To the People who Blessed Us

I had a request last night for my mailing address to be put on the blog. Kathleen Wuelfing, 170 Duncan District Road, Sheridan, Montana 59749

To the people who followed Gus' Walk, who prayed for us, who left comments for Gus to enjoy . . . you so blessed our lives. Gus would spend time regularly reading what his wife had written and loving the comments from you. When he was lying in a hospital bed knowing his fight was over, I would read him the comments. You continued to bless him to the very end.

When I decided to honor T.J.'s wishes and keep a blog on his dad, T.J. and I never dreamed it would span over a 33 month time frame. We never dreamed people all over the world would be following it. We never dreamed how Gus' story would bless so many lives.

I have plans on this blog being put into a book so Gus' children and grandchildren have a permanent record of Gus' story. His strength under adversity was amazing.

Memoirs

Last evening we were blessed to have our Pastor and his wife cook us an amazing steak dinner at Gus and Kathleen’s. It gave the family the time to sit and reflect on Gus’ walk and more importantly, the man he was. Amidst laughs and stories shared, Kathleen mentioned it was too bad we had not written down a few of Gus’ favorite stories. Those who knew Gus know how captivating of a narrator he was.

Then a call from family in Washington came today with an answer to Kathleen’s wish. The idea was to have family and friends share their memoirs of Gus, the family, the ranch, hunting, etcetera with us so that each could be shared at the service.

We are asking that those who have an antidote to either email or mail it to be shared and on display Saturday the 23rd at Gus’ memorial. Later the collection will be placed into a binder as a keepsake for Kathleen and the family.

Please send your favorite reminisces to:
Scott and April Wuelfing
PO BOX 512
Sheridan, MT. 59749
Or Email: Gus.swalk@gmail.com

Memorial Service

The memorial service for Gus will be April 23 in the new gym at the Sheridan Grade School. This is the only local facility large enough for our needs and the 23rd was the soonest available date. The service will start at 11:00 a.m.

I was opposed to the Easter week-end until I realized how appropriate. Gus truly believed that Heaven was not the consolation, but the great Prize.

Memorials may be made to the Ruby Valley Hospital Foundation, P.O. Box 564, Sheridan, MT 59749 or to a charity of your choice.

The Battle is Over

Gus just stepped into the presence of Jesus about 45 minutes ago.

4-7-2011 a.m. update

This morning, Gus is no longer responding to our voices. Dr. Madany was not even successful in getting Gus to wake up. Since our "Warrior" has been so unique throughout this walk and this hospital stay, we cannot even guess how long before he takes that final step.

Our prayer as a family is that Gus goes to his new home. Our warrior has fought long enough.

4-6-2011 p.m. update

I did not end up taking L.T. to Dillon tonight. By the time I left Dillon at 3:15 this afternoon, came home and walked, it was too late for this tired lady to drive back to Dillon safely. I plan on Lindsey taking over this project tomorrow night. We will let you know the outcome. The Hospice lady said I could bring her right in the front door, but I prefer to bring her in a door that is right beside Gus' new room.

Scott and April spent the evening with Gus. He was no different than when I left him this afternoon. You can wake him up to acknowledge you, but then he slips back into sleep.

The room Gus was moved into is a suite. Very nice, but most important right near the nurses. They constantly are monitoring him. I was very pleased with the way they had him set up.

I will go back to Dillon first thing in the morning. April and I left the laptop there in Gus' room so that we can update the blog when we are there.

4-6-2011 a.m. update

The doctor was just in and checked on Gus. Gus seems to be in more discomfort so we have increased the pain medication.

After seven nights of sleeping in a recliner beside Gus, I am exhausted. Today they will move Gus to a room right beside the nurses station and I am going home to sleep in my own bed. I called Gloria and told her I was going home, finding L.T. (our dog), and then L.T. and I wanted a long walk.

I could never get Gus to commit to letting me bring L.T. to him to say good-bye. I am seriously thinking of smuggling her into his room this evening and at least letting L.T. say her good-bye. Any ideas on how to smuggle a 75 pound lab into a hospital? A puppy was smuggled in yesterday, but as Scott pointed out that is slightly different that what I have planned.

Gus has gone beyond every one's realm of experience here. The strength he has to continue on amazes us.

4-5-2011 p.m. update

Gus was very weak and unresponsive early afternoon, then late afternoon he bounced back and was more alert. He has rested most of the evening while the kids and our pastors were here. It was an enjoyable evening.

4-5-2011 a.m. update

Our night was uneventful. The nurse seemed to be more attentive during the night which just meant I didn't get much sleep. Gus still recognized his doctor this morning. The bond between those two is very special.

My walking friend, Gloria, came last night to take me out while the kids were here. She knew what I was desperate for without ever asking. Our walk was short and very precious to me. When I came back inside those hospital doors after walking, I was emotionally prepared again.

Lane did great last night. Lindsey had spent time preparing Lane and he can handle anything as long as Scott's arms are around him. I know I am going to need those arms around me a lot too.

The doctor and I are both amazed Gus made it through the night. He is a warrior.

4-4-2011 p.m. update

Gus continues to get weaker. Even when Dr. Madany came in this afternoon, Gus could hardly respond. When he has not been sleeping, he has been busy in his mind. He has gone from moving cows to hunting to building something to the old days in the sawmill.

I visited with a Hospice social worker today. The kids and I had debated on how much to expose Lane to. We finally decided to let him see Gus again because we felt Lane would follow our lead on emotions. Research shows that children need to be included, not excluded.

4-4-2011 a.m. update

I did not see any noticeable change during the night with Gus' condition. The nurse did need to give him a morphine boost at 3:00 this morning because of the hiccups. Since he cannot take any of his oral medication, he now deals with different discomforts. Dr. Madany could give him medication for the hiccups but the side-effects are not worth it.

Sometime during the night the nurse removed Gus' oxygen. We do not know why but he is not in any discomfort, so the doctor and I are leaving it alone. Comfort is all we care about at this point.

Gus is definitely slowly fading. Touch alone no longer gets a response. He still knows his doctor, though. The most alert we see Gus is when Dr. Madany is close.

4-3-2011 p.m. update

April had a laptop at home that she delivered to me today. I can update the blog now from the hospital room, so I will try to update each morning and evening.

Gus is refusing all food and when he tried a few sips of water this morning, the water upset his stomach. He refused any more fluid. He has had a restful day and the increased continuous morphine is controlling the pain.

Scott, April and Lindsey were here earlier and he made sure I knew he was enjoying their talking. He usually only whispers so you have to listen closely.

I am so thankful for the port in Gus' chest. When we arrived at the hospital, it took only minutes to start the IV. I cannot imagine trying to keep an IV going in his veins right now.

My cousin, Ellen, had given me a CD of religious music being played on the piano. I think she gave it to me when Gus was in the Seattle hospital. Anyway, I brought a CD player and that music plays continously. It seems to be very soothing to Gus.

Changes

April per Kathleen: "Today has brought more changes. Gus refused all food at lunch time and as a result I canceled his evening meal. He has required more morphine in addition to his continuous morphine.

In a very quiet voice Gus told me this morning 'this has been pretty easy.' He even repeated it so I would understand. I believe he is referring to this final step of life."

Gus had a good night

Gus had a restful night with very few interruptions and his eyesight is still excellent. As an example, his nurse during the night was a very attractive young woman. Last night around 11:00 p.m. his back was causing him pain. She not only gave him a boost of morphine, but she also gave him a back rub. As she left the room, his comment was "I wonder if she is as good looking in the daylight as she is at night". Even Lane, our grandson, was impressed with Papa's nurse.

Gus still has his sense of humor. The hospice nurse came and saw him this morning. She is still offering him that catheter and he is still saying no thanks.

To me, you see the true personality of a person when they are dying. Gus is absolutely a sweetheart to everyone. He so appreciates every effort being made for him.