This past Wednesday we joined her family and friends to say our collective goodbyes. It was a lovely service. It "oozed" of Kris. She crafted a beautiful farewell. The scripture chosen by her. All designed to love on us and comfort us. Even in death she holds us close.
She loved me from the start. She accepted my love for Ginny immediately. She recognized me. She saw me for me. She affirmed my strengths and my heart. I LOVED to be in her physical space and always knew that she held me close when we were apart. Grace and love without condition. Kris Wee has been one of the greatest friend loves of my life. (Kir)
This is where I wish I could stop, but I know I need to give a Ginny update. So linger in the love of Kris little more before you continue reading.
There have been some changes in Ginny's symptom management. In the past couple of weeks, the "double kidney hook-up" has failed. In an effort to address the pain the stent was causing and to respond to the greater issues caused by her urinary system, the hook-up was removed Thursday of this past week and the original nephrostomy tube set up was put back in place. This has solved the urinary system pain and discomfort. A foley catheter has been placed to address other challenges. Ginny, in her cheerfulness, has joked about her "accessories". There is a whole lot going on and that sweet Gin rolls with it beautifully.
Yesterday we returned for our second day this week to meet with the Palliative Team. We are so well cared for there. I can not say enough about this group of humans.
Gin is experiencing increasing rectal pain, caused by tumor growth. The pump is limited in its ability to address the various types of pain she experiences. The dilaudid does not address nerve pain and so an oral med designed for nerve pan has been added to the daily arsenal. We are hoping this will help. The tumor is also impacting her lymphatic system. For the past month Gin has struggled with edema in her right leg. Efforts to address this issue with meds have failed. Team docs has agreed that the tumor is impacting the flow of fluid. My lymphedema experience (I have lymphedema in my arm) will come in handy. Our morning routine will include some lymphy massage and wrapping.
As a care giver, my responsibilities are growing. Morning routines have changed this week and Gin requires more and more help.
This is where I am to make sure you all know she is still busy, still vacuuming, still caring for our dogs and still making it out and about for her loved activities and events. Oh and she is cheerful.
I am humored that she asks me to make sure you all know she is cheerful. I understand her wanting to clarify, as sometimes these updates sound pretty grim. We share this info because we know that it is important for many of you to know, but we are also wanting to make sure you know she is still living her life and doing it well.
We are gearing up for a crazy great Christmas. I have gone overboard with outdoor Christmas lights and we are preparing to host loved ones. Ginny's brother Dan will be with us, as will our friend Sue Blough. On Christmas Eve and Christmas day Jocelyn, Byron, Allegra and Haakon will join us and on the 26th (Boxing Day) the Morks will be here. Lots of energy and anticipation. Love is coming home for Christmas.
I want to wrap this up with the benediction from Kris Wee's service. She wrote it...
May the fire of the spirit
make you luminous with love.
May a passion for justice
smolder within you.
May your sense of humor
sparkle in the air with brilliance.
May compassion kindle a flame
in your soul.
May the presence of the Divine
ignite you with courage to
risk all for good and God.
Amen.
Kristin Borsgard Wee, Pastor
