March 4

 

  

Greetings all -

Dad has been struggling with various issues, including extreme fatigue, pain, lack of energy, and loss of appetite. We were visited by hospice today and have a strategy for moving forward.

Hospice has moved a hospital bed into his bedroom (along with all the accoutrements hospice has to offer), and that has helped immensely. He lacks enough energy to get out of bed, but we are able to attend to all of his needs, which are few. He is his usual jovial self, just in short spurts. He is sleeping most of the time, but when he is awake, we are all entertaining him with silly jokes that cause him to rear back in quiet laughter, which causes the rest of us to laugh loudly at our own puns.

He is the dearest of patients, and refuses to complain, although he does have pain issues that we are trying to deal with. He eats little bits here and there, with a few swallows of water now and then. We have plenty of meds to deal with the many issues that arise, but he sleeps very well.

Pictures from this week:

Paul talking "car talk" with dad March 1, 2015.

Susan hosted a soup supper with Mike's family March 1, 2015. Pictured L-R:
Dad, Paul, Nastya Barkova, Pat Rankin, Homer Rankin

 



We all enjoyed a delightful Italian fest from Zios. March 4.

L-R Payden Harris, Sharon Garman, Tony Schartz, Abbie Lehman, Gretchen Schartz, Mindy Lehman,
Mike Potter, Carolyn Bahr, Susan Rankin (photographer Brit Bahr)
(Not pictured: Jim Schartz, Aubrie Schartz, Jamie Schartz)

March 3: Jim pontificating about the best way to fry potatoes...

...Jim schooling us girls on how to fry the perfect taters
even though he did not have his cast iron skillet. March 3.

Me, dad and Sharon (March 3)

March 4, 2015. Dad relaxing in his adjustable bed, catching up on the news, email and his favorite blogs.

We have tons of family around right now and for many days to come, and it has been a true delight.

I know you all will regret not being in attendance, but The Singing Schartz Sisters serenaded dad with a few refrains of Sentimental Journey, Sugartime and Lullaby for Jim (written by mom).

My Ali and Joe are heading this way on Friday, so I will definitely update with more pictures and news then.

Thanks to all of you for your love and support. Again, if you want to contact dad, the best method is email at oschartz@Comcast.net, or via mail at Omar Schartz, 17500 West 119th Street, Apt. 3210, Olathe, KS 66061. I'm available by phone (913-645-4651).

Love to all - C

P.S. Science mystery of the day:

Dupuytren's Contracture (Omar, Sharon x2, Carolyn)