* 8/3/08 - August is here.    Joseph seems more restless - not always content to stay in one place or one position.  Most nights one of us sleeps with him as he rarely stays asleep through the night on his own.     His brothers have handled things well - they go to clinic with him often, and enjoy the nightly walks with him.    Joseph has given many gifts in his life; to his brothers he has instilled a unique sense of perspective that no doubt will stay with them forever.

* 8/5/08 - Joseph was up most of Sunday night and was very restless, had a full day at clinic on Monday getting platetlets and blood, and slept well last night.   He is otherwise about the same.  

* 8/8/08 - Joseph has had a challenging week - high fevers, restlessness, and not sleeping well.    His "numbers" are deteriorating further, and he has an infection that - given his severely compromised immune system - has potential to turn south quickly.    We are likely in a new and near-final stage.  Fortunately adjusting and increase his pain medications seems to be working to make him as comfortable as possible, and other than clinic visits he remains and will remain at home for the duration.   Meanwhile we're taking each day one at a time. 

* 8/9/08 - Joseph was feverish all night, remains with high fevers today, and is pretty uncomfortable.  He won't take food of any type, and is drinking less as well.   He's tired and fortunately is back to sleep.     Our priest is coming today to repeat the sacrament of Anointing of the Sick.   

* 8/10/08 - In the coming probable final days we'll likely spare details.   He remains at home and will finish his extraordinary life here at home, surrounded by his family.    Our prayers for Joseph are for a peaceful departure from this world to join the community of saints.  

* 8/11/08 a.m. - Joseph made it through the night, and we are keeping him as comfortable as possible. 

* 8/11/08 p.m. - Joseph made a quick trip to Riley today for one unit of platelets to help prevent bleeding.  He slept most of the trip and while there as well but was restless.   We increased his pain medications again, which seemed to get him over the hump and allowed him to sleep most the day peacefully.  He had a brief stroll outside in the sunshine, wore out, and has been sleeping since.  

* 8/12/09 - mid-day -  Joseph had high fevers through the night but managed some sleep; he was up for about 4 hours this morning, was fairly restless, and is now back asleep.   

* 8/12/09 - 11pm - Joseph is wearing down.    He made it through the day but has nothing left to give.     We're keeping him comfortable and hoping he knows it is ok to let go.   

* 8/13/09 -  Joseph passed peacefully at home in his sleep at 6 a.m this morning, and has joined the angels in heaven.   He fought the good fight, he has finished the race, we have kept the faith.     

* 8/15/09 - Joseph's visitation was an extraordinary outpouring of love and support from over 1,000 friends and supporters of Joseph and our family.   We were so touched by this and will treasure it forever.

* 8/16/09 - Joseph's funeral mass and burial were beautiful.    Joseph was laid to rest at Salem cemetery nearby us on Kissel Road in Zionsville.   

As we conclude this portion of this website, we express our our sincere gratitude and appreciation to so many for so much love and support through Joseph's journey.   Joseph - and all of you - have changed our lives forever.   We only hope that we can be as supportive when you or your families have a cross to bear.        God bless. 

 

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See the "Letters to Joseph" page of this website for information about sharing your thoughts about Joseph.