April 5th - Friday

Joe had another pretty good night of sleep.  He had a good breakfast, and unfortunately did not get those power naps in because his visitors got his day off to an early start.
Father Mark and Sister Helen Julia stopped by after morning mass to give Joe communion.  They used holy water from Lourdes that Joe was given by his good friend, Steve, who had kept this since he had visited there as a teen. 

Our friends, Pat, and Theresa (who got a ride with a friend and her daughter) stopped by along with
Rudy and Tom (both Elder Class of '79).  The surprise visit of the day was from Barbara (his former boss) and Renee (co-worker) who both drove down from Chicago just to see Joe.  They brought Joe one of every chip flavor from Graeter's!  At one point, we all joined hands around Joe's bed and Theresa led us all in prayer.  It was a very moving and emotional moment.  When Barbara and Renee had to get back on the road to go home, there wasn't a dry eye in the house!

My niece Stephanie brought Dan home from school again, which I so appreciate.  Jane (Joe's sister) came too, and massaged Joe's feet.  Our friend, Kathy, (who picked up some 12 packs of soft drinks for me at the store) stopped by in the early evening, and she too massaged Joe's feet.  Why is it that I don't get a foot massage?!

I'm still waiting for some new material on stories about Joe for sharing on the blog.  I'll recite the JUI story tomorrow!  I'm very late with the blog today.  Actually, I just got a text from a friend asking if everything was OK because they hadn't seen an update yet today.  Sorry, I was really busy!

My sister Jenny informed me that more people are donating to the benefit fund, and we continue to be amazed and overwhelmed by the support of our friends and family.  Please continue to keep our family in your prayers.