Update on Gwen Lyman

Left to Right- Dick, grandma, Blaine, Rosemary, Evelyn and Joyce

Mom enjoyed having her children here Jan 10-14 and rallied considerably during their visit (see attached picture). Deanna is not in the picture because she was just here in November.

Mom had a good day yesterday, 1/17/11. She had the hospice home health nurse come by and give her a bath and then she got up and sat in her chair for about 3 hours. Alma Magleby ( mortuary in Richfield) called and asked about her and gave us some things we needed to do to prepare for her funeral. He also wanted to know which funeral home she would be using here in Bakersfield, which is Cherished Memories Memorial Chapel. One of the things he wanted us to do was to pick out her casket so I took my laptop into her room and she picked out her casket. We have also asked her about other arrangements that she wanted for her funeral. She is thinking about songs she wants and what she wants Dick to speak on. We were able to speak about the arrangements without it being a bother to her or myself. I went on the obituary page and printed off the obituary's for Twila McNelly, Gretha Henderson Twitchell, Betty Alvey, and Klyn Haws and gave them to her to read. She enjoyed reading about her dear friends who had passed away back in Escalante, and a cousin in Cannonville.

A week ago we thought that mom would not live more than a few more days but she has rallied again. Michelle, my daughter and her two sons, were here and Michelle helped me with mom to get her in and out of bed. She works with patients doing physical therapy and so she is very good with mom. Mom loved having two of her great grandsons here to see her also. Michelle picked up some V8 Fusion drinks for me at the store and we gave some to mom and she drank about two glasses yesterday. Last night for dinner she had some squash and a half a glass of milk. She is drinking lots of water also.

She went to bed about 7 P.M. and rested quite well through the night. She woke up at about 2:30 AM and went back to sleep after being readjusted in the bed. She was awake at 9:00 AM this morning (1/18/11), ate some 10 grain cereal, drank some juice and took her pills. She said that she had a good nights rest. Her breathing is pretty shallow so we have her hooked up to an oxygen pump and this brings more comfort to her. I will update you tomorrow.

Love to you all,
Joyce