Chris, I know this is very heavy on your heart right now, but remember that the Lord is in charge of all things and some things are left as is simply because. We do not know the answers to these things but for each action, there is a purpose. Trust in the Lord and keep plenty of mental notes on everything that goes on. It may come in handy for a future time. There is no way that the Dr's or anyone else can actually KNOW what goes on in anyones mind. I am sure than at times, he will respond to the people that are good to him and show him love and affection. The void that is there may be so he will not know or remember some of the things to come. All you can do is react from your heart and that way, you will have some peace of mind through this. Just remember, your Mom has lost her life partner and she is the one that needs your love and patience. I am sure that even with her wisdom, she has not even begun to understand why this is happening to her as well as your Dad. I went through this crazinest for many years with my Mom but NOT under the same circumstances. There were times when I felt like just sitting and crying and some times just screaming. Mom knew alot of what she was doing but it got mixed up in her head as to whether it was right or wrong. She was a good Mom and she raised me to care about people and myself. She was raised in Episcopal Church home from age 5 until she left after she graduated from High School. Unfortunately, they gave her values but little skills. She had a hard time and a husband that was not raised the way she was. My Dad was a rounder! Wild and free and did whatever he took a notion. It was not a match made in heaven and I was in the middle from the time I was born. I have been a peacemaker all of my life until I ran into this crisis with my son and now I am lost and terrified. I was the strong one and tried to make everything work smooth and easy. I could be very strict when it came time, but I now wonder if I was strict enough. I am 63 and having the worst growing pains I have ever had, even raising my son by myself from the time he was 11. I can not begin to comprehend how my Mom got by with no actual training in life matters until she was in it feet first! Your Mom has given you all the background experience to be a loving and caring person and you, in turn have raised your family within a warm and loving home. Turn to God first and family second to help get you through all of this with grace. Your Mom will respond ALOT just from your actions! Love and blessings to you and your family with my prayers also! Linda

Thanks so much Lynn. Just come home from an SRE dinner at church. It's for our local High School religious education classes. We (the Christian Churches in Belmont) get together every 6 months to raise money for the teacher of scripture for years 7 and 8.

It was a lovely night and both Mum and I were glad to get out.

We'll be seeing Dad again tomorrow - they've stopped all his drugs now, we are just waiting and watching.

Thanks for your lovely comments - love Chris

Thank you so much Terre for your kind words. It warms my heart to know that there are so many people on here who are praying for us.

Love and blessings Chris

We both are watching for that glimmer in his eyes. It's been nearly 2 weeks now that he hasn't responded. Every now and then he brings his face close up to Mum and it's almost like he is taking her whole face in. I've been stroking his hands and putting in Shea butter on them and his head. He loves having his head rubbed. Most balding men love that.

Thanks for your kind words love and blessings Chris

Thanks Shirlene - yes, it's going to be a bit tough, but I seem to rally round after each visit. It's getting easier to let go and I know Mum is being strong for both of us.

We are hoping my sister will be coming over soon. We are just in limbo land at the moment. I am sure you know what I mean. All medications have been stopped and no drips administered. He kept ripping them out! He is in no pain thank God.

Love and blessings Chris

That's exactly what I'm holding on to. I know that in heaven I will see him again, just like I will my Nanna. I keep telling him I love him and we talk about everything that has happened during the day - he looks like he is listening, but has his head hanging down with eyes parted

Thank you for your wonderful words of wisdom as usual Lillian. I just love reading your posts. Thank God for you as you were a nurse too.

I will try and take some pictures tomorrow - I hope he will be awake.

Love and blessings Chris

Thanks Judy - each day we go in we hope he will recognise us, but he hasn't so far. We still are praying for a small miracle.

Wouldn't it be great to see his face light up when we walk in the ward?

Love and blessings Chris

Thanks Arlene - then you truly know it feels. It's more distressing for the family that is left than for the patient.

Dad doesn't know any better, but it still makes me cry seeing him like this.

God bless all you nurses. Love and blessings Chris

Thanks so much Tubby and Dianne. I hope all is well with you two.

Thanks for writing and thinking of us

Love and blessings Chris

Thanks Sally - I know he does, it's just so hard to get any reaction. Thanks for taking the time to write.

Love and blessings Chris

Meri, what can I say - your words touched my heart and soul. I am remembering all the good times and sad ones too, but the good ones outweigh the sad.

Mum is coping really well, I suppose she said goodbye to him a long time ago. He is just not Dad anymore and you are right I believe he deep down knows we are there even though he can't express it anymore.

Love and blessings to you Chris