The Red Brick Times

I get a blank page when I try to view the RBT site, either directly or from the new and improved Blogger site where it says "View Blog". But the Do Not Call registry ate my phone numbers properly. If they are not merely trying to raise money for the Iraqi war effort by compiling and selling call lists, then we should see a reduction in unwanted solicitations this fall. And just in time for the Holidays, too! How nice.
Posted 12:11 PM by Andy Allan 0 comments

Yow! This is my first look at the "new and improved" Blogger interface. Nice. What I really came to do is post about the National DO-NOT-CALL Registry finally going active. Eureka!
Posted 8:43 AM by whatley 0 comments

I'll post an update on Linda. I was "on shift" yesterday (Wednesday) and had the opportunity to meet Linda's Hospice nurse and Social Worker. Linda twisted her broken, braced leg in the night, and was worried that she had displaced it. Apparently it's not really displaced, it's just not healing because of the bone metastasis, and there's "probably a tumor pressing on the bone" that's causing the pain. Primary goal: Manage the pain. Dosages were adjusted, and she'll be evaluated again today to make sure the new (huge) dosages of medication are keeping her comfortable. She's also got Shingles, poor dear. Sort of like adding insult to injury. Secondary goal: Keep her home. That's where she wants to be as long as possible, and so far the rotation of family and friends has been working. A hospital bed is being delivered today, and we cleaned out the back room last night to make way so she'll be closer to the bathroom. Is this the type of stuff you want to be kept posted on? How Linda's life has been divided into hours of waking and sleeping, sub-divided into time between medication dosages, measured in (now somewhat) waning moments of glimpses of her old self? Thanks for listening......
Posted 8:09 AM by Sally D. 0 comments

Considering the gravity of the situation discussed in the last few posts please forgive me for mentioning something like this right above them, but we do have a Solstice coming up a week from tomorrow. I usually make a Solstice page on the sidebar but for the last couple of weeks I've been working in my companys Akron office and haven't had the time. Last I heard Becky was hosting at a house on the lake or thereabouts. Hey Becky! Would you mind posting something confirming this and maybe some directions?
Posted 10:38 AM by whatley 0 comments

Well, its been a week since Sally's last post regarding Linda's condition. We seem to be waiting, somewhat petulantly, for the final shoe to drop. I can't be in Elyria and, not being clairvoyant anymore, require some form of written or verbal communication to understand what's going on. I trust everyone that can is making an effort to visit and saying what needs to be said. Linda has been the heart of the Schoolhouse Gang, pumping what little life is left in us through our collective veins, I hope that we can ensure that the heart remains when Linda's body gives out. Peace.

AOG
Posted 11:19 PM by A. O. Gutierrez 0 comments

I wrote my last post on Friday, after a visit with Linda at one of her "down" times. I had the opportunity to stay overnight with her last night, and found her in much better spirits (perhaps bolstered by a visit from Clayton?) and with much more energy than she had shown on Friday.

We talked again about her short life expectancy, and she told me she decided she wanted to tell people on her own about her latest prognosis. I saw no reason to tell her I had already blurted it out on the RBT, but was a bit surprised, since she's never made secret of her condition before. Anyway, I've apparently spoken out of turn, and I apologize.

Those of us who have been with family and friends suffering from a terminal illness have experienced the "rally and fade" pattern. I did want to tell you how much more energetic she seemed yesterday and again today.

Posted 11:55 AM by Sally D. 0 comments