My Uncle Bill

This weekend has left a shadow of grief hanging over my family.  My uncle Bill recently made the decision to not pursue a liver transplant.  He recently became eligible to be placed on the transplant list, but sadly my uncle did not want to cooperate with his physicians in getting his body strong enough for the procedure. 

This week, the doctors began administering morphine injections to my uncle, as it is all about pain management at this time.  The morphine sedates my uncle, and he has not been conscious since Wednesday.  Because his liver is not functioning, his body cannot break down the morphine.  This means that although the morphine is relieving my uncle of his pain, it will also soon end his life. 

My father has been to see my uncle each day this week.  I wanted to go with him, but both my parents say that other hospital patients with communicable diseases are too close and it would put my unborn baby in danger.  I have to respect my parents' requests for me to stay home.

My uncle's children have been visiting him also.  His stepdaughter is staying with him each night, and I am grateful that she is doing this, as he has done so much for her in the past.  None of us want him to die at night, alone.

My other uncle and aunt drove down yesterday from Clarksville, Tennessee, even though the doctors did not think that Uncle Bill would hold on that long.  He surprised us all and is still resting in the hospital.

Uncle Bill has suffered with an unknown ailment of his liver for at least the last 3 years.  Although I am sad for my uncle and will mourn his death, I am also rejoicing that he will soon be resting with our Savior!

Go with God, Uncle Bill