[Jannae aside: Mom specifically wanted her to show up as the author of this post. Many people have expressed gratitude to me and Taylor for keeping this blog updated. All three of us contribute to the posts, but Mom really wanted the recognition this time. š]
We have once again had to pivot – this time, we needed to rearrange the house to accommodate a hospital bed. Art is getting weaker; he is not eating and can only take in a little fluid. The hospice nurse visited yesterday, and the disease has progressed. Although no one knows except God, she said Art may only have a couple days, weeks, or months left. While we pray and hope for more time, we know the end is in Godās perfect timing, but now has been much more emotional. We have been giving Art morphine for the pain. It heavily sedates him, and it is very difficult to see him in such a weakened state, yet itās even harder to see him in pain.Ā
We are in awe of the many who have reached out, even those whom we have not kept in contact with. We also realize that many have not reached out because they donāt know what to say – know that this is normal. We know that you are praying, and we sense the prayers. We are overwhelmed by the many who have helped us in so many tangible ways. Our fridge is overflowing, and our tummies are full of all the good food and delicious treats. (I think Iām going from pre-diabetic to diabetic.) Thank you for keeping us nourished both physically and spiritually.
Praises:
- I realized at 4 am that the hospital bed that would be delivered later that day was an extra long twin. Taylor asked if I had extra long sheets, and I said I did, although I actually did not. My search at 4 am on Walmart showed that they donāt carry extra long in the store. I reached out to a friend and she not only had one set but two that Taylor picked up. And she washed them for us!
- In preparation for the hospital bed delivery, we had to reorient the bedroom. Friends who stopped by to visit helped move the bed, repair a bookcase, and vacuumed the layers of dust under the bed.
- For the many offers to run errands or pick up things that we crave.Ā
- A couple of my siblings were planning to visit next week. After informing them of the nurseās update, they quickly rearranged their plans and came to visit yesterday. My sister who just stayed with us while JanNeal were back in Seattle, returned with her family. My brother drove in from Sacramento and even spent the night as Artās roommate, allowing me and the girls to get some much needed rest.
- My brother also helped sweep up all the debris in the yard. It looks so much tidier now!
- The hospice staff have been very responsive.Ā
- There are still glimmers of Artās humor. Jannae was trying to give him some strawberry milk through a straw, but the straw wasnāt quite in the cup the whole way so he was getting more air than milk. She adjusted the straw, but then Art started blowing bubbles to tease her.
Prayers:
- Discernment in knowing which meds to give and when to keep Art as comfortable as possible.
- Rest for all.
- Patience and understanding. He is not as verbal and is using more body language to communicate. It has been getting harder to understand what Art is saying and what he needs. May we all remain gracious to each other and not get frustrated during these times. [Jannae aside: we are like Marlin in this scene of āFinding Nemoā trying to listen to Squirt.]
- āOne thing I ask, from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek Him in His temple.ā Psalms 27:4. May that be the one thing that Art is focused on…to dwell, seek, and gaze on God.
He makes all things beautiful in His time.
Dear Art, Pam, Jannae, and Taylor,
I’m glad to hear that his sense of humor is still intact. My most memorable memory of Art took place on the golf course. I had Art, and Rich Inouye in my group. When it was Rich’s turn to tee off, Art suddenly perked up and said, “I better find a safe place to stand!”. He then proceeded to stand 5 feet directly in front of Rich’s ball. The joke being Rich never hits his ball straight. Golfing with Art were some fun times that I will never forget. My family is keeping the Fong family in our thoughts and prayers.
Thanks you for sharing all this. We love to be connected to you, to Art, to your family. Your process helps teach us, helps strengthen our faith and love. We miss you. I thank God for all the times I was able to connect with you and share with you, and I hold you up as brothers and sisters in Christ who i have love for. From Mississippi to New Orleans to California – I miss you and am sending my prayers and strength
Art,
I am so sorry that you have had to face this journey. It is a tough one for you and the family. As I have always told you – – you were absolutely the most amazing boss I ever had. A great person with a huge heart full of laughter, jokes & a cheerful smile. I wish you. Pam & the girl’s comfort & peace. And above all else much love.
Dear Art, Pam, Jannae, Neal, and Taylor,
It’s been so long and Art, all I can do is picture you in your golf gear ready to play at the AACCS Golf tournament. You were always ready to lend some comic relief in the busyness of the fund raiser. And was it your idea to send adorable young Jannae around to sell the auction tickets? All for charity and your generous spirit continued to serve God after all these years.
Thank you so much for sharing your family’s inspirational journey in love. I can see the body of Christ working in each of you and even though this has been a tough battle, your Faith in God grew exponentially and inspires all of us.
May God’s loving Arms continue to hold each of you close to His Heart, especially now.
Will continue to lift you up in prayer.
With Love,
Jinene and family
We are so encouraged by your steadfast faifh & trust in the Lord. We praise Him for Art and your entire family! May He envelope you all in His peace and loving care, as He walks with you…. day by day, moment by moment.
Our family is continuing to keep you in our thoughts and prayers! šš»š
Art, I am so sorry you are going through this. I want you to know how much your leadership and friendship meant to me. I am very sorry I didnāt keep in touch but please know you were a role model for me and everyone that worked for you. You are one of the good guys. I wish you nothing but peace, love and sooo much comfort to you, Pam and your girls. Much love to you.
We stand with Art in prayer and support for less pain and discomfort. We pray for Pam , Jannae , Neal and Taylor for strength and loving care for Art. When we think of Artās battle when I hear this song on KLove it helps me to know the Lord helps or battle with fear of the unknown and trials we face. The Holy Spirit is with Art and all of you. If you havenāt heard this song this is the link from Spotify https://open.spotify.com/track/2yHurYHLYMpdDokqUnFtzT?si=uDJe2MfDRP-0_VrTDn1YXQ Blessings Andrea and Pete
Hi Art, Pam, Jannae and Taylor,
Thank you for sharing your journey and pointing to our heavenly Father at every turn, knowing that He is in control of everything – all of our lives, each second and moment. I pray for God’s blessing on this special time that you have with Art, comfort for you all, and for the love of God to continue to pour out to all of you. I am so thankful for you all.
Sending prayers to the Fong Family. May your faith carry you through these difficult times. I continue to pray for Artās comfort.
Oscar and I have been praying for Art and your family each morning and night.
May God make His presence felt and known to you as He guides Art to His eternal kingdom.
Your faith and trust in Him is so remarkable and inspiring.
My prayers are with you, Art, Pam, Jannae & Taylor. May God give you strength, comfort & peace. I wish I was nearby to help. I had to chuckle when I read about Art blowing bubbles. Art always has a way to bring smiles and laughter to those around him.
Our hearts are heavy with sadness for you Pam, and for Taylor. Mark and I continue to pray for rest, peace and most of all, the Holy Spirit’s healing presence in every room of your house. Praise God for all the support and love from friends and the church community. Please give Art a hug from us. I found an old photo of Art at my house in Highland Park, washing dishes with Fred Kawashima and Mark Chow. Our Young Adult group from old Evergreen days will always be forever in my heart.
This verse reminds me of the days ahead:
Revelation 21:4
“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
Art may get to see Jesus first, but one day we’ll all fellowship and worship the Lord together again with the enthusiasm of our youth. I expect to see Art playing the guitar and we’ll sing together.
Mark would be happy to consult about his meds if you need. He used to work at UCLA Ronald Reagan Hospital.
Much love to you all, Cyndy and Mark Lum
Dear Art, Pam, Jannae, and Taylor,
Your journey together is so inspirational. I am in awe of your love, faith, family, strength, and your amazing network of support. I always enjoyed visiting with Art at RoTech. His friendliness, big smile, and exhuberance always lifted my spirts. Please let him know that I appreciate him and his long friendship with my brother, Ralph.
With prayers and gratitude for Art,
Margie Ono Jones