When someone close to you suffers an illness, something serious, it tends to make you stop to smell those darn roses. You cherish those conversations, those moments when you connect. You want to savor them, remember them.
I moved to Arkansas a year and half ago to be near my parents and help them as they grew older. I knew intellectually why I was here. This past week has made everything terribly real. Last week, I accompanied my father to the hospital where they ran tests to determine the health of his heart. The news wasn’t good. Today, he’s heading to surgery for multiple bypasses. That’s bad enough, but given his age and his health, we’re all worried.
Especially him. Dad’s the alpha guy. Quiet, strong. Always there doing the things the strong silent guys do to keep family safe and content. He’s scared. That fact completely unsettles me.
I watch him and my mother together and realize their’s was the happy-ever-after every romance reader dreams of. They fuss at each other with twinkles in their eyes. They do little things all the time for each other that are sweet and thoughtful. They grew up together, made a family, and are the hub for all their children’s and grandchildren’s lives. When the first of them passes on, the other will be lost.
So today, say a prayer for my dad. Call your mom or dad and say hello. I’ll be sitting in a waiting room with my mom, sister, and daughter, waiting and hoping we can all put off the inevitable one more time. Sorry I didn’t come with my usual cheery face, but today I’m not feeling so invincible or secure.
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Prayers for your dad
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You’re allowed to have bad days too I’m sure. You and your family will be in my thoughts and I hope that he comes through just fine. (((HUGS)))
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Your dad and your whole family are in my thoughts and prayers.
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Hugs and prayers for you and your family – I have walked in your shoes and know the stress of waiting.
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Woohoo! He made it through surgery fine and his kidneys didn’t take a hit! He still has two days of observation to get through to make sure the three bypasses do their job, but hey, we were worried he wouldn’t wake up. Still at hospital, but feel like celebrating.
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Hooray, Delilah–thanks for the update! Praying for your dad and your family!
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Hugs and prayers for your Dad and your family.
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Glad he made it through the surgery. Thanks for the update. I’ll still keep you in my thoughts though.
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HUGS, Delilah! I hope all went well.
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You and your family will be in my prayers.
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Thanks to Fedora, Marelou, MJ and Sonya!
So far, so good. He made it through the night and the next day is important to make sure the grafted veins work. I’m home babysitting the animals. Sis and mom are still in Little Rock with dad. I get to go back tomorrow. Thanks for keeping my dad in your thoughts.
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That is wonderful news Delilah. I am so happy for you. My mother in law is making small progress in recovery also but right now any little positive thing is a big step. Keeping you in prayers.
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Sara!
Here’s hoping your MIL improves. Today, Dad’s sitting up and smiling.
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Hi Delilah, late reading your news, but hope my sending caring thoughts to your dad and y’all is still helpful. take care.
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I’ll keep your dad in my prayers. Hope he gets better.