Joe has slept/dreamed most of the day. He opens his eyes at times and will mumble. Sometimes we can make out what he is trying to say.

He is experiencing a regularly, irregular respiratory pattern called Cheyne-Stokes. He takes several breaths, then stops, then takes several more breaths, then stops again, and so on.

Joe's circulation is progressively shutting down. His hands and feet are cool and discolored now.

He has stopped eating and taking in fluids entirely. We are swabbing the inside of his mouth with glycerin swabs to keep it moist.

At times he is restless and then within seconds he is calm. You will catch him frowning one moment and smiling the next.

As I have read the materials we were given upon arrival to hospice, it has helped me to better understand the process the body goes through physically, emotionally & spiritually to "let go". It has helped calm me for the transition that Joe is preparing for.