Dad is resting comfortably.  The hospice nurse is here again.  Everyone has their own end journey, and all indications are that dad will be welcomed to Heaven in the very near future. I'm trying to concentrate on the good in all this - that we've been blessed with 71 years, that my folks did make the 50 year mark, though they were apart and unable to celebrate.  That we've had so many blessings.  That dad will, in an instant be far more perfect than he's ever been.  But, it still hurts, and it's not fair. My mother is so amazing, and she has been such a rock in all of this.  My dad and I had a conversation the other day while he was still in the hospital, and it was something to the effect of how mom was doing, or would do in all of this, and I said "you know, I think mom is more capable, confident and steady than everyone gives her credit for - I think she is going to do just fine" and my dad said "I think you're right".  I'm sure that the first thing dad does when he … [Read more...]

Dad came home from the hospital yesterday evening.  We also had the initial visit with the hospice nurse, too.  Thankfully, as his family, we will have resources available for us as well, in the year following this ordeal.  This is especially wonderful for my kids.  I've been through this once before with my grandma, and helping kids process this type of thing is so hard.  I am glad to have help in this area. I've had a topic on my mind for quite some time that I wanted to talk about here.  I still don't have it all figured out, so this may end up being a two part post. My parents are incredible - they have raised me to be bold, never back down, and say what you gotta say, among other things.  During this time I am especially thankful that I don't have any unresolved issues with either of them.  No horrid scars, nothing.  Now, that isn't to say I didn't have them - I certainly did, but they were reconciled and resolved. Maybe it is who I am, but I'm pretty good about … [Read more...]

We have spent the entire day at the hospital.  David is there now, and my mom is going up to relieve him overnight. Today was probably the best day, information wise, that we have had this entire process. The doctor - one whom we have not had yet - was wonderful about explaining what is going on, but more than that, what we can expect as this progresses.  Because the cancer has spread so quickly, and aggressively, he seems to think we have weeks, not months left with dad. We also had a conversation with the palliative coordinator, and she is getting the ball rolling on that end.  While dad is in the hospital, he will be under palliative care, and once he is released to come home, he will fall under hospice.  It was incredibly helpful to know that we, his family, have resources available to us not only now, but for later as well.  This is especially encouraging to me in having information to help me help my girls through this. I don't have anything more to say tonight - … [Read more...]