two and tell you how Mama is doing, so today I thought I would share a favorite picture. We met for Mother's day and had dinner in Gladwin this year. We had a nice time. It's great to have nice times to remember.
I will see most of you tomorrow.

Hug your Mother if she is near

Sharon

Nellie Grey 1923-2008

Nellie D. Grey, age 85, of Gladwin, MI, passed away on Wednesday, November 12, 2008 at Mid Michigan Medical Center – Midland Campus. She was born on January 8, 1923 in Gladwin Township the daughter of Stanley and Gertrude (Hetherington) Breault.

Nellie was a member of the Cornerstone Baptist Church, active in volunteering at the Sacred Heart Mission. She enjoyed hunting, mushrooming and was a family oriented person. Many people were supported by her prayers.

She was preceded in death by her parents and husband Perry Grey.

She is survived by her children Sharon and James Martin of Manistee, MI; Marlene Lawrence of Battle Creek, MI; Susan and Donald Wade of Clare, MI; Greig Grey of Midland, MI and Creig and Connie Grey of Mt. Pleasant, MI. Nellie is also survived by 12 grandchildren; 27 great grandchildren and 5 great great grandchildren plus spouses which total 65 .

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 15, 2008 at 11:00 A.M. at the Cornerstone Baptist Church with Pastor Tony Alexander officiating. Visitation will be held on Friday, November 14, 2008 from 3-8 P.M. at the Sisson Funeral Home. Family visitation is from 1-3 P.M. Interment will be in Sherman Township Cemetery.

Directions to the funeral home can be obtained at the website of; http://www.sissonfuneralhome.com

Directions to the church is from the intersection of M-18 and M-61 in downtown Gladwin go north on M-18 6.8 miles- just after M-18 turns left, then turn right onto F-97 or Round Lake Rd. The church is 8/10 of a mile on the left- Gladwin Cornerstone Baptist 3925 Round Lake Rd, Gladwin, MI 48624 .

Sunday Meeting and Treatment Plan

Marlene, Greig, Susan, Don, Connie and I met with Dr. Jones first then together with Dr. Yaddim. Much was discussed and a treatment plan outlined for the near term.

• Mom has to eat properly and has not been. Jones has asked for the nurses to assist her. They have been under the impression that she needs the exercise- so she is not getting proper nutrition.
• The drain in her right lung either needs repositioned or a new one placed. That is responsible for her fluid build-up on her lung and causing respiratory distress.
• They are starting an IV that will provide protein and "pull" fluid buildup from her cells- lungs and other areas like her swollen left arm. I think the plan is to put in a PIC line tomorrow.

Once these show some results then she will have to get moving in rehab. Right now she does not have enough strength to eat properly. Over the past few weeks Mom has had some peaks and some valleys in this whole ordeal- but overall she has had a decline in her overall status.

My impression is that Mom remains in good spirits but is getting very tired. This has been a long process and it is taking it's toll.

Creig

Friday Night Report

Well, as you can see by the creative-less tone of my title, the report tonight is that of continuing difficult days for Mama in the hospital. There are bright spots such as her breathing is better, and the fluids seem to be leaving, but now she must fight once more to regain strength thru the hard work of Physical Therupy. Marlene is with her this weekend, Don and Susan are home sleeping tonight after spending most of 2 days at the hospital, and I am sure Creig and Connie will visit this weekend also. We will be going down during the week when working age people have to work.

Greig has been our eyes and ears for the past weeks when we cannot be with Mama, he tries to catch the doctors so he can keep up with the reports and pass them on to the rest of us. He is also very observent, and is quick to notice changes which might need to be addressed. Thanks, Greig. Don has also filled in with chores like getting Mama to the doctor visits, in and out of Stratford and the hospital,and notifying us of 'situations'. Thanks Don.

And thank you again to all of you who continue to support our mom and us as we travel thru this difficult time. We ask for your continued prayers for her healing and peace.

Good night everyone

Sharon

Thursday night Report

Just a note to tell everyone that Mama is eating and resting in the hospital, and starting another round of testing. They are checking her lungs and have brought in a lung specialist-the one she had at surgery-and he sent her for more tests, and has ruled out a blood clot in her lungs, but she has some fluid in one, and is coughing. He also ordered CT scans on her arms and legs-I hope I have that right, Susan said she was down getting them when we were talking.

She has had a MRI and I am sure lots of bloodwork. Susan said she ate a good dinner and was very tired of lying in bed so they got her up in a lazy boy type chair. I will talk to her or to Susan tomorrow and keep you posted.

Thank you for your continued prayers

Sharon

Back in Room D321

Well, today Greig and I took Mom to Dr. Jones' office. She was having a hard time breathing during and after her PT this morning. At the office Dr. Jones' PA read mom's xray and listened to her lungs. She felt that her lungs had fluid in them and decided to hospitalize her again for a CT scan and blood work, which will tell how much fluid is in her system.

Before I left she was back on oxygen and already beginning to feel better. I hope this is just another bump in the road to recovery.

Don

Vincent's Birthday Surprise!

The Roaches said...

Well, WHAT A SURPRISE THAT WAS!!! I was very confused when the group of kids at my house (my kids & their cousins) opened the door and I heard someone ask, "Is your Grandma here?!?" Lo and behold, it was Uncle Creig and he had brought Great Grandma Grey to surprise all of us!! I cannot put into words what an awesome surprise it was.

Grandma and Uncle Creig joined in the festivities -- with 10 little kiddies running around ... ate a little (Grandma seemed to like the pasta & chicken parmesan and had quite an appetite) and enjoyed a cupcake. Grandma even got a tattoo, from her little tattoo artist Jacqueline (giggle!).

It was such an incredible surprise and meant so much to have her join us for Vincent's 1st birthday. She's been wonderfully faithful with celebrating the important moments in my children's lives -- we have been truly blessed to have an excellent example in her! Thank you, Grandma!!



Love, Shannon and Vincent
(Jamie & Jacqueline too).

November 1, 2008 8:10 PM