Last week was extremely busy... filled with lots of cooking, cleaning, laundry, visitors, grocery shopping, ringing phones, nurses, drug store runs, meetings. My Dad continues to decline rather quickly. We were all grieving from the alarming news of three to six months when the doctors changed that to one to two weeks. He arrived home to hospice care set up in the living room of his house on Monday. It has been an amazing experience so far. My oldest brother took a leave from work and is now there 24/7 helping out. I am continually in awe of the way my family has come together during this sad time, supporting each other emotionally and working as a team to do whatever is necessary. And my amazing father has retained his sense of humor. He often has us all laughing through situations that would otherwise be very stressful. He craves touch. When I sit and hold his hand, he seems very content. It's still hard for me to believe that he will not live through all this.
We have a beautiful, forested park near our house. Tryon Creek State Park. It's filled with lush, green, quiet trails and clear streams. This has become our go-to escape from the pressures of life. It's a perfect place to gain perspective, breathe fresh air and get some exercise. This little trillium caught my eye on our hike yesterday.
6 comments:
Cindy, your dad looks very content with Bailey by his side. I remember my dad needing to be touched when he was near the end. I was only nine, but I rubbed his cold feet for what seemed like hours on the night he passed away. He seemed so pleased. Your dad is so lucky to be surrounded by the people he loves and who love him so very much.
Hugs to you and your family.
Love, Susan
Hi Susan, It's a difficult time, but it's also bringing my family closer together. It must have been very difficult to lose your dad at the young age of nine. Thank you for your hugs and love!
Hi - it's been a long time. sorry for not keeping in touch after we came back from france. I miss the quiet days and relaxed life there. My heart goes out to you and it is wonderful that your family has come together. It's also lovely to see Bailey with him. I used to volunteer with an organization called "love on 4 paws" with our dogs. We would visit children's hospital and visit with many very sick children. I feel dogs make a big difference and can bring a calm to a stressful situation.
I still have our gift for you. We brought it back from France and I'm sorry that we have not sent it yet. It was very hard to send from France but now that we are back we want to get it to you. Could you give me your address again. You can email me at: bruceandalisa@gmail.com and we'll get it right out. It's of your girl and I just love it, but it would be so happy in your home.
xo
alisa
Alisa, Thank you so much for your note! I miss hearing about your adventures in France too. I can't wait to see the painting of Wynonna! You've made my day. Check your email. Thank you!!
Cindy, I just realized that I should check in here to see how things were going after the brief email about your dad.
Isn't amazing how our families can be focused with purpose and grace at such times, and just be in the moment, accepting what is, and loving all that we have together. What a blessing that your dad has retained his sense of humor - that sets the tone for the whole family.
All my love to you and your family,
Kendra
Thanks Kendra! I miss you guys. I continue to be consumed with family and a bit of work right now. Thanks for sending me the list of books too. I just finished reading The Help... really enjoyed it.
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