Happy Cinco de Mayo... (journey week #40 is complete)

Hello.  Today is Sunday May 6th; this is Ken checking in for Janelle.

As has been my approach, I will provide you my Janelle Health Update at the bottom.  First, just a bit about our week.  It has been another week of blessings; friends coming by for brief visits, food provided, flowers to brighten up the house, many notes of encouragement.  I (we) am very grateful to all of you standing with us through this time.

As I mentioned last week, Britt came into town last Sunday, stayed until Tuesday, Britt & Kenneth came back yesterday for the weekend.  Early in the week, we were honored to have Jackie Freeman (Britt's other Mom) come by to check in on us.  That is a 3 hr drive away...thank you Jackie!

Jackie also snapped the following picture.  Can you guess where Britt gets her beautiful smile from?

Also on Monday, I got an email from one of our friends who is going to be participating in a Cancer fundraiser this summer.  Here is a short portion of her sponsorship page....

My ride this year is personal for me as I dedicate it to the Hayes Family of Charlotte, NC. Their brave battle against Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM is the most common and most aggressive of the primary brain tumors) has been inspirational and challenging just like the ride. 

If you are interested in knowing more about this effort, here is the link....

http://www.24hoursofbooty.org/site/TR?px=1312394&pg=personal&fr_id=1170&et=l0XW3o5VBcfLzmqqQYNZow&s_tafId=14585

Friends continue to come by to check on us; brief but very meaningful.  Close friends, not a lot of words need to be spoken, just hang out and let Janelle know how much they love her....

Yesterday of course was May 5th, one of our neighbors behind us have an annual gathering (Party) to celebrate.  Since Britt/Kenneth were in town, they got to go and enjoy themselves for a while (I even joined them late in the evening after Janelle was fast asleep).  Ian was hard at work so he checked in with us via the other picture below...

I am sure you all remember a few weeks back when I found my "I Wear Grey For My Wife" shirts.  They have been the topic of a lot of conversations.  My hope is that it will in a little way bring awareness to this devastating cancer known as Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) and hopefully someday a cure.  It will be a focus for me for the rest of my life.  Through my brother-in-laws awareness efforts I have found the following logo which is also meant to bring awareness to brain tumor cancers and I have more shirts / lapel pins / stuff on its way.  

On the Janelle front, I think I have finally accepted that we really have NO routine.  It is so easy to wake up in the morning and kind of think that today will be like yesterday.  A much better approach would be to just assume that today will not be at all like yesterday.  One morning up at 9:00, another morning wide awake at 5:00 wondering why I am still sleeping.  This morning....10:30, sound asleep and no interest of getting up.

She is very weak.  The doctor told me that she would become very tired and sleep alot, have no appetite and eventually not get out of bed.  We are definitely moving to that point, she is getting out of bed every day but that is mainly because I am forcing that one to happen.

Hospice people continue to amaze me.  They are currently scheduled to come by on Tuesdays and Thursdays. That is based upon my request to really be the primary caregiver.  They are availble anytime.  I called them on Friday to ask a question, I left a very specific message with the operator that this was not an emergency, just a general question.  My phone rang like 5 minuters later with my nurse answering my questions completely.  

That is all I have to report to you.  I thank you for standing with us, praying for us, encouraging us.  It means EVERYTHING to me..........

Ken (& Janelle)

 

Comments

[Kelley Smith]

Thinking of the two of you every day.

[susie p]

still praying and sending love and hugs to you both!

[Margaret Deans]

may God continue to offer blessings to you through your many friends. You remain in our prayers. A creed that we use in church says "we are not alone, we live in God's world...in life, in death, in life after death, we are not alone." you are loved.

[janis]

Wrapping you both in my prayers - grateful for all your local friends who surround you...a gift of God for you and for those of us who love you from far away...
love, janis

[cindy Kessler]

Thank you for the update on your journey. Praying for your continued strength during this difficult time and I'm certain that our great God still upholds you both.

Cindy K

[Laura]

Ken, I pray that you will be able to get the rest you need in order to sustain being the superhero caregiver for your beautiful wife. How comforting it must be for her to have you near. Blessings are most emphatically wished for you both.

[Cindy Montroy Betteley]

Ken, you are doing a fantastic job caring for your beautiful wife! Ran into Mr/Mrs Oberdorf the other week and we spoke about you and Janelle. So many people here in Michigan praying for you guys! You are so right about Hospice, they are an amazing organization and my family was blessed having them involved with my Dad's care. Prayers and hugs from the Montroy family!

[Armando Cortez]

God's continued blessings as prayers continue to go up on your behalf.

[Maureen]

yes, it is very easy to see Janelle in Britt's smile, but you too as well, Ken. You both have raised such a beautiful daughter (and son!). Though I am so far away, I share your tears and joys and hopes. Your strength and courage and faith are surely being tested and I can only hope knowing that we are somehow there with you holding you close in our thoughts and prayers with love is some kind of comfort. You all continue to inspire me. Thank you so much for the update :) Hugs to you all...

[Jerry & Gwen Berry]

There's not a day that goes by that both of you are not in my/our prayers. And I know that is true for hundreds of others scattered about the country (maybe further). Jer & I pray consistently, Ken that the LORD will supply your every need for endurance, Wisdom, Peace. We've loved seeing the pictures of not just now, but years past..beautiful couple..beautiful family..beautiful lives that reflect Him.

[Dick jenkins]

Hi Ken. This is the first time I have spoken to you because all of the other times Janelle was the one writing. I share space in Designbox with Britt. She was the very first person I met down there and often she is the first one people meet when they visit. Her smile, which is Janelle by the way, is so sweet and genuine, no matter what kind of day she must be having. She brightens everyone attitude - I can only imagine Janelle was that way too. I hurt for you and pray for you and your family during this hard time - but I have to know that God is giving you and Janelle a special comfort through the uncertainty. I look forward to getting to know you soon and getting to know you both later. Know for now that your daughter is a blessing to everyone she is around.

[Kristine Amerson]

Thanks for the update sweet brother. We are loving you in prayer & glorifying God for all the local friends who are reaching & supporting you & Janelle with practical expressions of love. Thankful for you! XXOO

[Miss Winnie*]

I have been following your blog for a while and am always humbled by Janelle's trust in God during this journey. All of us wonder if we would weather a situation like this with the grace and faith displayed by Janelle. I thank God for your sharing and for your lives. I pray for you, knowing that Janelle's journey on Earth will end, but her journey in Eternity will begin and she will be healed and be whole, living with her Savior. To Ken and the children -- be strong and take courage. Janelle, I look forward to meeting you in Heaven.

[Joyce Mehrberg]

Thank you so much for the update. I am so glad that you are surrounded by so many loving friends and family members. This must be unimaginably sad for you. I am sending hugs from San Diego.

[Kathy Zarybnicky]

Jen, thank you for your continued updates. Thank you also for allowing Sheri & myself to come by and visit with you & Janelle. It is purely selfish on my part. She gives me the most back with her loving smile and laughter. What an inspiration to me. Her love of the Lord is evident, along with His trust. It heals my heart. God's warm loving arms around you both!!! Love you two!!!!!

[Kathy Zarybnicky]

ooppss....hit the wrong key, KEN!

[SueB]

I so wish I could stop by and hold Janelle's hand and let her know I love her. What an awesome woman. I really look forward to your Sunday posts. I think about her every day. Sending both of you a big hug. Prayers will continue.

[Ginna G]

Thanks for the update Ken. Know that all of us out here in cyberland are covering you,Janelle and your family in PRAYER. In a post above someone calls you "Super Hero Caregiver"! That needs to be on a T-shirt also.....maybe you and other care givers should have your own super hero cape. Take heart you are doing a fantastic job....living out the LOVE.
Gods grace and comfort for and on you all.

[Sherry in MI]

Thanks for another update, Ken. So wonderful
that you have such a great support system of
friends that drop by and visit. I'm sure
that it cheers you both. Keeping you,
Janelle and the whole family in my prayers.

[Joan B]

Ken, there are very few husbands who would choose to be the primary caretaker during a time like this. You are showing true love in the most meaningful way that a husband can. A true "in sickness and in health" vow. During all of this sadness you can be proud of the example you have set for all of us. My heart goes out to you as you provide for Janelle. Please give her a gentle hug from all of her stamper on line buddies.

[Courtney]

Always thinking about you both and the family!

[Kim Bartley]

Ken, Janelle, and kids,

I continue to pray for your strength as you travel this road. I am amazed at how God is holding each of you up. You are an inspiration. I love you all and pray often!

Kim
Psalm 3

[Lori Thomas]

Thank you so much for your updates. My prayers continue for you all. Britt DOES have her mom's beautiful smile. Their eyes just shine with love.

[Shawn Caldwell]

always thinking about and praying for you, Janelle, and your family...
Shawn Caldwell

[Jean]

Have been following for a year, never commented. Just sending thoughts your way. God Bless.