The days seem to go by so fast. The weekends are full with our kids home. The Hospice nurse came Saturday to hook Neal up to some fluids. After she left we loaded Neal up in the car and went to see Collin’s home soccer game. We stayed in the car and Neal reclined to watch. It was a little much for Neal when we got home but he was thankful to see Collin play. The bereavement counselor came in the afternoon which we found to be very helpful. A couple things he said stood out to me: 1) There aren’t stages of grief (that’s a myth). We all respond differently and there is no right or wrong way. 2) You don’t get over the loss but get through it. He also told us that this is the time to make sure our relationship is right with Neal. We talked about what is difficult for each of us. Even within one family we are responding differently but it is neat that our kids are there for each other.
Monday my parents came for a visit. They drove up from Florida and are staying with my sister in the Chicago area. There’s nothing like seeing mom and dad for support. The nurse came while they were here. We are adjusting Neal’s meds so we can stay ahead of the nausea and pain. The aid also came and gave Neal a sponge bath.
The kids went back to their homes yesterday. So this morning it was Collin and I to maneuver Neal from the bed in the guest room where we have been sleeping to the living room couch. It didn’t go very smoothly so Neal agreed that it was time for the hospital bed. It arrived this afternoon. This should provide easier sleep, easier ability to move positions and alleviate some pain associated with moving from one place to another.
Neal has been blessed by so many kind words through cards and emails and the blog. We are truly blessed.
On the journey,
Trish
Trish, Thank you so much for lunch and having us enjoy some special time with you and Dr. Neal. It was special for all of us in our own way. God is good and you and the family are in all our prayers. Love you all.
Linda C
Neal – we feel so blessed to have gotten to know you and your beautiful wife. You are an inspiration to us – we will be forever greatful to you for your guidance and prayers throughout our journey. God Bless you and Trish.
Love, Julie and Ernie
Your family continues to be truly inspiring. When I read the updates, it brings tears to my eyes, it is wonderful to see such strength, courage, and strong faith. We continue to pray for peace for your family and comfort for you during these last days. You were a great man to work for and I learned so much in the time I worked for you, but I have gained so much more watching you travel down this road so strongly in your faith. Thank you for sharing this journey with so many of us. God Bless you and your family.
Neal—believe it or not, for once, I am at a loss for words. When I walked into your office so many, many years ago I thought I was meeting my new dentist. Instead I met an amazing man who became like family, a man with an incredible sense of humor who appreciates a good laugh even when it is at your own expense. I am in awe of your ability to give of yourself even now. I truly cannot put into words the footprint you leave on my heart. I recently found a quote that spoke to me that has helped me look at the past years in a new light and one that I will keep close in the weeks to come…
“Death doesn’t end the relationship, it simply forges a new type of relationship, one based not on physical presence but on memory, spirit and love”.
I pray every day for your safe journey. Please know that you have given so many people a reason to smile that had nothing to do with your dental prowess. So…it appears I have not lost my words and you now know that with all kidding aside, you truly have a special place in my heart. Plus, it is hard not to think of you at least two times a day when I brush and floss. You will always remain unforgettable!
Dr. Neal and Trish,
I am so, so sorry to hear of this news. I was in the office this week when I heard. You have touched so many people. I really enjoyed interviewing you for local articles. More than what you told me about the specifics for my stories that were take-aways for me was the overwhelming calmness and sureness of your faith that permeates in your life. You both are living witnesses of God’s love, and I am just so sad to know that this is the course of life you are having to endure right now. My kids still talk about the fifty cent piece you pulled from their ears when they first went to the dentist as young children. You are in our prayers so very much. God bless you and hold you tight.
The Blesy Family
Neal and Trish
We love you all so much!
We pray that God’s Spirit would gently wash over each one of you, giving each of you exactly what you need–for today and every day–as He has known each of you since the day you were formed in the womb.
Neal, as we think of you, we think how you and Trish have relied on God to walk in the way that the Lord spoke as He sent the people of Israel into the promised land. “Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:8
I continue to pray hourly for you all during the day–may God continue to give each of you courage, peace, and, yes, joy.
Much love, Aunt Gene and Uncle Keith
Neal (and Trish: I just was thinking about you and your family and got caught up on your blog posts. I want to share my love and prayers and warm thoughts. I hold fast to God’s promise to be with you all and carry you through the rest of the journey here on earth. And also to be hopeful for what’s ahead – the best part – to be with Our Lord. I cherish our friendship from Taylor; will forever remember your yellow Pacer; our Pres/VP roles of the junior class and Donkey Basketball! You are such a great person! To God be the glory. God Bless you and may you feel His presence and peace. Love, Peggy Houghtaling Denham
Dr. Neal and Trish,
Thank you for having us all over on Tuesday. It was a special time for sure. Please know that we are praying for strength and Peace for you and your whole family. May God Bless You in a Might Way during this difficult time.
Deb S.
Parying for strength for your family…
Psalm 18:2
The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
Neal,
As time winds down and I don’t know if I’ll have the chance to speak to you again, I just wanted you to know that I am incredibly grateful for you. Thank you for setting such an incredible example for everyone, but especially for your son and my son-in-law, Grant. Thank you for leading by example, for showing him how to be a good husband, to love and respect his wife, my daughter and how to share in the responsibilities of the household. Thank you for showing him how take time in life to have fun, to play games, to be competitive, to laugh. Thank you for showing him a father’s love that he can now show his children, our grandchildren, Lane and Corbin. Thank you for being a role model for having a good work ethic and morals that are so lacking today. Thank you for accepting Jenni into your family with open arms, for treating her as your very own. Rest assured that I will take very strongly the obligation we hold as grandfathers to Lane and Corbin, to love and nurture them, and to help them toward the path of salvation in Jesus Christ, and to give them any guidance and counsel in life that they may need. See you in the life to come!
Neal, Thanks for your words of encouragement and inspiration following my stroke, it helped me focus on what’s important. I pray for peace and serenity for you and your family. BTW- I still remember you driving that goofy Pacer (a classic now) in high school. You’re in our thoughts and prayers.