At Peace

Note: last edited and updated on:

Wednesday, October 15, 2025 at 8:18 AM.

 

At Peace


(finding peace and comfort

during times of severe distress)



Much has transpired as well as passed since my last missive had been penned and posted (here), including about how the pain and discomfort caused by the colon cancer has grown worse as well as that, as of recently (Saturday, October 11, 2025), I am now in hospice care (in addition, the cancer has also spread to my liver). 


This means I have six months or less to live (that said, some people survive beyond that timeframe). 


The hospice care received will be provided at home, all of it. Pain management will be among the most important things provided and is sorely needed (an understatement and no exaggeration either).


Besides that, there will be other services provided; including, among other things, a social worker who visited with me this morning.


If I had understood correctly, I have been instructed that if something comes up, 911 is not to be called and the home health agency is to be called instead, 24/7, day or night.


As I have mentioned previously, I am “at peace” with it, including because I know that Miss Cleo (aka, Nurse Cleo) will be in good hands should the need arise, whether due to my incapacitation or death. 


There are two different neighbors in my apartment building who have expressed their willingness to take her in on a permanent basis. In the meantime, there are also two other neighbors who graciously trade off taking care of and feeding Cleo when needed for up to two weeks or so. In this way, I don’t have to worry about it.


Miss Cleo definitely knows something is up, however, because she has been keeping a very close eye or two on me with every passing hour, day and week; not letting me out of her sight, whether I’m in the recliner or laying in bed, she is usually nearby.


Our bond has grown deeply over the years, but even more so of late. She is indeed quite the comfort. Her love for me is rather obvious as is mine for her of course.


Whoever ends up with her will be having an affectionate and caring cat, at least once she is able to make the adjustment to living with a new and different human. 


Besides Miss Cleo, I have also had plenty of support in various forms from close family, friends and neighbors and it means a lot to me (hopefully, you know who you are).

For example, a good friend brought me over a serving of freshly as well as delicious and superbly cooked scrambled eggs this morning.

Thank you to everyone for the encouragement and support. It makes a world of difference in this journey of mine.

This missive is still a work-in-progress and might be edited as well as updated.


Stay tuned. …


Photos (embedded): Miss Cleo (Cleopatra). View more photos (via Google Photos), here.

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