What A Glorious Day!

We went to the temple today. It was glorious.

A week or so ago when one of our daughters said that after a seven-year hiatus she was hoping to return to the temple again soon, LeeR said, "even if you have to pull me in a wagon with broken legs and broken arms hanging out over the edges, I'll be there." His arms and legs weren't broken but are pretty much immovable and we didn't need to use a wagon but instead rigged up his lounge chair in the back of another daughter's van, but, as promised, he was there. Wonder of wonder, miracle of miracles.

The three of us were joined at the temple by all of LeeR's siblings, a daughter and son-in-law,  two sisters-in-law,  nieces and a great niece, and an amazing visiting teacher. And we were greeted at the door of the temple by the temple president, who wanted to shake LeeR's hand and welcome him to the temple. Did I say the entire experience was glorious? LeeR was able to go through the session, thanks to wonderful accommodations made by the temple presidency and workers. Then we reunited in the Celestial room--a glorious reunion. I'm sure it pales to the glorious reunion that will take place for us in a few years and the glorious reunion LeeR will have with loved ones soon, but glorious it was, nevertheless.

Here we are with LeeR's three brothers, sister, and sister-in-law after the temple and in the car ready to return home:

I haven't updated the blog for a week, I guess. Time is just kind of standing still for me. I really didn't realize it had been that long. So here is a little capsule of the past week:

• We are now on hospice
• The hospice doctor and nurse feel that we probably only have a week or two left
• LeeR's pain is under control, thankfully
• His body appears to be shutting down: kidneys, loss of appetite, periods of confusion, fluid in his lungs, inability to focus or even open his eyes sometimes, very deep breathing, muscle contractions, vomiting, and, of course, extreme and debilitating fatigue
• He hasn't mentioned playing his alphorn at Swiss Days for a few days
• He went to the temple! 
• He still smiles and makes jokes and thanks us and tells us how much he loves us--LOTS!
• He is loved more than we can express, but we do try--LOTS AND LOTS!