The Comeback Kid

Weird things are happening with my husband's body now that he's been completely bedridden for a while. His legs and feet are stiff. He can bend his knees, but not on request. He can't really use his hands much, and the fingers of his right hand are swollen, tight together, curled under, and unable to be straightened without causing him obvious pain in spite of the routine administering of pain medication. His hands and forearms, uncovered, are sweaty and hot. Meanwhile, his feet, covered with a sheet and light blanket, are ice cold.

The hospital bed is adjusted to just the right angles so his legs and head are elevated. He is turned regularly and ever so carefully to avoid bed sores. Pillows are placed here and there to relieve pressure between his bony knees, under his legs, along his side. He is changed regularly so he will be clean and dry and as comfortable as possible. The hospital gowns I purchased for him are being put to good use.

In spite of the attentive care he is receiving, a foul-smelling fungal infection has developed between the fingers and on the palm of his strictured right hand. Medicinal powders are being applied religiously to clear that up, and a dry washcloth is rolled up and delicately inserted in the curve of his fingers and palm to absorb moisture. He neither holds it nor releases it. It's just there, unless he pulls at it with his left hand. He sometimes raises his left arm as if reaching for something, but not his right arm.

The hospice nurse visits more regularly, twice a week instead of once. But, increasingly, the on-call nurse is summoned to the facility to address something or other that has popped up. He's been eating most of his meals for the past couple of days, and drinking. He was awake for a while today. When his eyes turned in my direction, it was like he wasn't seeing me except once or twice, when he seemed to be wondering who I was.

Seeing him like this daily is very difficult physically and emotionally. The nurse gave me a flyer yesterday. It's about what to expect as the end of life approaches. Nobody is encouraging me to think this final process will be lengthy, but it's possible. Anything is possible. But that doesn't mean it's likely. My consolation is that my husband is more than likely unaware. He is slumbering, being looked after, and showered with love. And when this is over, he will be healed and whole and in the presence of the Lord. Soon, possibly. But not yet. He's still the Comeback Kid.