In The End

Bruce Philip Rissi returned to the Lord at 2:25 pm. May he rest peacefully without pain or suffering.

In the end, he is loved by all he touched!

Update

Mom had a long night last night. Around 4:00 am, Bruce lost consciousness and has not been awake since. His breathing is very labored and he is now on oxygen for comfort. His lungs are filling with fluid.

I apologize for my very blunt post but I want to provide everyone exactly what is going on.

We don't anticipate it will be much longer. Our family is gathering at both the Poppen House as well as my Aunt Di's house today and are rotating our time with Bruce. Uncle Donn and Aunt Debbie were there when I arrived this morning. Mom needed some breakfast so Terry and I are with her eating now. We will be back up to his bedside after we eat.

Prayers please!

Visitor Guidance

Hi all-

Poppen house has asked that I instruct everyone on visiting Bruce. With a brain tumor, it's is very difficult to hear noises and conversation. They are asking that visitors sit quietly with him. We finished our visit with him eating a root beer float! He is asleep.

Love to All!

Dan, Connie and the kids!

Update

Hi all-

Spoke with the doctor today. Bruce has some significant distention in his abdomen. The doctor is unsure of the cause, but thinks it possibly is a result of the medications he has been or possibly a bowel obstruction. Per Bruce's wishes, we will not be treating this recent development, rather ensuring that he is pain free for the limited time he is with us. They have placed him on methadone and morphine to ensure that he is comfortable at all times.

They have also updated his status to critical, meaning time is of the essence. We don't have much of it left.

Prayers for Bruce and our family as we continue to go through this experience. If you were planning to visit, please do so soon.

Our family can't thank each and everyone of you enough. We are holding up, it's a long goodbye at this point. Thanks again for all of your support. We will continue to update the blog as we get more information or as Bruce's status changes.

Connie

Dinner with the Bru-Man

Dan and I came up for dinner tonight. We are here almost everyday. It's very difficult to say a long goodbye. Each day that passes seems to be just a bit less than the day before. I find joy in being able to feed him his dinner and just sit peacefully in his room without disturbance. I was taken aback when I realized he wasn't feeding himself anymore. Yesterday he did great. It may just be a fleeting change, maybe he is just really tired.

It is becoming harder and harder to wake him up when he is asleep. His swelling is more significant, he very rarely leaves his hospital bed. He really isn't very mobile anymore either. He hasn't said a word today either. Lately he has shared a few words, but this evening is much different. I guess I am just a bit shocked at how different things are since my visit yesterday.

I can tell all of you that he seems very peaceful in his sleep and without pain that we are aware of. I guess that is something we should be very thankful for. We have had a lot of visitors over the course of the last week and a half, a steady stream to keep him company. That provides me some comfort.

My heart hurts for him and the situation we find ourself in. I do wish I could take it all away. I am very thankful for all that Bruce is to me! For all he is to my family.

I can tell you that I was not a fan upon first meeting him! Sharing my Mom was not an option:) being 6 years old and all, I wasn't willing to share my life with an ice cream stealing dog and strange man! Canuck- Bruce's yellow lab stole my ice cream cone the first time I went to his house. She became my best friend and Bruce became a great role model and mentor! I tell my girls often that blood means nothing, you surround yourself with people who love you. I was surrounded by wonderful people who loved me and Bruce holds a very special place in my heart. He is an incredible influence in my life, my kids lives and my new family's life. For that, I am eternally grateful and thankful! I miss him already and he is right here in the room.

Please come spend some time in the coming week! He always smiles at you when you walk in the room!

Connie

4th of July

Hope everyone is enjoying the 4th today.  We will be.  We are bringing Bruce home for the day.  He has expressed that he wants to get to the end of the dock today and we will do our very best to achieve that.  I have the boys here to help me accomplish that.  POSSIBLY even take a boat ride on our neighbors' pontoon boat as well!!  Ended up bring the cat home because T.C. kept trying to escape and the staff had to put up 2 pet gates to keep him in, which resulted in too much noise for Bruce when he was trying to rest or sleep in his unit.  At least we tried :) Bruce is still adjusting to his surroundings at Poppen House but says he is happy there so that's a great thing!!

It's a hot one today and will do our utmost to make it a fabulous day for Bruce!!  Will post pics later for everyone to see.  - Val

Good Visit Today

Hi all- we visited Bruce this morning. He seems to be adjusting well. It is quiet and peaceful at the facility and he seems comfortable. We did bring in some pictures this morning, but the room could use some warm friendly smiles! TC seems to be enjoying all of his attention from visitors and staff. Last I knew Bruce was watching the tigers game.

Thanks to all that have sent notes and thoughts of encouragement. It's has been a trying couple of days for everyone.

Connie