I’m sorry, but I don’t have a photo for today.
First, I want to let you know that our friend Kathy from Iowa lost her father last Monday. Let’s all send her our prayers, love, and support.
Late in the day yesterday, I learned that my dear friend Jan has Stage 4 pancreatic cancer, which has most likely spread to her liver and stomach. It’s also likely that there is multiple myeloma in her bone marrow. She has decided against any chemotherapy and the doctors have recommended hospice/palliative care. My friend Joe has been her rock and has found a studio in the assisted living section of the complex in which Jan was living because she’s going to need 24/7 care. He will have to close up her apartment and move what he can to her studio. All of this has to be dealt with in the next 4 or 5 days, so that she can be transported there when the hospital releases her.
Probably too much information, but that’s pretty much all that’s on my mind today.
So, that will be it for today, my friends.
Stay safe.
Happy Saturday.
Barrie says
Today seems like a day for reflection. I’m so sorry to hear of the passing of Kathy’s father and the more definitive diagnosis of your friend Jan. I send caring thoughts.
Claudia says
Thank you, Barrie.
Stay safe.
Ellen D. says
I’m sorry to hear about your friend, Jan. I’m glad she has someone to help her get the care she needs. I’m glad that Joe can reach out to you and have someone to talk to about this. He sounds like a wonderful person.
Claudia says
Thank you, Ellen.
Stay safe.
Kay in SE Wisconsin says
So sorry about Kathy’s father. And the news about your friend. Jan is lucky in having such good friends. A bitterly cold day like today is a perfect time to think warm thoughts about your years of friendship with her. Take care of yourself.
K.
Claudia says
Thank you for your kind words, Kay.
Stay safe.
Donnamae says
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Kathy’s father. My heart goes out to her. And to you Claudia, regarding your friend Jan. Thankful that she has
Joe to help in this journey. My heart goes out to all of you.
Claudia says
Thank you so much, Donnamae.
Stay safe.
Barb says
How blessed they are to have a friend indeed.
Claudia says
Thank you, Barb.
Stay safe.
Wendy T says
I’m sorry to read about the death Kathy’s father. My regards to her as a fellow blog reader. I hope her journey of grief is much supported.
Thank you for sharing the awful news about Jan. Joe is a steadfast friend. I hope Jan’s hospice care will be as loving and gentle as was my dad’s.
And, you, Claudia…I hope you will be good to yourself and create positivity right now. You’re dealing with a lot of sadness.
Claudia says
Thank you, Wendy. I appreciate your words.
Stay safe.
kaye says
I am so sorry for the loss Kathy’s father. I send my condolences.
My heart breaks for you and all those who love and treasure your friend Jan.
Take Care,
Kaye
Claudia says
Thank you for your kind words, Kaye.
Stay safe.
Elaine in Toronto says
Such sad news about Kathy’s dad and your friend Jan. Life is really tough sometimes. Stay strong. Love and hugs, Elaine
Claudia says
Thank you, Elaine.
Stay safe.
Dottie in Georgia says
I am so sorry about your friend, Claudia. I am also sorry to hear about the passing of Kathy’s father. Kathy has been very kind in sending supportive messages to many in our network of readers of your blog. I believe we consider each other dear friends even though we haven’t met. I will be praying for the peace that passes understanding for Kathy and for you, Claudia, as you face the dark days ahead.
Claudia says
Thank you, Dottie.
Stay safe.
Denise says
We lost a very dear friend to pancreatic cancer just a few months ago. It is a very cruel disease, which often seems to be diagnosed late and takes people’s lives very quickly. My best to you and your friends.
Claudia says
Thank you, Denise.
Stay safe.
jeanie says
So much sadness in the start of this new year. My deepest condolences and healing wishes to Kathy. Loss of a parent is a tough one at any time or age and I send big hugs, too.
And big hugs to you as well. That same feeling of “tough” is equal for the loss of a dear friend and while there may still be time, knowing there is little really is shattering. Our own vulnerabilities on aging are brought to the forefront as we see our peer group face such sad experiences. I’m deeply saddened to hear about Jan. Your friend Joe sounds equally amazing, generous in love, time and support. Sending love your way.
Claudia says
Oh yes – I’ve been feeling that vulnerability.
Thank you, Jeanie.
Stay safe.
Betsy B says
Prayers ascending for all. <3
Claudia says
Thank you, Betsy.
Stay safe.
Jenny says
I’m so sorry to hear all that news, Claudia. Prayers lifted for Kathy and also for Jan. I think Jan is making the right decision. I pray she has effective medicine for all her needs and that she is able to experience much comfort and even joy.
Claudia says
Thank you, Jenny.
Stay safe.
Carol says
I’m so sorry to hear about Kathy’s Dad and your friend Jan. Prayers to everyone involved. Hugs and love.
Claudia says
Thank you, Carol.
Stay safe.
Linda MacKean says
Sorry to hear about Kathy’s father. So hard to lose a parent. Wishing peace for your friend Jan. My back has been out for days and I’m so ready to be able to do something hopefully soon. Stay warm and safe.
Claudia says
Praying that you heal quickly, Linda.
Stay safe.