Words are so useless. HUGS Praying that you are comforted.
Very sorry to hear this.
{{{{{Old_Wench}}}}}
This is NOT what I wanted to hear. Old Wencb, I am so sorry to hear this. I will continue to include you and the family in my prayers.
Oh, I am so sorry. Please accept my condolences, Old Wench. Hang in there.
Really sorry to see this news.
I’m very sorry for your loss. Take care of yourself OW.
This thread is now a sticky at the top of the page; I don’t remember seeing that for any other Doper. O_W you should be honored that some mod realized that he was that special of a Doper to do that.
Just last weekend I was running around if 14° weather shooting a black powder musket…because of what that goof got me into.
I lost an IRL friend today, but O_W I am so, so, so saddened for your loss.
I’m so sorry for your loss and ours.
Prayers for comfort and peace for everyone.
I am so sorry.
I’m sorry to hear of this, OW. I’ve been reading the thread, hoping for the best. I’m sorry it turned out this way. My condolences!
So sorry for your loss Old Wench. May kopek’s memory be a blessing.
Rest eternal grant unto him, O Lord,
And may light perpetual shine upon his face.
May Kopek rest in peace.
Amen.
I am so sorry for your loss, Old_Wench, you must know from reading these messages that ruble was much loved amongst the Dopers, and will be sadly missed by those of us who knew him in the MMP.
Much love and hugs to you and your loved ones.
I’m so sorry. {{{Old Wench}}}
Such heartbreaking news; so sorry for your loss.
I have no words. My condolences.
I noticed that when I looked for this thread to post the “final chapter,” which I’ll do next. I didn’t realize that wasn’t a usual custom and I am truly honored and appreciative that the mods felt that way. I also appreciate the mods changing/updating the thread title as they did a couple of times.
Thanks. Now I’m off to post the final update.
So, here’s what happened.
On Friday, Kopek was going to have a tracheostomy and feeding tube inserted directly into his stomach because he was overdue to get off the full ventilator. That got postponed for reasons and was rescheduled for Monday. When he stabilized from that, he was going to get a heart stent and the other blockages would be treated with medication while he continued to gain strength. After that, he was going to be moved to an acute care/rehab facility for some lengthy period of time and, in fact, I had visited two places over the weekend.
On Sunday, he was the most alert he had been yet and moving his limbs more. When I got there, he was trying to tell me something but I couldn’t read his lips because of the vent tubes and I told him that they’d be out of his face the next day and I’d be able to understand then. He got a bit agitated and kept trying to tell me something. When the doctor came in to explain the plans for next day, I asked him to speak directly to Kopek because he was clearly very alert and following the conversation. As the doctor explained, he got more agitated and shook his head “no” as hard as he could. I got him calmed down and explained that he was making progress, this was a very important next step so he could keep getting better, etc. I left at 6:30 p.m. when those visiting hours ended.
Shortly before 6:00 a.m. on Monday, one of the doctors called and said his BP and oxygen levels had dropped and they couldn’t get them back up, he was clearly failing. She called back a few minutes later and said his heart was slowing and wanted to confirm the DNR order. I got there as fast as I could (we don’t live that far away), but he was gone. When they wouldn’t unlock the unit door right away and made me wait for someone, I just knew that was what had happened. I ran back to his room and just stood there saying “but 12 hours ago …” and they assured me it had been very peaceful – he just stopped being. They are pretty sure it was another blood clot.
His organs and tissues have been donated as much as possible and he will be cremated. The only firm plan I have at this point is that at this year’s Cook Forest F&I event, he will go out with a literal bang. Yes, we have interesting friends … 
Since people have asked, I will provide information soon regarding charitable contributions.
I appreciate every prayer, good wish, kind word, etc. You are another family to him and to me too, even though I’ve been less involved with the board. I’ve looked in on the MMP and other silliness occasionally and have come to know you all somewhat but I left that as “his space.” However, I’ve been thinking that I may just jump in the MMP with both feet – and I can’t wait to see what my nickname is.
For some things, there are no words.
I am sorry for your loss, OW, and appreciate you taking the time to update.
Thank you for sharing.