Jen’s Update: It’s OK To Let Go, Darlin’

I cry as I add this…

I love you, Jennifer.

Email Update from Dad (Todd A.)

Dear Family:

This e-mail is the hardest update. Kathy stayed with Jennifer through the last two nights. Last night, help was called in and moved Jennifer from the living room reclining chair to her new powered bed, where she will now remain.

Her legs no longer have any strength to help support standing. Jennifer now has a fever which is a late sign, as we were advised. Her pulse is also elevated. We were advised by Hospice to expect a window of 48 to 72 hours.

For the last week or so, I kind of suspected January 20th might be a key date, as that is L.J.’s birthday (would have been 98 Tuesday) and also Barack’s inauguration. Both events mean a lot to Jennifer. I believe she has been trying a great deal to communicate with the family the last few days – her husband’s 50th birthday this past Friday and the recent Titans playoff effort. Each time she would try, it probably zapped all her strength that day. She has been a fighter right to the end.

Love, Todd Allen

TRH UPDATE: Adding to my dad’s note, they were concerned about congestion and brought in the nurse on call, who had been making rounds since 3am. When they tried to move my sister to the bed, her legs gave out and she gently went to the floor. They had to call an EMT to put her on a bodyboard and safely get her to bed.

Consensus is building that it’s time to say goodbye. It’s ok for her to choose to keep fighting, but she needs to know we’ll be OK. – Love, TRH