Beck’s mom Margaret passed away yesterday morning. She was a wonderful women, mother and grandmother. We will miss her greatly. The funeral is set for Sunday.

Becky returned home Tuesday night, warn out and emotionally drained, but so happy to be home again after nearly 3 weeks away (except for one quick trip home to see the boys play in the soccer championships last Saturday). We all head to Boise tomorrow and will return to Portland on Sunday ready to begin life again knowing that a lot of hard challenges are in the past.

The four of us had a nice, quiet Thanksgiving with many of the usual traditions, including a very muddy flag football game.

The boys and I have survived the “Boys Camp” with the help of over 30 meals provided by our friends who also gave tremendous support in so many ways. Adobe has captured the hearts of his walkers and runners, but other dogs will now get back to being the ‘top dog’ in their own houses.

Thanks for keeping tabs on Becky on the blog and submitting so many comments. She appreciated every one of them. We all look forward to moving on and know that 2010 is going to be a great year!

Cheers to you all,

Doug

Becky came home from Boise today to watch Nick, Sam and their OES teammates win the Oregon High School 3A Championships 1-0 over arch rival Catlin Cable.  It was a thrilling win made even more special by the two brothers playing together. Both boys played with a picture of Margaret tucked in their shoe or shinguard.  There was a great turnout of friends for today’s game as well as a nice outporuing of support from the OES family.

Beck’s mom is failing quickly, and Becky will be headed back to Boise first thing in the morning to be with her. Once again, the good is mixing with the bad, but Becky’s spirits were lifted today.

Becky is still in Boise and has gone from the care-receiver to the care-giver in a big hurry. Her mother, Margaret, came home from the hospital on Friday and is getting intensive, round-the-clock care from a CNA, along with Becky and brother Bob.

Needless to say, there hasn’t exactly been a lot of time for Becky to heal in the way she should. But she’s got her shoulder into the work at hand and is doing well under the circumstances. That PT degree is starting to pay dividends in terms of a deep understanding of her mother’s plight and the ability to be truly helpful.

Meanwhile, on the home front, the Boys Camp is still well supplied by the ever efficient “meals on wheels” program; the laundry has gone from mountain to mole hill (oh, that wet, sweaty soccer gear x 2!); and Adobe is getting attention every day. Thanks to all for your extraordinary help.

Also, the boys have won their first two soccer play-off games and are hoping to: 1) make it to the championship game next Saturday (they need a win Tuesday night); and 2) convince mom to come home to watch.

Again, your many thoughts, comments, good wishes, prayers, food and dog running are immensely appreciated.

And you think you’ve had bad weeks before. . . .

Just when things were starting to get better, they got worse around here.  First of all, Becky is doing really well.  Once the H1N1 left the scene, things really improved.  Other than being really tired and the occasional headache, all signs are good that she is well on the road to recovery, again.

On the other hand, Sam and Doug both got the flu, tossed it off and have moved on.  Nick and Adobe have been like the old man and the baby in “Andromeda Strain” with no signs of sickness.

Uncle Bob, who came to town from Alaska to keep an eye on Becky, not so much.  After fighting the flu for a few days, he decided to check out of the Little Sick House and into the Big Sick House (St. Vincents) where apparently the food is not as good, but at least they bring it to you in bed.  After an overnight stay last night with heavy antibiotics, his temperature is down and what appeared to be pneumonia seems to have been kept at bay.  Bob had a bone marrow transplant a few years ago and is one of those “high risk” types in the H1N1 situation. The decision to go to the hospital was a good one.  Bob was discharged this afternoon.

The worst news is that Becky’s Mom, Margaret, who was just here last week, suffered a stroke upon returning to Boise and is not doing well.  Becky may be headed to Boise soon and we may be asking for a little more help with the dog in particular.

Sorry for the downer update.  It is worth counting your blessings and realizing that even this bad week will pass.

So much for being ‘tongue in cheek’.  Apparently its become ‘foot in mouth’. . .

Further to previous post:

Help! Full scale chocolate mutiny underway.  Please immediately re-instate previous policy of delivering all things chocolate.  Mark all packaging with the following:

“CONTENTS NOT FOR DOUG”

Thanks.

P.S.  Becky is doing well today.

Yesterday was a series of steps in the right direction. Becky was finally feeling better. A visit to her Physician resulted in action on some peripheral issues, and new blood tests showed improvement in white blood cell counts. Despite ‘lock-down’ orders, Becky convinced one of her prison guards to break her out to see Nick and Sam’s soccer game. Overall, things continue to progress. The CDC fumigation wagon is parked in front of the house and everyone, save Nick and Adobe, has some sniffle or cough going on (i.e., enter the perimeter at your own risk).

Now, not being one to complain (much), your loyal commentator must protest the fact that many of you seem to think that the cure for all that ails Becky involves chocolate– cake, brownies, fudge, cookies, bars, etc. (not to mention ice cream, gelato and pumpkin pie with whipped cream). While this may be true for her, what about poor old me?  Am I supposed to ignore those treats and risk not being able to to comment first hand on the quality of such goods upon thanking people for their generosity and time?  Obviously, not.  So, at the risk of being called an ungrateful whiner, I ask, in fact plead with you, to dial back the sweets or by Thanksgiving everyone will be asking why the Michelin Man has suddenly taken up residence at the Obletz house (but don’t stop all together or I will have a Nick/Sam mutiny on my hands!).

Cheers,

Doug

Still not feeling very chipper, but. . . .did make it all the way to the second telephone pole on Ravensview with Adobe on point.  Progress.

After a very rough day of transition, today is starting out well.  Becky is feeling better and has a nice smile on her face.  Adobe is standing guard.  Now– let the healing begin.

Extraction complete!

Multiple, breathless hospital administrators chasing after us with forms and waivers.   We left them panting behind us and gave them all the slip. Easily won the Wheelchair Division (OA). We don’t train as endurance athletes for nothing!

Home Sweet Home.

Extraction team in place .  .  .  standby for confirmation.