April 2nd - Tuesday

Joe continues to benefit greatly from the breathing assist device to help with carbon dioxide removal.  He is still receiving continuous hospice care due to his breathing issues, so we have round the clock coverage so we can get some needed rest and sleep overnite.  That care is re-evaluated each day, so hoping it continues.  Although Joe initially hated the device (it is bulky and uncomfortable), he realizes the enormous benefit he is receiving from using it.  He slept the entire night peacefully, ate a great breakfast, had a few power naps in the late morning (wearing the device) to prepare for the endless stream of visitors in the afternoon and evening.

Laura (from church) stopped by with another dinner and some groceries she picked up for me, Pat (used to clean our house) stopped by and visited, several of Joe's high school friends from Elder Class of '79 (Dave, Jim, Mike, Steve, Dave) spent time with him....all during the late morning and early afternoon. Joe's aunt, cousins and grown children came in the evening (Audrey, Judy, Steve, Jennifer, Stephanie), Michelle brought a Donato's pizza, Steve (from Donato's gang), Joe's sister Jane and her family (Jeff and Stephanie).  It was a full evening and Joe, I have to say, was worn out.....but fell asleep with a big smile on his face.  He was really feeling all the love and support from everyone.  I'm going to have to start keep a log of all the visitors so I don't forget anyone.  Please forgive me if I failed to mention someone's name.

I received an e-mail from a former co-worker of Joe's (Gary), who he has kept in touch with, and he mentioned a funny story that I wanted to repeat here for everyone.  "I have a story that Joe probably never told you. I was working with Joe and we were in the middle of Ohio and even with Joe’s GPS we took a wrong turn. After the GPS re-calculated the route the next direction was “turn right onto lovers lane”. We burst out laughing, so I was on Lovers Lane with Joe in the middle of nowhere." 
My sister Jenny sent several texts to me yesterday informing me of those donating to the benefit fund on behalf of Joe.  The Mueller family truly cannot thank you enough for your generosity and everyone's support.  It continues to overwhelm us.....in a very GOOD way!