After Captain John’s discharge last weekend, it was a week of some ups and downs (good appetite…no appetite, more alert…less alert) John needed to go back to the ER. The Home Health Care Nurse had taken a blood sample during her visit there yesterday (Friday) to let his doctors know how his kidney functions were doing. Later in the day, the doctor’s office called Barbara and informed her to bring him into the ER. At the time, my wife and I had my sister Pattie to a doctor’s appointment in another county, so I was not able to go along. Mrs. Barbara kept me informed, and after some time and several tests, it was decided that they would once again be admitting him.
Later, the situation changed… another doctor came in and had a very detailed talk to both Barbara and John about his current condition. He explained to them that Captain John is now at the point of Renal Failure, and with his heart function of about 25%, what they should be doing now is focusing on John and not the disease. He explained that admitting him to the hospital would do little, if anything, to help the situation, and offered the decision to them about being admitted or returning home. He also mentioned if he were admitted, they would keep him comfortable until Monday, at which time they would arrange with Hospice for discharge and home care. If they decided to return home, then the instructions were to contact his Doctor on Monday and have them arrange for Hospice to come in. Mrs. Barbara told me the doctor was very nice and took his time in discussing all of this, and that John seemed to both accept and understand, so between them both, they decided to return home. A little after 10:00 I got a phone call and it was Captain John, he had Barbara call me from his phone so that we could talk! I felt a certain peace and calmness with him as we talked, and along with that… a feeling that Captain John was going to handle this last leg of his flight plan no different than any other, and that is to arrive at his destination with a comforting feeling of “Mission Completed”… and I will add to that, A JOB WELL DONE!
Our prayers are with you all!
Thank you so much!
How generous of Capt. John and Mrs. Barbara to share their journey with us, and for you Nevin to detail it in such a thoughtful, loving way.. While it brings tears to my eyes, it also brings comfort and peace and that is what I wish for them. You are all on my mind and in my heart. Witth love, Pat/Strasburg, Va
Thank you Pat
No matter the challenge, Captain John, you always handle it with abundant grace, silent strength and a gorgeous grin! And I know this challenge will not prove any more formidable to have you deviate from your flight plan this time either. Although, I’m a few clouds away, I am sending one of your customary magnificent embraces right back to you! Captain John, Brandon and I love you so much! Praying for you and your family, Tina
Thank you so much Santee! Hope you all are doing well!
Prayers & good thoughts continue flying for you Captain John & also Barbara & family. Love & hugs, Kathy D. from Rockville, MD (Roy Nilsen’s daughter)
Hello Nevin. Thank you for the update. I don’t usually comment but I want you to know how much I have enjoyed reading the posts over the last few years. We met once at FCI while you all were on an angle flight. I walked down from the State hangar for a few minutes of visiting.
I had the privilege of flying with Captain John when I was using the airplane for my initial CFI. It was a quick checkout flight but I observed his joy of flying.
My wife, Libby and I will be praying for John, Barbara, you and the entire family.
May God bless and keep you Captain John. Thank you for your service.
Thank you so much Jeff! I was telling John about your comment and it gave him a big smile!
May the wind always be beneath Captain John’s immortal wings,and the skies clear. May his soul soar in the beautiful Light of the next world. I will remember him always.
Thank you Susan
Keeping both of you and your families in our prayers. We love you guys!
Thank you so much!