I had left the hospice last night but hadn't felt entirely happy in doing so as Colin's breathing had noticeably changed over the evening. However, having spoken with the nurse on shift and being re-assured they would call me if anything changed, I decided to go home and if nothing else (ironically) to pack an overnight bag.
In the early hours I was awoken by the phone and with heart thumping I knew what it would be. The very kind nurse on the other end explaining that Colin's breathing had changed again over the short period she had been on shift and it being unsustainably rapid she advised I should go into the hospice if that was what I wanted to do. So I arrived there about 2:25 am. And indeed the breathing had changed, quite noticeably again. And so events took their course.
Thank you to all of you who, over the last year and a half, have unstintingly visited Colin. This made a huge difference in that it made his days, which were easily dreadful, more bearable, interesting and cheering. I am, of course like many of you, deeply saddened by his loss but hugely relieved that he is no longer suffering and at peace.
Jane.