Sheila Wee

Sorry I haven't sent an update for a week or so.  It all started last
Friday when I had to have all four of my wisdom teeth removed.  I was
resting Friday and Saturday before I had to return to work Sunday.  As
it turns out the lower ones have somehow gotten infected.  I have only
eaten soft, mushy foods since last Friday so I am not sure how the
infection started.  I have worked every day but they tend to hurt in the
evenings after I irrigate them.  I had to go to Lexington for check ups
Monday and Wednesday.
 
Way worst than my teeth, we had to call an ambulance for my Mother
Tuesday night about 8:30.  She was having trouble breathing.  She has
severe COPD.  My sisters and I were at the hospital until 2:30AM when
they admitted her.  She was still having breathing issues Wednesday
during the day.  That evening and through the night the condition
worsened.  Thursday morning she was so bad that both Dr. King and Dr.
Supa made the call to put Mom on a ventilator and a feeding tube,
temporarily.  Mom has a living will and does not want to be on life
support.  However she was smothering and agreed to temporary life
support.  Dr. Supa will try to wean her from the ventilator probably
Monday.  According to the doctors and nurses this treatment may be just
what Mom needs to allow her lungs to rest so they can function on their
own.  She is in an induced coma to help her rest.  We visit often.  She
may be able to hear but of course she is unresponsive.  At times she
seems to try to open her eyes.  We are trying to just let her rest so
hopefully she can recover.
 
On top of that, my brother, Tony, was taken to the ER last night with
heart problems.  He has a history of heart disease.  They admitted him.
I just got word from my sisters the Dr. is sending Tony on to Lexington.
He actually had another heart attack.  They will do an assessment and
determine what treatment is needed. 
 
I will keep you posted.
 
Please keep us in your thoughts.
 
I have talked to Michael a few times and made him aware of the
situation.  He was ready to come home.  I don't want him to have to
leave the trail.  Mom would not want him to leave the trail.  She is so
proud of him.  She looks forward to each update and reads them as if she
is reading a good book. 
 
He was in Boiling Springs, PA yesterday, mile marker 1115.  He is
walking with Wiffle.  Branden and Polaris have moved on.  Branden wants
to hike up Katahdin on his birthday, August 8.  Michael can not walk
that fast and he is fine with Branden "hiking his own hike".  Branden
plans to wait on Michael in Maine and hike up the mountain with him.  I
think it always bothered Michael that he slowed Branden down.  Michael
and Wiffle are averaging 20 plus miles a day but Branden and Polaris can
hike faster and farther.  Branden is still keeping in touch with me and
Amy.  He sends out SPOT messages often.  He calls and texts.  Last night
he was at mile marker 1165 so they are 50 miles ahead.  Hawk hiked 42
miles in 24 hours other day because he had to meet a ride in Duncannon
that was taking him into Boston.  He did not sleep, he only walked and
ate.  He will join back up with Wiffle and Michael when they get to
Duncannon at mile marker 1141.  Hawk texted Wiffle when he finished his
42 miles and before he went to sleep on the ride to Boston; he told him
his body was hurting, even his blood.  lol   Gumpy and Peeper are still
behind Michael a few miles. Michael thinks they may join them in
Duncannon, also.
 
I have to run to the hospitals now so I am having difficulty remembering
trail conversations Michael and I have had lately.  I will try to do
better on the next update. 
 
Thanks for everything.
 
Sheila