So, anyway, the other thing I thought I'd share is a post from last year. Exactly one year ago. August and September were some of the hardest months I have ever lived through. My Step-Dad's battle with cancer. He was diagnosed in July and he flew to Jesus in September. Here's a link to my September posts.
It's nice to have this blog and be able to go back in time....
Saturday, August 16th 2009
HOWEVER LONG
Wondering if I’ll be on my blog very often over the next
“however long.”
As I write this, I am sitting in a hospital room next to my Step-Dad, Tom. He has stage 4 lung cancer. He went for his first chemo treatment on Aug. 4th and on Aug. 9th was admitted into the hospital having had severe reactions. We weren’t prepared for this. We didn’t consider that within just a few weeks of learning of his cancer that he’d be here, as sick as I’ve ever seen anyone. Sure, I’ve had skin cancer. Just the pesky basal cell. Not life threatening. Not serious. This is stage 4, Incurable. We were told that he would never be healed. We were told that without treatment he would have just months to live. But there is no way that we could have grasped the reality of it all. I’ve never watched anyone die.
Tom is not dying today. He is “fragile” they say. He’s developed an infection. His kidneys are struggling. He is lethargic. He opens his eyes, but I wonder what he sees. His stare is completely blank. He wouldn’t take his medicine tonight. He clinched his teeth as I tried to feed him the crushed pills mixed with applesauce. The machine next to him signaled that his fluid bag was low. Tom reacted to the beeping. He was alarmed. He groaned, he opened his eyes! He reacted… He’s in there!!
Day by day we wait. The doctors can’t give any prognosis right now. He may recover from this “bad reaction.” He may not. We may get him back for a bit, but eventually we will lose him.
Less then 2 weeks ago I was sitting in paradise. I saw rainbows every day. I know God is watching over all of us. I understand that I'm not suppose to understand. I only know to acknowledge Him in all my ways and in return He will direct my path.
More Hawaii pictures... Aren't I blessed?! Hard times will come, but it makes the good times that much sweeter!
Here we are under the banyan tree in maui. It's one of the oldest banyans in the US and it takes up an entire city block. It's amazing!
You're welcome to still play along with Toot Your Horn Tuesday. Wouldn't want to keep you hanging again!! Believe it or not, I check out your blogs every week and dream about all the things I'd love to try. Remember to keep your "titles" short so that they will fit well within my borders! Kisses!
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31 comments:
Hi Leah, Thank you so much for hosting. Hugs, Sherry
I had a similar experience with both of my parents in 2009. My mother in July and my father in October. It was such a difficult year. I'm so glad I wrote down a lot during that period of time. You think you'll never forget what you were experiencing and living through.. but it does dim with time. Glad I can go back and read a little bit when I want to.
That first year is so hard without the ones we love.
Take care.
Karen
Ladybug Creek
What a moving post from last year-- thanks for sharing it. Sending you and your family a big hug-- Malia
Thanks so much for sharing such a touching post.
Talk about sorrow, I had a similar experience when my father died almost 18 months ago. My faith got me through it and I know I will see him again. May you feel the same comfort.
What a touching post. Sometimes when we look back its amazing how we are able to take the walks that we do. You have a blessed day.
It sounds like you are doing well considering. I hope you are able to remain in peace through this process.
Thanks for hosting the party. This is my first time - love your blog!
L.
Thanks for sharing such a personal story. I stopped by to link up and left feeling inspired to give my kids a tighter squeeze today. :)
Colette
www.mycomputerismycanvas.com
what a touching post. Thank you for sharing your heart!!!
Thanks for sharing such an intimate and difficult time in your life.
Thanks so much for the party!
Thanks for hosting the party, and also for sharing your life experiences with us. You have a very good grasp of what's important and how to stay anchored.
My prayers are with you.
Thanks again for always hosting this party! I love looking through all the links.
I am thinking of you as you remember this time last year. I love how you said "he flew to Jesus." Recently, I lost my brother and that is a lovely way to put it.
Beautiful family!
We live through our loved ones.
We see God's work done by those who raised us to be good and able to pass on the torch to future generations.
:)
i stuffed up my link, meaning to send you my butterfly soap.
butterflies are so nice reminders that life is beautiful and is transitory.
my belated condolences, and yet, as i sit her on 140 million year old rock, life moves on.
it's important that we see beauty in the fullness of life, the open flowers, the flying butterflies.
thank you for the opportunity to share my cocktail table. It's funny what you come up with sometimes when you shop you house!
Proverbs 3: 5-6 is my favorite (for lack of a better word) scripture. Saying "fav" seems so insignificant when it comes to God's Word. It helps me through everything. It's my next tattoo. I realize telling you that may be silly, not everyone is the tattooing type. I love that scripture, as long as I am here on earth I want it permanently on me to remind me everyday. I will be praying for your family. Thank you for sharing and Thank you for hosting.
Made me think about when my favorite Uncle Died a few years back. HUGS. Stop by my blog and join in the Comment Exchange program.
http://theadviceofamadmother.blogspot.com/
I really love your photos this week! Thanks for hosting for us to toot our horns!
Sorry I messed up my link, but can't find a way to delete it. I posted the right one later. Just didn't want you to think I was dumping my url and running!
Thanks for hosting, and for sharing your story. I love the pictures!
Thank you so much for sharing that :)
I'm new to your blog and wanted to thank you sincerely for sharing this.
Hi Leah! I was just blog-hopping, one of my fav pastimes and came across yours! It's precious and I appreciate your love of faith and family! I linked up and hope to keep it up! Just gotta start making more! hehe! Have a great week!
sounds like fun, i love visiting w/ family!
Just a quick little note to thank you for the opportunity to share! I'm #109 up there...and I forgot to give my project a title...so my name appears instead...oops!
Cheers!
Theresa @ alliswell@home.blogspot.com
Visiting from the blog hops. Great blog! I can't wait to see more. Follow back if you can.
http://www.inspiringyou2save.com
PS. I have a Meet me Monday Blog hop. Would love if you would join in.
I linked up and I am for sure following your blog! Love it... very inspirational! I would love for you to visit my blog and even join up with my weekly party if you have an opportunity! Thanks for hosting! Anna Sams "Moon River"
Thanks for hosting and letting me share my carport re-do. It was such a long time coming....
L.
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