Scared

Today has been a tough morning.  Breathing is a struggle.  Dad tried to lay down in the bed to sleep early this morning (has been sleeping in the chair until the hospital bed arrives) and got very, very short of breath.  Mom said it's the worst it has been so far.  After using the cough assist, and now the bipap with oxygen, he is starting to catch his breath.  When I spoke to Mom, she sounded very scared.  She was going to go to church this morning since Bill is home to be with Dad, but she was afraid to leave.  I told her it's ok - - you can worship right where you are sitting.  She said she really needed God to be with them at the house this morning - and we know He was.  We are scared - - the nurse has told us that we are possibly looking at significantly less time than we thought we still had.

My mother is a very brave, very strong woman.  She impresses me with her ability to care for Dad, find humor when possible, and shower him with affection.

CHRISTMAS 2010

Dad did get out for Maddy's basketball game last night and played his role of point tracker.

Bill flew in on Saturday, which gives Dad a lot of joy.  We all play our role, and Bill is very good at organization, planning, arranging, and figuring things out.  He is our common sense.  Lynette is the oldest child and is also a nurse, so she gives so much love and also medical knowledge.  As the baby, and someone who is almost never able to censor herself, I like to laugh with Dad and crack jokes - often at the expense of the family around us.  Not to mention the roles that Leland, Tyler, and Michele play - - simply by making it possible for us to be with Dad as much as we can.  Then you've got the grandkids - whose ages range from 17 months to 24 years and who each give our parents a ton of happiness.  Our parents treasure their role as Grandma and Grandpa (or Mama and Boppa as Benny says) and they are very, very good at it.

God, please help us to say the things we need to say to each other and to soak up every moment we have, be it days, weeks, or months.  And thank you for giving us each other. 

Please do NOT hesitate to call - if Dad can't always talk, we will let him know you called.  Also, feel free to send an e-mail or comment on this blog and we will make sure he gets it!!