A Treat - Week 2 of Hospice

I am still not sure what happened as our second week in hospice began except to say God graciously gave me a "treat" when KK woke up -- her voice strong and ready to eat and drink.

One of the (many) things that made me cry during the first week in hospice when KK wasn't eating was that she never got her burger.  KK had it all planned out -- since she was eating a vegan diet with no processed foods, she would eat a burger once the cancer was cured or when there was no more hope.  Her doctor even said he would buy her one when she was ready.

So, when KK woke up ready to eat and drink as week 2 began, I decided to order some of her favorite foods.  The first thing I ordered was pizza.  KK was so happy as she started eating it, then she turned to me and asked, "Is this gluten free?"  I said no.  She then asked, "Is this a treat?"  When I said no again, you could see her processing what that meant and she started to cry.  Since I had told her that I would always tell her the truth, I explained everything that was going on.  At the next meal, I ordered more of her favorites.  As she ate, she asked, "Is this a treat?"  At this point I realized that she didn't remember our previous conversation due to her short-term memory loss.  I couldn't bring myself to say no again.  Since I already told her the whole truth earlier, I said yes...which, if you think about it, wasn't a lie either.

Singing Jesus Loves Me 

to baby Naomi

At the end of the week, we had an extra special treat when my friend Terri flew in from Michigan with her new baby, Naomi.  Every time I tried to hold Naomi she would cry.  Not so with KK...KK and Naomi had an instant bond.  One time when Naomi was crying for me, I placed her in KK's arms, and, as per her usual, KK started sweetly singing Jesus Loves Me and Naomi instantly settled.  Another time when KK was holding Naomi, she asked me if I would like to hold her.  I told her that she would probably start crying, but KK insisted that she wouldn't.  Almost as soon as I picked her up, Naomi began to cry...it was almost comical.  I conceded defeat and allowed KK to enjoy all the baby snuggles.