Barbara is Hanging On

She is very peaceful now. She can even be funny, as when I asked her, "Did you have a good nap?" and she said, "Yes, but every time I wake up, three faces are just staring at me." And she made a goofy, sad face to show us what we looked like.

She sleeps a lot and smiles, now and then, in her sleep. She tries to postpone the morphine so she can be more alert and savor the presence of her family. We have promised her she will never be without at least one of us at all times, from here on out, twenty-four/seven.

Her daughters, having been told all, are to all appearances taking the bad news in stride, God bless them.

Mom says Barbara lit up when she received Holy Communion Sunday afternoon. She says Barbara also saw an angel hovering in the corner of the ceiling nearest the door and asked who was that flying around there.

She never complains. She shows enormous patience. My baby sister, lighting the way for the rest of our family, is certainly setting a high standard for the rest of us. Tough act to follow.