4th Week of October 2023

 It was decided the blisters that turned to sores on my leg are shingles.  It will be 4 weeks Thursday.  They are healing, but they have sure been sore.

My brother, Mark Mintun, fell on October 18 and could not get up.  He had received chemo therapy 5 days in a row the week before.  It made him sick and very weak.  He was able to call his son, Joe, who took him to the ER, and he was admitted.  Blood tests were very unfavorable, and it was determined he had pneumonia and a bad infection which they could not locate but felt it was in his kidneys.  We visited him in the hospital Friday and Saturday.  He was very subdued and confused.  He has not asked for a cigarette yet (a week) which is very unlike him.  We stayed with him until bedtime then went to his condo to sleep - Joe slept in his room with him.  We went back Sunday morning.  He was more alert and talkative - cussing which was a good sign.  However, he was still very confused.  Tom flew in from Florida Sunday morning - Joe picked him up.  Mark was alert and able to visit with us, Joe and Tom, however, after we left to drive home around 11 a.m., he went to sleep and has not woken up.  Joe, Tom and I decided prior to us leaving in conjunction with the doctor, Mark should be moved to comfort care, as he cannot recover from this - the cancer progression, pneumonia and infection will not allow him to regain any kind of quality of life.  The doctor said he could make it 2 days, 2 weeks or 2 months - hard to tell.  After meeting with hospice, it was decided after he is no longer able to stay in the hospital, he will be moved to DeGraff Hospice House which is next door to the hospital.   So hard - we love you, Mark.

Garrison had a big weekend - guest played on the other ABA 12U team and pitched a shut out - 100 pitches for the weekend and had a lot of strike outs.  His ABA Piper team sold beads at the Chiefs game on Sunday during tailgating time as a fundraiser - made $2,200.  So proud of him.

Peyton had a good weekend too.  Finished her driving classes and qualifies to get her restricted license when she turns 15!  So proud of her.  She marched at the Glow Show with her band - see picture.  We were unable to attend, but I hear it was cool.   

Garrison is practicing the euphonium which he plays in his 6th grade band.  He also takes guitar lessons.  Peyton continues to play clarinet in the high school band and takes piano lessons.

We are blessed - God is good!