So we made it back safe and sound from our journey to Hood River where we made a final connection with one of Oma's Students. Marie Louise studied and worked with Oma at the Reflexology Center in in Glendale. Since moving to Hood River with her husband she has continued to give treatments and also lectures on the Oma method of reflexology developed by our mother. 

It was very important for mother to see that her life's work of spreading love through reflexology will live on beyond her days on earth.

The trip was fantastic. It was special for mother to re-connect with Marie Louise, her student and practitioner of the Oma method of Reflexology. We so enjoyed connecting with these very special people. Here are just a sample of the pictures we took in their home so filled with love and life.

While we were "off island" we stopped in Seattle to spend some time with Birgit in her world as well. As usual she welcomed us with her music and her love.

Although the trip was hard, (we had to drive on the freeway in the pouring rain with all the windows open so mother would feel like she got enough air) it was definitely worth it. The medication worked fairly well and mother was able to get lots of sleep. Receiving a foot treatment from Marie Louise also made a huge difference.

As we ran low on Vicodin entering the long weekend I switched her back to the codeine and that did not seem to work as well at suppressing her anxiety. So with Gaby's encouragement we headed for the drop in clinic this morning and got a prescription for the Vicodin to hold us over until we can discuss the medication regimen with Dr. Mahoney on Tuesday. 

Over all Mother's condition seems to be stable. Her oxygen level remains high but the pressure in her chest is also quite substantial. She finds it hard to eat more than a morsel at a time and so must eat much more frequently. Bowel movements are also a problem because of the sedentary state and the medication and I am encouraging her to be more active, to help that along. Overall I try to make our lives as normal as possible. That includes caring for our Shambhala and having her help with some of the chores around the house. Here she is plucking grapes.

Today we got a call from someone who was touched deeply by Oma's reflexology sessions some 25 years ago and now lives in Edmonds. She finally made it to the island and wanted to visit with Oma. So at 3pm, just after we finished our nap she dropped by for an hour or so. After that mother was keen to head for county park. So today I didn't get anything done, besides the regular chores of meals and dishes, except to sweep the deck and discover some dry rot that needs to be repaired before it spreads. Tomorrow morning I will water the garden and later in the day I will start the repair of the ceiling in the car. The liner has finally given up the ghost and must be removed.   

Now its time to head off to sleep. I have developed a routine where I get up at 5am to give mother her 6 hour dose and then use the early morning hours to take care of myself and do outside stuff. I usually can catch up on my sleep when we go to county park in the afternoon. Now its time to tuck mother in and then do my stretches for my back while I read a bit in bed and wait for the dishwasher to finish.

On a beam of light
 me