John Robert Humphrey

Went by at 11:45 to see Pops. Talked with KA (she had the day off and spent most of it there with EE) and she said Pops was asking for me. I went by and he perked up. Mom says he perks up more for me- why I don't know. It's like he likes me or something. Prior to my arrival, he was talking in speech that no one could understand. I sat him up in bed and he had a good 45 minutes of interaction before he faded out. At this time, I fed him some ice cream. This was good because he did not have any breakfast and really can't swallow solid foods anymore. We tried some water but he choked on it. He needs thickened, pureed foods now- at least today. KA showed up, and finished feeding him the ice cream because I had to go back to work. She is great because she is small enough to tuck into the hospital bed with him between him and the wall. He likes it too, he smiled as she tucked in and gave him a kiss and a "Hello Pops!"

Went by again after work and we got him aroused again. He had slept since the last visit. Cindy (KA's Mom) came by and with Cindy, KA, Zane, Tatum and me we filled the room. He was asking for a Root Beer and so I called KA and she picked one up on her way from getting Zane and Tatum. He couldn't drink it and choked on small sips through a straw. He did have some more ice cream that KA fed him from her tucked in spot, next to him on the bed again.

He is a mess and is close to moving from our existence here. It should be this week sometime. It is sad to say this, but then again, he is not living his life. He is a shell of himself. I was glad to spend time with him today and rubbed his head and held his hand while telling him what a great guy he was. I tried to bring up old stories of nostalgia. He doesn't know if it is day or night and asked the time. I said "Pops, it's 4:45 in the afternoon. It would be time for you to start getting ready to close up the office on Ella Blvd and head home. Then put on your smelly running shorts and your New Balance and get ready to tackle Ponderosa for a big run. He nodded with a understanding from the past.

Last report, he is sleeping again. He was up for about 3 hours today in a concious state- or semiconcious depending on your cognitive scale. The rest of the time is sleeping. Ironically, he says he is in no pain even though he hasn't had pain meds since this morning. This is a blessing. He is in tough shape- he can hardly move his arms and cannot move his legs. He can barely hold his head off the pillow. I know that writing this is somewaht dramatic in the speed of which it is happening. I believe God will pull his card soon, and he will go home to a glorious existence without pain and with loving family. I told him today to look forward to seeing his father, George, and his nephew, Eric, Jr- as well as many others. There has been tears today overall from both those watching over him here and also from Pops. Still enjoying those moments of clarity from him where he can express himself. Will update tomorrow. Prayers for his peace appreciated.