Friday...One week...

I got home from Pitt Memorial right at daylight this morning. It was a long night in many ways, but I did get to see Frieda during the night. One of her nurses, Tracy, had bathed and washed Frieda's hair. She smelled like an angel and looked so peaceful.
Wayne and I were able to spend some time just holding her hand and watching her rest. She was very peaceful and sleepy. She did squeeze our hands a BUNCH and knew that we were there with her. From some procedures, Frieda was placed under light sedation and so, we didn't press her to open her eyes for us or anything like that. We had done a lot of that during the day already, which was so incredible.
Because of Wayne's surgery, he has not been able to spend any time this week with Frieda. This morning, he was allowed that. Tracy and I stood outside her observing window and watched as Wayne held Frieda's hand, kissed her forehead, talking and talking to her. You could see Frieda squeezing his hand with all she had and I was so happy for the two of them to have that time together alone. Wayne loves Frieda as though she were his sister and he has been so sad that he couldn't be right there with her. He just simply isn't able. It was so touching to see the two of them together, connecting, giving each other comfort in their own ways and watching such a powerful display of love between two dear friends.
It's Friday. Tonight will be tough in many ways. I'm staying SO busy and I'll tell you the hard core truth as to why. I MISS Frieda. I keep going and going frankly so that I can stay one step ahead of the pain and one step ahead of "reality." Tonight
is "movie night." Our routine isn't happening and it's kind of a lost feeling. But, I will rest my body, my mind and my spirit and know that movie night will be back and we'll be back into some other kind of routine as soon as we possibly can. Life changes and we're all a part of that ever changing circle. But, the key is to stay connected. That won't be a problem at all!
Because I saw Frieda in the wee hours, I am doubtful that I will drive to Greenville again this evening. I will most likely wait until Saturday morning and head up there again. I have spoken with young Nancy and Karen, both of which were so happy in seeing Frieda today.
It has been a long hard week.
I can't believe that this week "even happened," but it has. We will continue to push forward, to pray and to rely on the love and support of others, which has been so freely given.
Please know that the family DOES KNOW all the support that is being sent, from who, etc. I can tell you they are so humbled and so appreciative of everyone. It's a little overwhelming right now, because you know how polite they all are!! Young Nancy has started "thank you notes" and Mrs. Nancy is threatening to! Please just know they know you're all out there cheering them on.
I appreciate each and every person who visits this blog. I don't know all of you, but I know there are many folks reading and keeping up with things. I count each visit as a prayer and I know there are lots of prayers. We are watching the effects of prayer unfold and I will say again, if ANYONE can pull out of an illness such as this, it will be Frieda Hudson.
As always, feel free to post comments or send emails to me to convey your thoughts to the family. I make sure they know about them and in most cases, get the opportunity read them with various family members. Reading and knowing your thoughts gives them peace and comfort.
More as I have it...time for a little bit of rest.

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