Sailing Away

Cynthia Anne Greene passed away around 2:30 pm today, October 20, 2015.  She was in her bed, covered with her quilts, snuggled by Kari, Cindy, and Quincy, holding hands with Todd, Garrett at her feet, her steady friend and caregiver Cindy by her side, and all around surrounded with love.  We shared stories and a few laughs while she gradually went to sleep.  She awoke a few times to smile but was overall peaceful and relaxed.

Thank you to everyone who called, visited, and sent emails, flowers, and love our way.  The outpouring of support and hearing about the impression her life had on others was amazing.  She's free of all equipment now and sailing away to her next adventure.

Reaching Deep book info

Some of you have asked about my book recently.

Book Link:
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=reaching+deep%2C+cynthia+greene

Or search for "Reaching Deep, Cynthia Greene" on www.amazon.com/books

The more expensive version has color photos as the beginning of each year. The less expensive version only has photos on the front and back cover.

Update

Dear Family and Friends,

Last January I wrote about going on hospice and the right of everyone to decline medical care. My book made me choose to delay turning off my vent. It was an exciting time to see it come together. Sharing it with others added to the pleasure. Because my health was not declining and I had no immediate plans to turn off my vent I was released from hospice. I spent a delightful summer sitting in the sun and soaking up the warmth.

Now the time has come to once again evaluate my life. I'm back on hospice and planning to turn off my vent. It has been a difficult decision, especially when looking at our grandsons. Talking with Doctor Libby, my pulmonologist, gave a certain sense of peace. He has been with me since the beginning and knew I wanted to be able to turn off the vent when the time came. He also was clear that they might not be able to get me off the vent after the gall bladder surgery, I have a lot of confidence in him.

The decision has not been easy but Todd and Kari are with me. They have seen my struggle to communicate with the eyegaze system. So on October 20th I will be turning off my venting. A memorial service will be held November 7th at 6:00 at Rose City Park Presbyterian Church in Portland.
 
Don't forget to live your dreams while you can.
 
Love to all of you,

Cynthia

Walk Time

Last entry I said I would focus on the Walk to Defeat ALS.  It is Sunday September 27th.  No matter how I'm feeling it's exhilarating to see all the people. Once started there are people spread over the entire three mile route along the Willamette river.  It is exciting to look at both bridges and the far side of the River filled. Last year people were finished before some had started. 

There is still time to join us or sponser me if you want.http://web.alsa.org/site/TR/Walks/?pg=team&fr_id=11029&team_id=338348

Summer

Okay so it has been three months since I have posted. Brief version is there  have been ups and downs .

June brought two visits from people passing through Portland. One visit was from some long time friends from Bakersfield on their way to visit grandchildren who recently moved to Washington. I made a good lunch stop. It's almost time to visit again. We grandparents can't wait to long between visits. For the same reason I don't expect them to stop by each time, maybe just when it times right for a lunch break. Of course the best part of June was Sam's Birthday.  His other grandparents were here too, so it was a fun day.  Sam is one of those special kids who really makes you feel special when he says "thanks I like this".

July started hot and stayed that way. I had to laugh to myself sometimes because I thought it felt good outside. The plants are not at all happy. We are in a neighborhood where most people have chosen not to water the front lawn. There are areas that have green edges where shrubs have been watered. When the tree people plant a tree many get watering bags. These make sure the  baby trees get slow deep watering. It also makes a green circle.

Todd was considerably nicer than me when he bought a room air conditioner to keep my main caregiver, Cindy, comfortable.  It looks like a minion and served its purpose well. I would stay as far away as possible or go outside as my comfort level is in the low 80's and hers, like most Oregon folks, in the low 70's. We manage to keep a happy medium and the nights cool off so I can open all the windows and my bedroom door.  If there is any breeze the wind chimes let me know. 

Since I need a nap or two every day and time to rest my eyes the time spent outside is good. We have been fortunate to have only one really smoky day from all the fires.  The air I breath is filtered so I had no problem. However I am beginning to look for rain, plants here are not accustomed to months without rain. This is one time I can hope for a good rain.  The previous was written the  two days ago.  We had a real thunder storm. I don't know if any of the fires got rain and now it is very windy.

All the yack about weather has probably bored those facing worse. What I should be writing about that is the upcoming ALS walk.  If you don't want to know about it or be asked to make a donation don't read the next entry. 

Chemistry

It has been a while since I have written. It is much easier to write about events than daily living.  We are in the process of changing my anti depression medication. The one big one I had been taking was dropped by the insurance company. At the local pharmacy it was $2237 for a 90 day supply. A bit of sticker shock. So we are in the process of easing that one out and bringing another one.  Interesting how chemistry can have such an influence on our minds. 

Toe Signing Party

More about my book. Several people at church had ordered my book. When they arrived my friend and mentor, Rae passed them out. Somehow the idea of a toe signing party came up. Sounded fun so plans were made. Caregiver Cindy got to bake several kinds of cookies, we bought a green stamp pad, some different teas and some wine. Let the party begin. 

At the party I had two phrases that people could choose to write in their book. After that it was stamped with a green toe. It was a fun day.