Chuck,
One of the things I know beyond any doubt , is that all the love & caring you are giving your friend Art - will come back to you a million times over.
Gifts of Grace come often in the darkest circumstances - when you least expect & cannot imagine.
I know that from my own personal experience. My dear Aunt Mary was dying of a brain tumor and a few days before she died - I was with her. The tumor had really effected her ability to speak for several months, but at this point she was unconscious (comatose/semi-comatose) and unresponsive (not speaking or opening her eyes).
I just sat there with her, holding her hand and stroking her hair - hoping she'd feel the love I had for her. Remembering that people say comatose people can still hear,
I spoke to her & told her: "I love you, Aunt Mary!".
It must've taken unbelievable strength & I still believe it was a small miracle because my Aunt opened her eyes & clearly & distinctly said: "I love you Mary! I love you!"
and then shut her eyes. Those were the last words my Aunt ever spoke in this world- and they were to ME, for ME! What a gift she gave! Now I have the treasured memory of that moment of Grace until I see her again.
Praying for you and Art! on my way to work & through the day.
God bless you both!
mary ann