So long

Our last post was so upbeat...this one has sad news. Lynn passed away Thursday morning. Deborah was there with our hospice nurse and our Visiting Angel care giver, who made sure Lynn was comfortable in his final moments. Jono arrived at the apartment an hour or so later, after picking up Nicole from San Diego. The three of us began to call friends and family. Dana, Meghan and Jess arrived later Thursday night. Lynn was diagnosed with lung cancer in July, 2013 - and managed through the disease with grace, wit, and an ongoing concern for those around him. He had a few things he wanted to complete before his death - attending the two weddings, seeing Glacier National Park, and, if things went his way, to outlive his father, which he did.

Today, Friday, we have been completing calls, settling affairs, sending back medical equipment, returning the apartment to a more normal layout, and exploring next steps. Been grateful to friends and colleagues who have called and sent notes of love and care.

Lynn told his friend Becky Beaver on Monday how grateful he was for the past three years of being retired - enjoying bicycling, family, and the Pacific Northwest. His friends have sent thoughtful words of care and memories of Lynn's large impact on the lives of so many.

Jono will host an open house for Portland area friends and family on Monday Nov 3 4-6 pm at his home at 1204 SE 30th, Portland. Deborah will fly down to Austin on Wednesday Nov 5th. We're organizing a small informal gathering for close friends at Christy Moore's home on Sunday Nov 9th 3-5 pm at 1605 Woodlawn Blvd, Austin.

A memorial celebration will be held at 10 am Saturday December 6th 2014 at the Whisenhunt Stage art Zach Theatre in Austin.  As per our family tradition, Lynn's ashes will be scattered near Lake Ninevah in southern Vermont.

In lieu of flowers, you may send a donation in Lynn's name to one of his favorite causes - Doctors without Borders or Amnesty International.

Thanks to all of you for helping our whole family through this journey.

New routines

We're settling into new routines, as Lynn shows his characteristic force of will and continues to be aware, awake and alive. Son Jono spends a few nights here each week and has been indispensible bringing good cheer, helping hand and energy every day; daughter Dana joins us with Meghan on the weekends, and Jess and his bride Nicole will come up from San Diego in the next few days.....they are in and out every few weeks now. The Hospice team sends a nurse 2-3/times a week to evaluate Lynn's health, and provides lots of attention, supplies, advice and help. Other Hospice visitors are also terrific - providing bathing, social work, and respite times so family can take a break (last week we were able to leave Lynn on a friday night while we went to Jono's band concert - and brought back a video to play for Lynn).

We have great support from Visiting Angels so that Deborah can manage the day to day of keeping Lynn comfortable and also get time for her to be out and about.  We have fewer visitors as Lynn seeks more quiet - but he continues to enjoy having us read emails and share internet photos and jokes. We're in search of a few magic remedies so Lynn can get his voice back, otherwise just settling in to this journey which seems to have its own timeline and pathways.

Halloween is around the corner -  here's Lynn's trick from last year. He'll likely be Spiderman this year!

Transition times

Quoting from a note Lynn sent last night to a group of friends and family:

"I am transitioning to a new phase in my illness. I'm very tired and it's hard to get around. I've moved my base of operations to the living room where we have set up an electric bed to replace the electric chair. We also replaced the rickety wheelchair after a fall and now have a larger reclining wheelchair to test out. Paul, Cicily, Meghan, Dana and Jono will be here this weekend. It means a lot to know that you've called, but sometimes it gets overwhelming. Right now it may be more helpful to send an email. Deborah will read them out to me and I'll respond when I can. Much love, Lynn"

 Despite this very serious change in circumstances, Lynn continues to excercise his impish self. Last week he was totally into spiderman. He and Corey, the Visiting Angel ( a group that's been incredibly helpful providing staff at home to help me) took the light rail to get a spiderman outfit. Here's a photo of him with his mask and with Meghan and Dana.

  And he still is insistent that we water the roses on our apartment balcony every day.