tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25937829796240971772024-02-07T13:36:21.169-08:00Dad Fights CancerSteve and Melissa Rogershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17522939484317529165noreply@blogger.comBlogger117125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2593782979624097177.post-77658519220761187162010-05-05T07:29:00.001-07:002010-05-05T07:41:07.602-07:00A lost little girlWhen I woke up this morning I realized that I am no longer <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">anyone's</span> little girl. I must be strong and make my parents proud of the daughter they sacrificed so much for. I am very thankful for the peaceful day that my Dad experienced yesterday. I will miss my Dad and the wonderful way he always made me laugh. He can now rest and be at peace and that is all I could really ask for.<br />I love you Mom and Dad and I can't begin to describe the hole in my heart since you left.<br /><br />This will also be my last entry to the blog.<br /><br />Thank you for all the prayers and wonderful comments on this blog. It was a great way for some of our family to express our feelings. Thank you Steven for sharing your emotions during your journey with Dad. I love you and you have made me a very proud sister.<br /><br />SuzanneSteve and Melissa Rogershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17522939484317529165noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2593782979624097177.post-64592302066738170482010-05-04T19:07:00.001-07:002010-05-04T19:21:00.543-07:00John William Rogers Rest In PeaceOur father passed away today at 3:55 pm. He was surrounded by people who loved him. He left earth peacefully. We are very proud of the fight that Dad led since September 2008. The Hospice House staff really went out of their way to make the process quiet and serene.<br />Dad's last activity before his death was a bath....poetic justice, huh? Dad loved a bath more than anything.<br />Our plan is to head to Dallas to handle all the business affairs of Mom and Dad tomorrow am. We are plannng a celebration of both of their lives at Donna Edwards home in Carrollton, Texas this Friday at 4-7pm. We want to follow up the Dallas event with an Atlanta event to honor Dad's wishes. He requested that his remains be placed in a military cemetery. Pat, Glenda, George, Kay and others.....I will need your help to pull the GA event off.<br />This will be the last blog entry I make in regards to my Dad. Its been a long journey full of mixed emotions. We were able to share moments with Dad that might never have occurred. When Dad moved into our house in Fayetteville he made the comment that we were making the "Supreme Sacrafice". I don't feel that way. It was an honor to care for Dad. He received 24 hour love and I know he felt safe and secure.<br />I appreciate everyone who has contributed to the Blog and to the care of our father. We are huge advocates of Hospice House now and will be avid followers and contributors to their fine work.Steve and Melissa Rogershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17522939484317529165noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2593782979624097177.post-51905221878221375862010-05-04T08:33:00.000-07:002010-05-04T08:40:02.955-07:00The Ladies ManDad was always dashing and charming....a true ladies man. We are playing this song in honor of this part of Dad...this song is by Dave Matthews: <br /><br />You've got your ball,You've got your chain Tied to me tight, tie me up again.Who's got their claws In you my friend? Into your heart I'll beat again Sweet like candy to my sou lSweet you rock,And sweet you roll Lost for you, I'm so lost for you Oh, and you come crash into me And I come into you And I come into you In a boy's dream In a boy's dream Touch your lips just so I know In your eyes, love, it glows so I'm bare-boned and crazy... for you. Oh, and you come crash into me Baby, and I come into you In a boy's dream In a boy's dream And if I've gone overboard Then I'm begging you To forgive me In my haste When I'm holding you so girl,Close to me Oh and you come crash into me, yeah Baby, and I come into you Hike up your skirt a little more And show the world to me Hike up your skirt a little more And show your world to meI n a boy's dream In a boy's dream Oh, I watch you there Through the window And I stare at you You wear nothing, but you Wear it so well Tied up and twisted, The way I'd like to be For you, for me, come crash into me, baby Come crash into me, yeah Crash into me...Crash into me...Crash into me...You know, I'm the king of the castle,You're the dirty rascal, crash into me.Please crash into me, baby...Oh, no no no...Yes, I see the waves Come and crash into me.See the waves come and crash into me.Crash into me.Steve and Melissa Rogershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17522939484317529165noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2593782979624097177.post-57390063382090054882010-05-04T08:21:00.000-07:002010-05-04T08:28:11.148-07:00TuesdayWe are here with Dad. He has gotten progressively worse. His blood pressure is 66/40. We really believe this could be Dad's last day with us. We have talked to him and told him about Mom's passing. He understood me. I know he teared up and winked acknowledgement. We are playing music for him in the room. We just got through playing "Unforgettable" by Nat King Cole. My favorite song is playing right now. Its a song by Peter Tosh. The lyrics are below:<br /><br /> <em>Fools Die.....The lips of the righteous teaches many But fools die for want of wisdom.. The rich man's wealth is in the city.... Vexation of the soul is vanity.... Destruction of the poor is their poverty ...The poor man's wealth is in a holy, holy place... Why do you fight each other... Why do you kill your brother... Then your reward will be the cemetery... We got to build a better nation... Clean up, clean up Jah creation... Or there will be no future for you, you and me.</em><br /><em></em><br /><em>It is a beautiful reggae song that can be interpreted many, many ways.</em>Steve and Melissa Rogershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17522939484317529165noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2593782979624097177.post-79504811454169830032010-05-03T18:28:00.000-07:002010-05-03T20:26:51.905-07:00My world came crashing down!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwaAKbROqUYntUt8_cjHrSxLtyo18eHJWfdqFoA-J51afEVTuxpBQ6beCMs9onLQ6Unct9NdVS2Gzd-6RiwcLHD3rGgKauNTJbr1uA0GxKgbVkaWxGCCZMOcZtAy0qCPlvLEYr5v-RgV8/s1600/dallas03+006.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwaAKbROqUYntUt8_cjHrSxLtyo18eHJWfdqFoA-J51afEVTuxpBQ6beCMs9onLQ6Unct9NdVS2Gzd-6RiwcLHD3rGgKauNTJbr1uA0GxKgbVkaWxGCCZMOcZtAy0qCPlvLEYr5v-RgV8/s200/dallas03+006.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467250762243483986" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_9G41zq_DGhgv9zZR_GfBoAG6A0zBGdrYat5Bufwr5XX-LfbilvdicnDPSNAwZIaP-WeOoOxS16QdoV1oXDgTyujL06Rh-UpjgEVKOFEpIpd8ssZIx6_e6m6POWhAIvD_Y8qOx9B9Lx4/s1600/dallas94+015.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_9G41zq_DGhgv9zZR_GfBoAG6A0zBGdrYat5Bufwr5XX-LfbilvdicnDPSNAwZIaP-WeOoOxS16QdoV1oXDgTyujL06Rh-UpjgEVKOFEpIpd8ssZIx6_e6m6POWhAIvD_Y8qOx9B9Lx4/s200/dallas94+015.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467222197946100514" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>The range of emotions I have felt over the last few days is unbelievable. No one expects to lose both parents so close together. I have lost my best friends and my biggest fans. I love my parents with all my heart and words cannot express how much I will miss them. I know God will see me through this difficult time but my heart won't stop aching. Not only do I appreciate my parents for ALL they did for me, they were fantastic grandparents too. To the BEST Mom and Dad in the world. You made me the woman and mother I am today. <div>I love you both,</div><div>Suzanne</div>Steve and Melissa Rogershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17522939484317529165noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2593782979624097177.post-9924004631184002572010-05-03T16:25:00.000-07:002010-05-03T16:37:03.677-07:00Road Trippin'If you are wondering why we are posting Joyce's information on John's blog site this is why. Joyce had been very involved in John's medical journey. After having John over for Easter dinner with Stuart and Steven she became even more concerned about his well-being. She talked to John about coming up for a visit to Arkansas and John accepted the offer. John was no longer able to take such a journey on his own, let alone drive. So, on Saturday, April 17 they headed out on their final journey together. Joyce drove the 5 1/2 hour drive to Fayetteville with John as her passenger. They didn't even argue, probably thanks to Bobbie's good advice to them both (John, take a pain pill and go to sleep ;Joyce, give John a pain pill and he will go to sleep). They arrived in Fayetteville, had dinner, and watched a movie. The next morning she got in her car and headed back to Dallas. Joyce had a heart of gold.Steve and Melissa Rogershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17522939484317529165noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2593782979624097177.post-3561204825360520912010-05-03T16:18:00.000-07:002010-05-03T16:24:53.761-07:00Joyce Ann Hoover Rogers class of 1959Thank you all for the thoughts, prayers, cards and flowers. We truly could not have made it through the past couple of days with out you all. Many have asked what they can do and we thought in lieu of flowers Joyce could be best remembered with a donation to the University she loved. Joyce graduated in 1959 with a Bachelors in Science and Education. She was a wonderful artist and enjoyed sharing her talents with those who loved her. Donations will be used in the art department to give art scholarships.<br /><br /> Donations can be made in Memory of Joyce Hoover Rogers.<br /><br /> Attention: University Development<br /> 300 University House<br /> 1 U of A<br /> Fayetteville, AR 72701Steve and Melissa Rogershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17522939484317529165noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2593782979624097177.post-19701514552994087772010-05-03T15:26:00.000-07:002010-05-03T15:35:56.880-07:00One of my best friends<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjULX87GN6JHpDOcOot9xUcEKKSIzRxmfK-frMHkhco_kahw_20EtmyUJMKxjlqqTxO4zx3EYIY5An6mttU5b1jdp6OQkmVlJBawb2fyxDCQYglb4V2V0uaDLvqm_q1IR8sRpKMe0SLLhk/s1600/Picture+032.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467174294776513426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 134px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjULX87GN6JHpDOcOot9xUcEKKSIzRxmfK-frMHkhco_kahw_20EtmyUJMKxjlqqTxO4zx3EYIY5An6mttU5b1jdp6OQkmVlJBawb2fyxDCQYglb4V2V0uaDLvqm_q1IR8sRpKMe0SLLhk/s200/Picture+032.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div>I lost one of my best friends in the world. As I walked the campus yesterday the world felt a lot emptier. I used to walk by Old Main and ponder about how lucky I was to get to go to the University of Arkansas. My mothers will and my hard headed belief that it was the only school for me led me to Fayetteville. When money got tight, she sacrificed and found a way for my tuition to get covered. From the time I was a small child I was brought up a Hog. My grandmother and grandfather (Al and Ree) literally brainwashed me at a young age. My first live game was the Cotton Bowl of 1976-Arkansas and Georgia. I was hooked. </div><div>I owe so many things to the upbringing that my Mom provided. I miss her so much and wish she was with me now. I would give anything to have one more day. Funny, just two weeks ago she said the same thing about her mother. We are truly cut from the same cloth. I am proud to say I am the son of Joyce Ann Hoover. </div>Steve and Melissa Rogershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17522939484317529165noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2593782979624097177.post-62890744735579371512010-05-03T15:02:00.000-07:002010-05-03T15:20:45.147-07:00Mama Hawg and her 4 little piglets<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMJcuELfdGl7dhykb4gc5JW21Bk7rEnLzlH9TzHY45ChDUMdPmsnVKDE_dgJbrOeZaeD1MWg35AfVtI-vySjPDiRjWbCSUBOGRECD9N3ut0P72PbycXqZuCTalm5LSc1n0oqIvDvdV1eQ/s1600/Picture+034.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467168072103217090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 134px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMJcuELfdGl7dhykb4gc5JW21Bk7rEnLzlH9TzHY45ChDUMdPmsnVKDE_dgJbrOeZaeD1MWg35AfVtI-vySjPDiRjWbCSUBOGRECD9N3ut0P72PbycXqZuCTalm5LSc1n0oqIvDvdV1eQ/s200/Picture+034.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Mom at the A & M game with Keary, Amy, Stephanie and Tommie. Melissa took the picture. </div>Steve and Melissa Rogershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17522939484317529165noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2593782979624097177.post-15508576614993953772010-05-03T14:55:00.000-07:002010-05-03T15:01:30.815-07:00Monday MondayMelissa and I went to HH for lunch. Dad looked much worse. He is beginning to exhibit the following signs:<br /><br />*Breathing changes<br />*Very sensitive to touch<br />*Dislikes any loud noises<br />*Far away look<br />*Cool skin<br />*Discolored skin in the extremities...called modeling<br />*Restless<br />*Hot natured due to possible fever. He rarely has any covers on and tends to show his not so modest side.<br /><br />This all points to Dad being at the DAYS TO HOURS stage in the dying process. He has not had any fluids in two days and has not urinated in almost 3 days. He cannot communicate above a wink. It is extremely painful to see him in this state. He knows it is ok to let go and has communicated to us that he is ready to die. It will not be much longer from the appearances, but there is always the potential for rally. Lets hope he continues along this peaceful path he is on.Steve and Melissa Rogershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17522939484317529165noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2593782979624097177.post-90427562973074669072010-05-03T06:19:00.000-07:002010-05-03T06:24:10.238-07:00Her handiwork<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDJJrNuxds9K-kLpEY_JQ95Y_JkBtRVsbJCtsf5BOGXboccz45bav2Fj5UU-1nSKtpa_VTrsh-zvcgW5ljnwdvNSnVBd2EK7quNA58aMZ9PxgFtY_Y16p4OvUb_yjQN_xkLjXtpNZwlSA/s1600/Picture+036.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467033654751849074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 134px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDJJrNuxds9K-kLpEY_JQ95Y_JkBtRVsbJCtsf5BOGXboccz45bav2Fj5UU-1nSKtpa_VTrsh-zvcgW5ljnwdvNSnVBd2EK7quNA58aMZ9PxgFtY_Y16p4OvUb_yjQN_xkLjXtpNZwlSA/s200/Picture+036.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Mom loved to knit. She produced this item for her daughter-in-law Melissa. She had just brought up another item she knitted that was striped and I know Melissa was so proud of it.</div>Steve and Melissa Rogershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17522939484317529165noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2593782979624097177.post-18829274095490295202010-05-03T06:15:00.000-07:002010-05-03T06:19:19.115-07:00Go Hogs Go<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2lX3bTJuNbGouHnn4Kb41GTtkeKUlFL94EGEGl8DPxYhYsbFqwxnTYyI65ZJseuO-efw07E-RXZhVrleU_7N2iCo3Y4mvLFggl_Bc8iTeXtO1DHjLpkcsZOpXfsVnv0EP1alExcZMNYI/s1600/Picture+035.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467032382693746866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 134px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2lX3bTJuNbGouHnn4Kb41GTtkeKUlFL94EGEGl8DPxYhYsbFqwxnTYyI65ZJseuO-efw07E-RXZhVrleU_7N2iCo3Y4mvLFggl_Bc8iTeXtO1DHjLpkcsZOpXfsVnv0EP1alExcZMNYI/s200/Picture+035.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Mom loved her Razorbacks. This picture was taken at the Arkansas-Texas A & M game this past fall. She had planned to return to campus to come to the Ole Miss game for the 2010 season. </div>Steve and Melissa Rogershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17522939484317529165noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2593782979624097177.post-15009214832763064682010-05-03T06:07:00.000-07:002010-05-03T06:15:27.336-07:00Delta Gamma<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-fjneV09Zkd1DgggACobd2f52WfpWzRj9JlqAMUaA-g-IRMOSldXIRTPuOXbXkzNTyHg4dIxnS4gQJpOH9nZHP43QWo9vtzUtrJ7qWFl2ffC-M3EWlbaHaJZc5uA5FRkUoI6lF9VTGqA/s1600/Picture+031.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467031113160060466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 134px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-fjneV09Zkd1DgggACobd2f52WfpWzRj9JlqAMUaA-g-IRMOSldXIRTPuOXbXkzNTyHg4dIxnS4gQJpOH9nZHP43QWo9vtzUtrJ7qWFl2ffC-M3EWlbaHaJZc5uA5FRkUoI6lF9VTGqA/s200/Picture+031.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><br />This is the Delta Gamma House on the campus of the University. Mom lived here during her time at the U of A.Steve and Melissa Rogershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17522939484317529165noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2593782979624097177.post-60556681814105527592010-05-03T05:56:00.000-07:002010-05-03T06:07:44.701-07:00Senior Walk<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOYLkmjfocUKwcPnMGqqCt0d73C6MoxPdTDmDBnCdhYankLV9mODO3mdU8SS4Fq71P4k_FSLncQsTvcAXznAXwR4ZL9N0CGapUzRlJBbITyHNkZkuBkqXdr31Q4P3ymdren3QxAXNpbC0/s1600/Picture+030.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467028297562121122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 134px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOYLkmjfocUKwcPnMGqqCt0d73C6MoxPdTDmDBnCdhYankLV9mODO3mdU8SS4Fq71P4k_FSLncQsTvcAXznAXwR4ZL9N0CGapUzRlJBbITyHNkZkuBkqXdr31Q4P3ymdren3QxAXNpbC0/s200/Picture+030.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>The University of Arkansas has a tradition called Senior Walk. Every graduating students name is etched in the sidewalk on the campus. Joyce Ann Hoover belonged to the class of 1959. Some of her fondest memories were of her times at the University.<br /><br /><div></div></div>Steve and Melissa Rogershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17522939484317529165noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2593782979624097177.post-87703858522317344912010-05-03T04:45:00.000-07:002010-05-03T04:47:57.921-07:00Cool Hand LukeWe returned to Dad's room last night with some of Dad's classic favorite movies. He chose to see "Cool Hand Luke", the Paul Newman road gang movie. I could tell he liked it. He is getting very frustrated with the lack of effectiveness in his communication. It is almost impossible to understand what he wants/needs.<br />I hope he had a restful night.Steve and Melissa Rogershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17522939484317529165noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2593782979624097177.post-74556006253066441882010-05-02T17:51:00.000-07:002010-05-02T17:59:17.536-07:00Dad UpdateMelissa and I went to see Dad this afternoon. He was dressed in a hospital gown. His ability to speak fluently is gone. He moves his hands, arms and feet around a lot. He desperately wanted water, so Melissa fed him water with the swabs they give you. He said he was hungry, so we fed him a dab of grape jelly on his tongue. That is what it has come down. He did not urinate all day, so we are just waiting for organ failure. <br />We are going back up tonight to watch a movie with Dad. I am just hoping he can sit peacefully with us. Bottom-line, pray that the end is near. This death has been agonizing. He has fought a good fight and we have all given him our blessing to let go. I hope his body cooperates.<br /><br />I miss my Mother already. I always wondered what it would be like to pick up the phone and not have a parent to talk to on the other side. I just got my worst nightmare in 24 hours. My Dad wants to communicate and can't. My Mom can't communicate because she is no longer with us. I will miss her tremendously. Everything I am is because of her guidance. My world just got really quiet.Steve and Melissa Rogershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17522939484317529165noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2593782979624097177.post-84290766117422076932010-05-02T11:34:00.001-07:002010-05-02T11:41:53.137-07:00Terrible NewsAfter seeing our Dad this morning, Suzanne, Stuart and I left the facility and came back home. I received a call from a friend of my Mom's. Mom had planned on going to brunch with Donna today down in Carrollton, Texas. When Mom did not answer the door or multiple calls, Donna had the local authorities break down the door. They found Mom on the floor where she had presumably died this morning of a heart attack. She had been feeling under the weather over the past few days and had scheduled a doctors appt this coming Monday.<br />This family cannot handle much more heartache. Stuart and Suzanne are en route to Dallas from Northwest Arkansas as I type. Melissa and I are going to watch over Dad until he passes. It is only a matter of time.<br /><br />We are not going to tell Dad about Mom's passing. Please keep our family in your prayers. We are strong and will survive this tragedy.Steve and Melissa Rogershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17522939484317529165noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2593782979624097177.post-2631040900678863452010-05-01T08:34:00.000-07:002010-05-01T08:47:47.781-07:00Hog Country<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Ml55bOBmQhHA_Pu5xsyHjv7Gtc8oUydHBQpWU7jke5xIXvf9rC7T1eG3hx75PD8Ej7bXVlZ1E2b-hWtBnT5HXUtLTQHfuRnUKUChxyJ2ddEqcIfasS5koKGyIQ0IKAShzsXuXf6KTdM/s1600/7304.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 137px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Ml55bOBmQhHA_Pu5xsyHjv7Gtc8oUydHBQpWU7jke5xIXvf9rC7T1eG3hx75PD8Ej7bXVlZ1E2b-hWtBnT5HXUtLTQHfuRnUKUChxyJ2ddEqcIfasS5koKGyIQ0IKAShzsXuXf6KTdM/s200/7304.gif" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466328370536652514" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Greetings from Arkansas! I can't express how much it means to me to be able to spend time with Dad right now. We had a great visit last night and I think he enjoyed his footy massage. I thought Dad looked fantastic all dressed up too. It's extremely hard to see your father this way and it breaks my heart that he has to deal with all this. I am so grateful to Steven and Melissa who have really made a difference in Dad's life. The facility is beautiful and when I asked Dad if he was happy here he nodded his head yes. He has an extremely difficult time talking and gets frustrated easily. I think the best thing I can do during my visit is to love on him and tell him how much he means to me. <br /></div><div>We are planning an "Italian" night tonight with music, pasta, and maybe a few laughs. I hope it gives Dad a few moments of happiness.</div><div>Love, Suzanne</div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div><br /></div></div>Steve and Melissa Rogershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17522939484317529165noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2593782979624097177.post-32487870148928124662010-04-30T18:36:00.000-07:002010-04-30T18:43:33.505-07:00Friday Nights alright for Fightin...get a little action hereSuzanne and I are with Dad tonight at HH. Dad was dressed in Khakis and an oxford shirt. He looked great and dressed for the occasion. I took Suzanne to Mama Z's in Tontitown to fill her in on the situation so she would be ready for what she was going to see. Dad seems to have great fears at night....almost every night he thinks he is going to die. He has expressed that every day I have seen him since Wednesday.<br />He and Suzanne looked at photos from old times and Suzanne gave Dad a foot massage. Dad was in good spirits......best mood all week.<br />I will have her author the next blog so you get her impressions and thoughts from the trip.<br /><br />I have been relaying all your thoughts, cards, prayers to Dad as they have been coming in. Thanks for the positive energy.<br /><br />SteveSteve and Melissa Rogershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17522939484317529165noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2593782979624097177.post-30535411457851332152010-04-30T07:33:00.000-07:002010-04-30T07:35:04.030-07:00Kind WordsJohn was the only person in the world who would willingly take me to the airport.<br />Remember, he lived here. I feel like we are related to tell the<br />truth! I do say prayers for him, and will continue. You are great children to take such good care of him. Tell him hello for me (and Susie who lived across the hall from where he recently<br />lived in Evergreen). Yes, John didn't care if I called him early in<br />the morning when my planes were delayed...And, he was first and<br />foremost (and is) a GENTLEMAN, who really loved his mother. He used to<br />talk about her, and mail her things as I watched!<br /><br />Love to John,<br />JoAnne Braley, and my little dog, BabySteve and Melissa Rogershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17522939484317529165noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2593782979624097177.post-1574713878235846982010-04-29T20:14:00.000-07:002010-04-29T20:15:27.245-07:00GMC HS Class of 53Here is a note from Bill Curry-------<br /><br /><br />Yes, your blog address now works, and has been forwarded to the GMC H.S. class of '53 which is a tight group.<br /><br /><br />Your father was a special member of our class and we treasure him. We lived next door to each other in M'ville when your grandfather and my father worked at the M'ville State Hospital (aka GA Insane Asylum) back in the early '50's. <br /><br />So Steve, you and and your uncle Pat and George are not alone - call or e-mail when the class of '53 can help -<br /><br />Sincerely,<br /><br />Classmate Bill - for the GMC H.S. Class of '53Steve and Melissa Rogershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17522939484317529165noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2593782979624097177.post-66214588365799185362010-04-29T16:09:00.000-07:002010-04-29T16:30:21.557-07:00The Good The Bad The UglyGood.....Dad was eating and looking ok today and was getting excellent care. After meeting with the doctor he agreed to keep Dad in the HH facility until next Tuesday. We will review at that time the next move (if any) is needed. The social worker told us that she did not believe he would have to move, but we are planning for worse case scenario.<br /><br />The Bad......We weighed Dad. He now weighs 115. If you recall, he weighed 121 when we entered him into the facility on Saturday. This is the main reason he is getting to stay in HH at this point. He is losing 1 pound per day.<br /><br />The Ugly....We are probably going to see a decline over time after the visits from Suzanne and Stuart. He is excited for the company, but still there will be a downturn after they leave. Also, if Dad is staying in HH and it is not being covered by Medicare, the daily cost to us is $180. This could become a reality very quickly. This will have to be a discussion that we have early next week. I also requested for Stuart to bring the car title up this weekend in case we need to sell the vehicle before he passes away. It is not good for it to sit idle and Dad will never drive again. It depends on his mood.....not so sure its a good item to discuss this weekend due to the finality. <br /><br />Dad has a patch on his neck that is helping to dry out his mouth. This will relieve him of all the coughing and congestion he has been dealing with every day after mealtime. He is struggling to eat and his shirt probably gets more food than his stomach. Its a real sad state of affairs on the nutrition side of the house.<br /><br />On the sunny side of the house......Melissa and I are taking the dogs up to his room tonight for some pet therapy. I am trying to see Dad as much as possible since I have to leave on a business trip this Sunday.Steve and Melissa Rogershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17522939484317529165noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2593782979624097177.post-88872210001223526492010-04-28T20:02:00.000-07:002010-04-28T20:08:47.405-07:00WednesdayVisited Dad today after receiving phone call from him. He had not picked up the phone in a weeks time, so this was a shocker. He was calling concerning a question about his Sprint Bill. It was hard to understand him on the phone, so Melissa went to HH at lunch. Dad was sitting up in the barcolounger chair (this is the first time he has been out of bed since he left our house on Saturday). He also had a visit from a minister at his request today. <br />We completed the paperwork to release Dad from his apartment by May 28. There was a waiting list at Evergreen, so we are happy that his unit will go to someone in need. <br />We are having a family meeting tomorrow with his physician. More details on that tomorrow.<br /><br />The plan is to take Dad's walker up to HH and get him back to walking and being more mobile. Pray for him to have the strength.Steve and Melissa Rogershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17522939484317529165noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2593782979624097177.post-41347184654838886822010-04-27T18:55:00.000-07:002010-04-27T19:08:29.439-07:00Tuesday EveningMelissa and I are here at HH tonight. Dad is in good spirits. We are watching a movie called "Hard Knox" starring Robert Conrad, the infamous guy with the battery on his shoulder. Dad is now taking steriods and some kind of swish and swallow (Pink Magic) medicine. This is to increase his appetite and ease his swallowing.<br />Right now he is bedbound other than assistance to the bathroom or shower. He is also having his dressing changed every day.<br />Dad is also taking periodic morphine pills. Dad always says that is what they give people who are dying...not sure if he is being funny or not.<br />We are not sure on Dad's release from this site.....we are going to have a family consult with Dr. Pacl. We want to try to keep Dad at HH till after Suzanne's visit. This would give him some regularity and would not disrupt his care.<br />That is all the news for today.Steve and Melissa Rogershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17522939484317529165noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2593782979624097177.post-18195231987885519472010-04-26T07:25:00.000-07:002010-04-26T07:34:28.647-07:00Monday MondayWent to go see Dad this morning at HH. He was sleeping peacefully when I arrived. The nurse, Roger (not Fokker), came in when I was in the room and took Dad's vitals. The orderly came in soon after with breakfast. Of course, Dad was not happy with the meal (cream of wheat). Instead, we arranged for eggs to be subsituted. I put some cheese on top and salt and pepper and we had a happy customer. He also likes his coffee, so I took care of that part. Dad was able to walk to the bathroom and back unattended, so that was a positive.<br />He had some memory issues last evening. He did not remember seeing Melissa and he also had a moment that he still thought the dogs were in his room (he could only be so lucky). I don't know if this is from lack of nourishment, blood flow restriction or something worse. The regular doctor was going to make his rounds today. This should allow us to get more complete information.<br />I helped dress Dad and I can only describe it as what you would see in WW II concentration camp photos. There is nothing left in regards to muscle tone. He is very simply skin and bone. I have also seen a return of something on the side of his neck (left hand side). Will get more details as we know of these situations.<br />Its been extremely emotional lately and very tough to witness his demise. Please pray for us to continue to show strength to Dad. He is a safe and caring place. If he is released soon I am going to set him up back in the home. We will secure nursing assistance to cover the periods that we are not there.Steve and Melissa Rogershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17522939484317529165noreply@blogger.com5