Buddy and I had some hard goodbyes to say last week.  

We loaded up the moving van (actually Donny and Spencer did) and hit the road.  It was a super sad day – Buddy and I couldn’t stop crying. More about to big move and the new location coming soon. 

– xoxo Victoria

I have been going back and forth in my mind for the last few days in regards to this blog.  

Do I continue writing? if I do, do I change the name?  do I stop writing?  I started this blog to keep our friends updated on Duane’s progress and to share all the fun we were having.  It ended up being so much more than that – it gave me an outlet, showed me that I had so much love and support and I do believe helped others going through similar situations.  

At this moment I have decided to continue this blog with the same name.  I have so many more stories and experiences to share about ALS and the process of caring for someone you love who is battling a terminal illness.  I will start sharing some of the stories that may not have been appropriate before (privacy issues) and share stories about growing and moving forward from this unimaginable life change.  

Thank you all for love and support – you have no idea how your comments, likes and messages have helped me through the last two years.  I love you all!

– xoxo Victoria

Duane’s favorite song…he played it constantly!!  hahahahaha

– xoxo Victoria

This is how we woke up on the morning of Duane’s 45th birthday.  Every night when we went to bed we slept as close as possible.  We could easily sleep in a twin bed together and have multiple times through the years. Most of the time we woke up in the same exact place we fell asleep in.  We would put on the meditation app, turn on the diffuser, call Buddy up for a goodnight snuggle and then fall into a peaceful cozy sleep. 

– xoxo Victoria

In case anyone was wondering what I did yesterday, it was replacing all four batteries in the yacht.  And by I, I mean my dad.  

We have been having trouble with the starboard engine for about 6 weeks.  It won’t start and we have had to emergency start it to get it running.  Duane’s brother went through it and it seemed like it was good to go…. Well yesterday the same thing happened.  I got it started and let it run for 15 minutes, turned it off and then 20 minutes later it wouldn’t start again, my parents were there by then so my dad and I opened the engine compartment and took a look.  

First I checked the fuel filters to make sure they weren’t leaning.  Then I checked the oil to make sure we had that all set.  Then I said what about the batteries.  We looked at the first one and it needed water.  I turned around to look at the other four and one was cracked and split open with no caps or connections on it.  I showed my dad and he immediately said it was dangerous and needed to be replaced.  

…So long story short my dad took out and replaced all four batteries in the boat and now we are good to go!!

– xoxo Victoria

Duane and Gracie.  Won Bass posted this photo and kind words about Duane.  We had some amazing years fishing the Won Bass circuit, we made life long friends and I have more bass fishing memories than I could ever hope for.

I sent the tournament director, Billy multiple picture for this post and it warmed my heart that he picked the one with Gracie in it!!

– xoxo Victoria

This was YEARS ago. This was the Chico State Bass Fishing Team.  Duane was in second place this day of the tournament.  The Chico team wrote Duane’s name out on their chests not knowing what place he was in…He LOVED this!!!

– xoxo Victoria

Thank you all for your support, love and kind words.  It has been 59 hours and 45 minutes since Duane passed.  I am going to the funeral home tomorrow.  Give me a few days and I will update the block with posts from the last week or so.  

– xoxo Victoria

Just a quick update for all those who follow…

Two days ago we went on crisis care.  Which means we have a 24 hour hospice nurse and we are monitoring Duane constantly.  He is still at home, surrounded by love.  

I am learning all about injections, sub q ports and catheters!  I have learned enough so that we are now able to be nurse free for some shifts.  He is very comfortable with me giving him his injections and moving him very slowly.  He still loves Buddy kisses and he seems very comfortable and at peace. 

Thank you all for you love and support.

– xoxo Victoria

My favorite Bob and Duane story is of them ROLLER BLADING down the Las Vegas Strip!! I wish they had a photo of that! (They used to do it ALL the time – Like it was a cool thing to do!!!) HAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!

– xoxo Victoria