To make a long and sad story very short, Delbert (DH's stepfather) passed
away Wednesday evening at about 5:15. He was literally surrounded by family
members. He had a very good Monday, and we were thrilled to be there with
him. He wanted Rachel to play her flute, so she did for about 20 minutes.
His eyes never left her face, and he applauded each song.:)

Delbert spent his last alert day saying goodbye to friends and family,
kissing, laughing, teasing, and showing his love for each one. I could only
wish for my last day to be so well spent. By Tuesday morning he was
unconscious, but still had a pain response, so was given morphine
sublingually. By Weds. morning, his breathing had become very labored, and
wet sounding. He was hooked back up to an IV for a morphine drip, which
helped the breathing, and slowed his respiration and heart rate.

Delbert is native American, from the Siletz Indian tribal nation. On and
around his bed there were eagle feathers, tobacco pouches, bundles of sweet
grass (it's sad they couldn't burn it for him), buffalo blankets, and
amulets covered with beads. His indian family is huge and loving. We felt as
much a part of the process as they did, and they welcomed us to share it
with them. We'll also be attending the funeral on the reservation, as
Delbert said he wanted Rachel to play her flute during the ceremony. There
will be dancing, drumming, singing, and now a blue-eyed girl playing a
flute.:)

Watching Delbert go through this process was scary, but he made it easier
with his good humor. He was never angry or silent. He hugged and kissed each
and every person who came through that room. I definitely feel that our
lives were enriched for knowing him. He will certainly be missed by Rachel.
She told Delbert when she was 3 that he was her best friend. He never forgot
that.

Kelly C.