We wanted to post more about our journey since Eli's graduation, but we first were busy with preparations, then with family and friends, then with napping. We have received so much support in our mourning and we have really delighted in visiting and reconnecting (and sometimes connecting for the first time) with so many people …
Funeral Arrangements
Adam posting again. Sorry for the late and short notice. We felt this was the best time with the holidays approaching. The viewing and funeral will be held at the Lehi West Stake Center (1920 N 500 W, Lehi, UT 84043). The viewing will be in the Young Women's room and the funeral in the …
Graduation Day
Adam posting this evening. Elijah Thomas Augustine passed on this evening at about 9:16 PM. He was having trouble breathing and said that he wanted to die. His mother said, "Well you have been fighting for so long. Three years." Eli said, "We are champions." He then asked his mother if it was OK if …
Transition
Celebrating Christmas We got to celebrate Christmas early this year. Our dear neighbors decorated their homes with Christmas lights and decor early, just in time for Eli to do a little driving tour. This was likely his last outing. Labor Having given birth to nine children, I am well acquainted with the work it takes …
Death in Slow Motion
I thought up the title for this post months ago, knowing the final destination, but not knowing how long it would take to get there. Eli is still with us, but I can tell it won't be for much longer. I have sought to learn what to expect here at the end of the road, …
First things first, to the death. No. To the pain.
This quote has been running through my mind since Eli had a bad pain episode a week ago starting about 3 am. He had texted me asking for water for his 3 am meds. I had been woken up by our 4 year old climbing into bed with Adam and me about 2:30 am, so …
Continue reading First things first, to the death. No. To the pain.
Drain, Rinse, Repeat
Radiation Eli finished his radiation Wednesday, October 13th. He had some increasing pain in his back, so he had previously been unable to lay down on the table long enough for the radiation. So, I gave him all the pain meds at my disposal (maybe 5 or 6?) and he was able to finish. Eli …
Alive
For the longest time, when asked how he was doing, Eli's response was "Same as always". In his mind, this response made perfect sense since he felt generally well and that was the same as he always felt. It bugged him to always be asked the same question by every medical person who rotated in …
Living in the Moment, Planning for the Future
On August 8th, I took a leap and bought tickets for the family to go to FanX (a comic con in Salt Lake City). The kids, my sister, my niece, and I had been talking about going to FanX together. With Eli's deteriorating health and prognosis of looming death in the coming weeks, I was …
Continue reading Living in the Moment, Planning for the Future
The Quest
A week after deciding to go to Disneyland, we were there. We drove out to my sister's house and spent a day trying to rest up. Some of us were more successful than others. The Big Day Bright and early, we showed up at the front gates after convincing Disneyland's security that the emesis bag …
Eli The Boss 