April 6th - Saturday

Joe had a rougher day yesterday.  He didn't get that power nap in like he wanted so he was pretty tired when visitors stopped by.  He enjoyed the day but he was really exhausted by early evening.  With it being the first really nice Saturday since Spring began, most people had things to do so our visitor list was lighter than it has been.

Joe's sister, Jane, came by before afternoon church and got all of us communion, which her daughter, Stephanie delivered in early evening.  Andy and Margaret (cousins) and her husband Paul, (who picked up OJ and Yoplait yogurts for me at the store) stopped by mid-afternoon. 

Our neighbor, Mary Alice, transported Dan to an Elder HS singing event, and our friend, Pat, brought him home later in the evening.  Thank you to both!  We appreciate all the help with transportation runs.  Joe had a craving for Donato's Chicken Mariachi pizza, so Becca and I made a run.  When we returned, Joe only had a few bites of 1 piece because he was so tired and had a killer of a headache.

As promised the JUI story:  In September, 1983, a friend's older brother had a bachelor party that Joe attended.  He rode there with friends but had to work early the next day.  He drank 4 8oz. beers over the evening and wanted to leave.  However; his ride was not ready to leave.  Joe had on his sweats, so he decided to run/jog home, which was about 5.5 miles.  It was dark and one of the main roads had no sidewalk, so each time a car would come by, Joe would run into a driveway until the car passed.  A Green Township police officer stopped Joe claiming someone had called to complain of a jogger who was weaving.  He asked Joe for his license, asked him if he had been drinking, etc.  Joe was truthful and explained the situation.  The officer took him home and then proceeded to write out a ticket for JUI-Jogging under the influence, and Joe fought the ticket in court.  There is no such thing as a JUI...the officer was bucking for a promotion.  Joe's dad was his character witness.  The case ended up being dismissed because the officer didn't show up. 

The story ended up in the national news, and Carson, Letterman, National Enquirer, The Globe, ABCNews-Peter Jennings, all wanted to interview him.  As a matter of fact, Joe showed me newspaper clippings of the story when we were first dating.  Joe's mom was adamant about him not going on TV because he was close to graduating from college and she thought no one would hire him because of the exposure.  So, Joe declined all offers.  Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) called and loved the fact that he did not get behind the wheel of a car after drinking.  To this day, the police officer is still made fun of for the incident. 

Stephanie (2nd cousin) found one of the old newspaper articles online and sent to me, so I decided to share.  Thanks Steph!

http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=799&dat=19631104&id=ArhTAAAAIBAJ&sjid=5ocDAAAAIBAJ&pg=1877,3212808

OK, I expect others to help me with future stories....please send them to my e-mail:  Mueller.noodles@yahoo.com.  Any and all anecdotes welcome!

Please continue to keep Joe in your daily prayers.  You are all so amazing and supportive!

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.

April 4th - Thursday

 

I'm a little late posting today as my day was very full.  So, the write-up is a little less than I've done on previous days. 

The 1st two pics above are from today's visit (actually Friday, 4/5) but I couldn't wait to share the 1st one.  Joe needs a patient lifter to get out of bed since he basically cannot move from the chest down.  We got the medium size sling just yesterday.  We previously only had a large one and it was too big.  Joe almost fell out of it when we were moving him out of the bed.  Yikes!  The medium one works much better and Joe was in fine form today with his goofy personality, so hence the picture.  "When life hands you lemons, you make lemonade."

Joe slept great again.  Had a good breakfast, and got in a few power naps with the breathing assist device because he knew his social calendar was going to be a busy one.

Here's everyone that stopped by:
In the afternoon, our friend, Pat, and my niece Stephanie who has been picking up Dan from school all this week while she's on Spring Break this week (thank you Steph!).  I'm going to miss you next week!  Both took turns feeding Joe his lunch.

In the evening, Joe's cousin Sue and her twin daughters Kimberly and Kristen, Scott (Elder Class of '79) and his wife, Debbie, Andy (Elder Class of '79) who brought a dinner, Joe's sister Jane, her husband Jeff (who cut our entire yard for the first time this year.....big job, thank you!), and their daughter, Stephanie (again). 

It was a somewhat lighter group of visitors on this day compared to what it has been, but nonetheless, Joe relished everyone's company and had a great time interacting with everyone.  He got his feet massaged with lotion and totally spoiled by the ladies.  He loved every second of it.

I'm getting lots of calls from other people wanting to visit, which is wonderful.  All I ask is that you call or text right before you leave to make sure its still OK.  I'm still waiting for those stories about Joe that you can share so I can post on this blog.  I need help with some new material!

People are continuing to donate to the benefit fund, and we can't thank everyone enough for their kindness and generosity.  Please continue to keep our family in your prayers. 

April 3rd - Wednesday

Joe had another great night of restful sleep.  Continuous hospice care is on-going.  The LPNs and RNs assigned to his care are all terrific.  He is continuing to benefit from power naps using the breathing assist device.  People are still coming in droves to see/visit Joe which is awesome!
Here's a list of everyone that stopped by to see Joe during the afternoon and evening:
Again, if I leave anyone out, I'm sorry.  It's getting to the point where I'm going to have to keep a detailed listing of Joe's social calendar.

Dave, Steve and Jim (Elder Class of '79), cousins T-Bird, Gary and his wife, Dianne, our neighbors Gary and Nancy (who also brought a dinner), Steve (Elder Class of '79) and his wife, Tamy (who brought a hot dinner that we ate on the spot and also transported our son Dan to Elder for Singing Panther rehearsal "on the fly"-thank you!), Joe (our mechanic), Kathy, my sister Jenny (who ran an errand for me, too), and Joe's sister, Jane (with her husband, Jeff and their daughter, Stephanie).  Jeff graciously picked up Dan from the same rehearsal.  Another full evening had Joe exhausted, but in a very good way!

I'm getting lots of calls from other people wanting to visit, which is wonderful.  All I ask is that you call or text right before you leave to make sure its still OK.  Please pass on the blog to those you know in facebook and/or e-mail to get the word out.

If any of you have funny or touching stories about Joe that you'd like me to share here, please send me an e-mail (Mueller.noodles@yahoo.com).  Everyone seemed to enjoy the "lover's lane" anecdote!

My sister Jenny sent more texts to me yesterday informing me of those donating to the benefit fund on behalf of Joe.  She also provided the comments made, which were very touching.  I read all of those to Joe.  He had tears in his eyes...so did I!  The Mueller family truly cannot thank you enough for your generosity and everyone's support.  God Bless every one of you!

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!

April 1st, Monday (Reds Opening Day)

 









Joe had another good night using the breathing assist device to help with carbon dioxide removal.  He woke very rested, had a very good breakfast, got a bath and shave, took another nap in preparation for his busy day with visitors.

Father Mark stopped by to give Joe anointing of the sick and communion.  Joe's cousin Beth, her husband Bill and their daughter Molly came over to help with his care.  I set up aids not knowing that hospice would be extending continuous care for Joe during the week.  So, got help with laundry and feeding (Beth), picking up sticks in the yard from our ginormous trees (Bill), and entertaining our daughter Becca (Molly).

Had a constant stream of visitors again today and I hope I don't forget anyone....Kay (from Taco Bell gang), Chip (Elder Class of '79), Bill (ordered/had delivered a much needed patient lifter...came down from Columbus to train me to use), Ed, Jerri, Amy, Joe (from church), Don (Elder Class of '76) and Janet brought 1st dinner from the dinner chain set up for 3 times a week, Joe's sister Jane and her family (Jeff, Beth, Stephanie) came over at dinner time to watch the Reds game on TV.  My sister, Jenny, brought Graeter's Black Raspberry Chip for Joe.  My parents called Joe from Florida to offer their love, prayers and encouragement.  Then, as the Reds game went into extra innings, Joe graciously said to me "go ahead and turn on your show....I'm OK with it....Dancing with the Stars".  What a guy!  We are so lucky to have this time with Joe.

Many thanks to all who have offered their time and help to our family.  We have a wonderful support system and can't thank you enough! 

March 31st - Easter Sunday

Joe had a great overnite....slept well with a breathing device that helps keep the carbon dioxide out of his lungs.  His sister, Jane, her husband Jeff, and daughter Stephanie came over and made breakfast of sausage, bacon, goetta and eggs....along with pastries, donuts brought by friends.  Joe had a decent breakfast.

Joe had lots of visitors again during the late morning and afternoon.  A neighbor brought all of us communion since we decided to enjoy being at home with Joe.  A cousin and her fiancé stopped by, and our "best man" and his wife and daughter brought us a complete dinner and dessert.  Joe was very alert and talked up quite a bit.  He was even able to take in a few of the NCAA tourney games on TV.

I crawled into Joe's hospital bed next to him and we took a power nap before he received an unexpected visitor.  A gentleman he called on while working for a previous employer heard about Joe's condition and drove all the way down from Dayton to visit.  It deeply touched Joe and there were lots of tears all the way around.  It really touched his heart that so many have stopped by to see him.

Continue to pray for our family and Joe as we continue to enjoy all the time we have with him.  Thanks for your continued support of our family.