Dust to Dust

This afternoon at 3 PM we laid Brian's body to rest in the Palmer cemetery. This was primarily a family event. Officiating were the pastors from the Church in the Wildwood. Details about a memorial service will follow.

Present With the Lord

Jennifer just called to say that Brian went to be with the Lord at 3:53 PM this afternoon- Friday the 29th. She was by his side holding his hand.

There will be more details about a memorial service later.

Dr. Lester Speaks

Family members have requested that I provide a statement about Brian's medical condition since our multiple discussions over this week. I have had the distinct pleasure to care for Brian on several occasions while at St. Elias during the last few months. Unfortunately, Brian has progressively deteriorated despite all of our best medical efforts. In the last few weeks, it became obvious, that Brian was not going to recover to any level of significant function. The "Brian" that everyone remembers and loves, is not the Brian that is here today. Brian has significant deficits in his brain function from his previous infection(s) and a newly suspected stroke to his brainstem. As a result he is markedly impaired. His respirations are erratic, he is unable to communicate, he does not make any purposeful movements, and he is a shell of his former self. Many discussions with family and loved ones were held at the hospital over this very difficult week for Brian. Based upon decisions from family members who felt they knew what Brain would have wanted, he was made DNR (do not resuscitate). I believe Brian's wishes are being upheld by his devoted family and that the right decision is being made to make him comfortable, and not provide any further life sustaining treatment. Brian's medical condition is terminal, but he appears to be at peace. I believe Brian would be proud of his family's support, unrelenting devotion, and many prayers. It has been a privilege to care for Brian and interact with loving family members. I hope this statement is able to provide a since of peace for those who loved Brian. God Bless.

DNR Status

At one o'clock in the afternoon yesterday Brian stopped breathing. Shayne had been with him about 9 AM on his carrot run and I had been with him about 11 AM on my weekly egg run. His breathing was erratic and forced so I went to the nurse who took me to Dr. Lester. He informed me that Brian's functions had been deteriorating for the last three days and he was getting ready to notify the family. He was concerned about the lack of authorization for Do Not Resuscitate status. His opinion was that if Brian's heart stopped the compressions and trauma involved to get it going again would be very hard on his system and to what avail?

I told him that I was ready to let him go and he said he would be contacting the rest of the family later in the day. I wasn't back to Palmer yet when he called and informed that Brian had stopped breathing and they put the respirator on him to try to hold him until the family could get in. About 4PM we were there and spent a good time singing, praying and reading scripture. At 5:40 PM he was taken off the respirator and his feeding tube as Pastor Greg read the 23rd Psalm. During all this time Brian hadn't opened his eyes or responded consciously in any way. He did continue breathing on his own in a very labored and shallow way and was hanging on until I left this morning at 5 AM.

I think all of us have a good feeling knowing that Brian is in God's hands now and not being propped up with our man-made efforts. God knows his days and the length thereof and will call him home when He wills.

St Elias Begins Phase Out

Yesterday afternoon Jennifer and Ray and Scott and the Associate Pastor from the Church in the Wildwood and myself met with the staff at St. Elias to discuss Brian's future. They are licensed as a twenty five to thirty day institution and would have to prove they were really helping Brian to justify reimbursement on an ongoing basis. Their analysis (and it pretty well aligned with our observations as visitors) was that for the last two weeks Brian's neurological responses have actually been declining. In the absence of infection or other contributing factors this would suggest that apart from an act of God Brian will not respond to therapy or get better.

They had three suggestions - hospice, nursing home, or assisted living. If he is moved into an extended care environment they recommended replacing the flap on his skull so it is not so vulnerable. The social worker is going to see what options are available in the Palmer area so Jennifer can know what all her options are. They were firm that Brian would not survive on his own if his feeding tube were removed.

We need to pray that the Lord will guide Jennifer and those around her.