Bow to the Mountain

 

 

This is Cliff. That will become apparent as you read these words - which will not flow with the grace or charm of Donna’s writing.

We apologize for the gap since Donna’s last posting. It is her wish that I provide this update.

We were realistically optimistic on the last posting that the journey was headed in the right direction. And we were wrong. Over the course of six weeks Donna experienced increasing pain and discomfort. There were three separate stays in the hospital and various procedures performed seeking relief from extreme pain and nausea. We would learn that the source was disease progression.

Donna entered a clinical trial and when the schedule for the week ahead included an infusion and three separate procedures to help her continue the journey, she decided that her body had suffered enough. Sometimes the terrain gets too rough, the air too thin, or the weather too menacing. And you realize that you won’t reach the summit. You bow to the mountain.

Last week Donna made the decision to enter at-home Hospice care. Her sister joined us after a cross-country drive, time in quarantine, and virus testing. Donna is at peace with her decision, comfortable and surrounded by love.