Greetings Everyone:

There are new photos that have been posted to the photo gallery. There were some photographs of dogs and animals which have been deleted at the request of the family because of certain Cambodian beliefs.

Pran is at peace with himself. His spirit is still strong but his body is beginning to go. He is lying in bed resting his body now. His skin is cool to the touch and he cannot stand the weight or feel of the sheet against his skin. Last Tuesday, the doctors at the Robert Wood Johnson Hospital told the family that they had "given him 48 hours", according to his son Titonath. The doctors felt that his condition was dire and that Titonath wanted everyone to know of the severity of his father's condition. At the moment he has a nasal-gastric tube to suction the fluid that is not able to flow past the bowel/colon (due to the tumor, there is bowel obstruction). His also has a ulcer on his backside because he hasn't been able to move. The hospital has given him a new bed for the ulcer and has an air mattress where he is now "floating on air".

Pran is ready to let go. He says "I am ready but God won't let me go". His body is resting and knows how to conserve its energy. He is conscious of everything around him and nods yea or nay slowly when asked questions. He is surrounded by family and friends. His second son Titonath is there with his 3-yr old ( Pran's grandson Sydney Franchesco Santoro Dith), (his 7 week old brother is Nathan Pran Santoro Dith) and only daughter Hemkary and their mother Meoun Ser Dith. Lifelong friend and brother Sydney Schanberg and his wife Jane as well as Lee Romero and son Conor (who was held as a baby almost 19 yrs old by Pran). Ruby came again bearing healthy fruits and drinks as well as her video camera. Little Sydney finally fell asleep after his aunt Hemkary walked him up and down the hospital hallways--it has been a long day for him with his grandfather and all the adults.

The room quieted as Meoun sang Buddhist words of enlightenment and prayers to Pran. She explained some of the passages using an analogy of Buddha being like a flashlight shining light along a darken path so one can see where one is going. And when asked if he understood the Cambodian chant by Meoun, he gently nodded yes.
Meoun has been staying with Pran in the hospital on a couch converted for use as a bed at night. During the day, it is used to seat family and friends as they talk and eat during their time with Pran. As the day fades and turns to darkness, people start to gather their things to prepare to leave. Pran is still resting but wakes when Sydney says good night. Sydney notes that his forehead is warm to the touch but his arms and legs and feel cold. Titonath goes to check and covers his father with the sheet as Pran sleeps.

So many people have been asking about whether they can visit and the family has agreed but asks that when visitors come, that they realize that Pran really is in no condition to carry on conversations. The family asks that visitors come to say hello and give their goodbyes and to be quiet and respectful of Pran's condition. The family also asks that people call the following number: 917--414-9911 to find out how Pran is doing. People have been coming to the hospital and asking at the desk on the 6th floor if Pran can have visitors and usually the visitors are allowed in. The address for the hospital is:

Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital
195 Little Albany St.
6th fl N
News Brunswick, NJ 08903
732--828-3000

And if you do come, please bring drinks or fruit or food or something. The family would appreciate it as they can then offer the items to the various visitors that will come.

Once again, if Pran were able, he would thank everyone for their kind thoughts and well wishes. As it is, the family is very grateful to everyone for the cards and letters and messages. They are read to Pran.

thanks, Marilynn K. Yee