Friday, January 23rd

Today was a day of rest for Angela. She slept and relaxed most of the day and enjoyed a few visitors in between. Tonight the nurses brought Angela into the family room for a while so she could visit with her company. David is sleeping at home tonight with the kids because they miss their daddy. Theresa and I are staying with Angela while David gets some much deserved rest.

As always, continue praying for more good days.........

Thursday, January 22nd

A quick note to let all of you know that today was a great day for Angela. She ate, drank coffee & water and ate a smoothie......while this may seem minor, it is huge as she has been having trouble swallowing the past few days. Well, not today ~ one small miracle for the Flukers! Tonight she told the nurse that she wanted to get out of bed. So, they helped her to a chair where she sat and visited with family and friends for 30 minutes or so. When I left tonight she was back in bed and still awake. I am sure that she'll sleep well tonight.......she's had a big day.

Please continue to pray for the miracles.........

TODAY'S UPDATE

I'll begin with last night (Monday) and move forward through today. Last night before I went in to see Angela, David reminded me that she had not been responding much the past few days so I should just hold her hand and talk to her. Well, when I grabbed her hand and spoke her name, she opened her eyes!!!! She would squeeze my hand when I would talk and I got a BIG, TIGHT squeeze when I asked if she wanted me to get David! When David came in the room, her eyes were open and she was responding through hand squeezing. Small gifts from God is what those squeezes were!

This morning around 10:30 David told me she was awake and responding.....and that I may want to go by for a visit. Boy, am I glad that I did. When I walked in she was bright eyed and reaching for my hand. David stepped out for his morning shower and I had her all to myself........I took advantage of the situation. I talked to her and she would answer back....I got a few yes, no, and I love you answers......I even got a few hugs from her! God blessed me with a visit that I will cherish always. Most of all, God blessed David with a GREAT day with his wife.

Tonight Joey & I went by for a while and David had the kids there. Alex, Christian and Katherine all went in to see Angela (she was awake). They got in the bed with Angela and she was able to give them hugs........what a beautiful sight! When I left Angela had fallen asleep and was resting peacefully. Christian wanted to go see his Mommy again so Theresa was going to take him in for a quick peek.

David would like to thank everyone for their calls, visits and most importantly all of the prayers. Angela, David and the kids could not have gotten through the past 15 months without all of you.



Until next time, take care and keep the prayers flowing.

Visiting with David

Though Angela is not able to have visitors any longer, David is. Over the weekend David had a lot of company and I know that it did him a lot of good. We can't say enough about how great the staff has been at The Carpenter House, the hospice operated by St. Joseph's. It's a beautiful facility and for a while this weekend, Angela was the only patient there... so we had the place all to ourselves. Last week David was with Angela at Hospice during the day and would then pick the kids up from school at 5:30 and stay with them at night, so they would have normalcy. This week, however, the game plan right now is for David to stay with Angela around the clock while family members keep the kids. For all of us, this has been a difficult 16 month journey but I think David is holding up well and he does appreciate the company he's been receiving. The Carpenter House is located at the intersection of Airline Highway and Jefferson. If you go down Jefferson towards Airline, you'll see it on your left as you approach Airline. If you go down Airline, you need to take the road to the right which takes you to Jefferson. You can't miss the building; it's huge, obviously brand new and it looks like a white plantation home.

Also, for those of you who have already taken the time to send photos and personal stories of times you spent with Angela, thank you. David has been reading those stories and looking at those photos. You can send your stories and photos to: angelafluker@gmail.com. The stories and photos you submit are going to eventually be included in books we're going to make for Alex, Christian and Katherine to remember their mother. David also goes to this blog several times a day to read the messages that are posted. If you can't make it by to see David in person, feel free to take a moment and post your thoughts and let David know he and his family are in your prayers. Throughout this entire process, David and Angela have gained a lot of strength from the posts and your words of comfort are as important right now as ever.

Visiting Angela

Many of you have asked about visiting Angela. I wish I could give you a better answer, but visiting with her right now is just not possible. Since we arrived this past Tuesday, Angela has been in a fairly rapid state of decline. She is not eating or drinking. She becomes agitated easily. If one can find anything positive out of this situation, the wonderful hospice care staff has managed to get her pain for the most part under control; this is something we were not able to do at home. This place has been a blessing. The staff is taking very good care of her.

While a visit with Angela is not possible at this time, you may visit with me or other family and friends in the family area.

Thanks again for every one's prayers and support.

David

Angela

Last week I called St. Joseph Hospice to admit Angela for hospice care at home. Unfortunately even with the help of the home hospice nursing staff and some really great family and friends, we could not bring her discomfort under control. As of yesterday she is at St. Joseph's Carpenter House with a full time medical staff to alleviate her discomfort. As I sit here typing this she is sleeping and resting well.

David

Circling the Wagons

I would like to express my sincere THANKS and gratitude to all of my friends and family for "circling the wagons" around my family in our time of need.

David