Final Good-bye

Dear Friends and Loved ones of Bob and Anita Verbic,

Bob’s sweetheart passed away early this afternoon.  She was surrounded by those who loved her the most: Bob, Lauren, Brian, and, long-time friend, Teri Nielsen.  It was a very peaceful passing.  Once again, the family wants to thank all of you for your demonstrated love and support.  Thank to those who remembered them in your prayers; who called and visited. Especially, thank you to Elizabeth and Jim McHood who went the extra mile to make arrangements for a visit from her horse and dog, Lina. Long time friends traveled from Chicago to spend a few final moments.  These and many more acts of kindness and service will long be remembered by the family.

The funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 4, 2013.  It will be held at the church building of:

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Prescott Stake Center

1101 Sandretto Drive, Prescott, Arizona.

Visiting time with the family will be made available from 12 noon until 1 p.m. in the Relief Society room.  Services will be held in the chapel at 1 p.m.

A very dear friend has created a beautiful, musical DVD with photos from Anita’s life. Bob is anxious that all be able to view this peek into the life of his eternal sweetheart. It will be playing in the foyer and Relief Society room before the services and again afterward.

In lieu of flowers for those who care to do so, please send a donation in Anita’s name to:

            Good Samaritan Society –Prescott Hospice

            Marley House

            1011 Ruth Street

            Prescott, Arizona 86301-1729

            OR

            Mayo Clinic—Cancer Center

  Scottsdale, Arizona

Marley House Hospice

This past week has seen a valiant battle for Anita, and Bob as well. She was hospitalized last Sunday. She had many ups and downs in diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment options. She has fought a courageous fight and is ready to finally rest. It has been a beautiful honor and privilege to watch them up close and personal during these final days.  Theirs is a love that is eternal and blessed.

This afternoon she was transferred to Marley House, 1063 Ruth Street, Prescott, AZ. [928-443-5400]. This is a premier hospice facility where she will have expert 24-hour palliative care. Bob will be able to stay with her as he desires. It is a lovely facility where family and friends will be comfortable to visit.

We do want to send out an invitation to all who would like to visit Bob and Anita. Marley House has a cozy library where people can gather for a short visit. Thank you again for all your calls. Bob and Anita have felt your love and prayers. They are both feeling the peace of our Heavenly Father’s protective love and care.  He carries our burdens until He brings us Home.

Anita is in the hospital

The past few weeks have seen a wide variety of activity for Anita. Several weeks ago she came home from Mayo Clinic with a feeding tube. She was very weak. Within a week she was up for a few minutes every day, sitting on the deck enjoying the Prescott spring. Another week passed and she was able to walk into the kitchen, with Bob’s help, and sit at the dinner table participating in the conversation.

However, this past week has been difficult. She has a couple of small infections on her skin. The antibiotics were difficult for her to tolerate and required trips to the emergency room.  Then on Friday, she became very weak. Bob brought her to the hospital on Sunday morning. Her feeding tube had come out part way. Monday morning she underwent the installation of new type of feeding tube. She will stay in the hospital until Wednesday. At that time it is expected that she will go to a local rehab facility for a few days in order to regain some of her previous strength before returning home.

Bob is doing remarkably well. He so appreciates the assistance of professionals to help with her care. The ward and many friends have been so charitable in their countless acts of service. Bob and Anita have felt of your faith and prayers on their behalf.

Children Come to Visit

After a 10-day stay at Mayo, Anita came home on Saturday night, March 2^nd, with a feeding tube installed for nourishment.  Within a few days an infection developed and she was in Yavapai Regional hospital from the 6th-8th. The infection was cleared up and the feeding has proven to be easy for Bob to manage.

As a result, during these two weeks she has gained 3-4 pounds of much needed weight.  This has not only helped her feel stronger physically, but has aided with mental clarity as well.

 Her Monday-Wednesday-Friday blood cell stimulant regimen has been improved in that her Monday and Friday shots are now given at home.  

Over the past couple of weeks Bob has had great help at home. All the children, Brian, Diana and Lauren have been able to come. Being with the grandchildren has been wonderful!   Visits from kindhearted friends have been so compassionate and supportive.

The home scene will change now with the family all gone home. Bob has moved his office into their bedroom so that he can work near Anita’s side. Granite Mountain Home Health Care and Hospice is providing some much needed professional services: RN visits 2-3 times a week, bathing 3 times a week, physical therapy 1-2 times a week.

Bob feels extremely blessed to have this wonderful time with Anita.  Caring for her has been a sweet blessing. She continues to be positive, always smiling and thankful for all that is done for her. These days are precious!

Time with grandkids at Lauren's

s

Come for a short visit!

Anita is home again in Prescott.  Her son, Brian, will be there all week. Lauren will come this weekend and be able to stay for the following week. They are all hoping that Diana will be able to arrange a visit as well.

Anita continues to be weak. She sleeps a lot. She is able to eat by mouth. She also has a feeding [GI] tube to help give her the much needed extra nutrients she has been lacking.  She has good moments during the day where she is able to sit in a chair and visit.

Bob stated that while these moments are very precious, MDS is terminal. Her bone marrow disease is not improving.

Because she has good times during the day, anyone who would like to come for a short visit is welcome. [Be sure you are well!] The afternoons appear to be her best time. Bob loves the company and feels your love and support.  As you might imagine this is a very difficult time for the family. Please keep your visits short [20-30 minutes] based on how well Anita may be doing at the time.

Again, a special thank you to every one who has brought food, sent cards, made calls. It means everything to the family. Your comments on this blog have helped Bob feel your love without him having to retell the story several times a day. He always comments on how much it means to him to hear from you. Thank you!

Christmas with Family and Grandchildren

Bob and Anita were able to be with their grandchildren over Christmas. They ate at their favorite restaurant. There photos were shared by Lauren Verbic Wood.