Hi all,

This morning the doctor recommended family come to be with Oma as her breathing has become very laboured. Myself (Heidi), Jos, Antonia and Pauline arrived a little after 4am. Opa, Sheryl, John and Dianne were already there. Bill and Paul came a little later.

The nurse has made Oma very comfortable with plenty of morphene. Her breathing is fast, shallow and raspy and she has an oxygen mask on. Her temperature is high and her hands swollen. Her body is slowly shutting down and it is hard work for her. The nurse says they cannot know exactly how long there is, it could be anytime or 24 hours. She says Oma is probably aware of people's presence, but obviously unable to respond.

It is very special to have the family with Oma, holding her hand and speaking to her occasionally at this time. The hospital staff are wonderful providing hot drinks and biscuits. The hospital cafeteria is also being sampled with their cheap $5.50 meals. Some people are dozing in their seats after a night with not much sleep

Will keep updated. It is times like these you realise afresh how wonderful it is to have a family like the Nagels, and it is great to have so many of them here.

Here is a lovely photo that Sonya posted on her blog