Good evening everyone, or morning to those of you on the other side of the planet.
Wanted to give everyone an update on how Dad is doing.
As you know he had his first chemo treatment last thursday. He is doing ok, but we had some pretty rough learning to do. Even though Dad has been eating regularly and drinking normally he still got extremely dehydrated. When we saw the Oncologist on Tuesday he admitted Dad to the hospital to go on fluids and receive two units of blood becuase of the dehydration.
Dad was discharged today from the hospital (only two nights) and is now home.
It's very stressful going through these roller coaster of emotions. On Tuesday things were looking really bad. Really bad! but then we got the news that oh hey, it's just dehydration...wow, from the low parts to the high parts. What a ride. Basically anything that we used to think was strange, abnormal, or dangerous is now just the new norm.
Wanted to say thanks to the church group for coming over and scouting out the list of chores we have. Also wanted to say thanks to John and Evy, for helping around the house and always stopping in to say hi.
Finally, and as always, I wanted to say thank you to Jesus for having answered more of our prayers and for putting all of you in our lives. This is not a journey that I would wish on any of our enemies but it's one we are in and I'm thankful that he has given us the strength, family, and friends to do it.
We don't have control over our time, but we do have control over how we use it. I've been working on trying to answer this question...perhaps you could reply with what you would do...the question is...if you only had 24 hours left to live, how would you spend it, what would you do, who would you do it with...how would you live every moment to its fullest potential? The reason I ask this question is becuase honestly I don't know how to live every moment, or every day to it's fullest. Perhaps there are more of you out there that may feel the same now that Dad has given this opportunity to learn the lesson?
To get those juices flowin'...here is a picture that makes me think of some things I'd like to go do again...you might recognize that strikingly hansome man on the right:
In Christ,
J. Raymond Jr., Jr.
Wanted to give everyone an update on how Dad is doing.
As you know he had his first chemo treatment last thursday. He is doing ok, but we had some pretty rough learning to do. Even though Dad has been eating regularly and drinking normally he still got extremely dehydrated. When we saw the Oncologist on Tuesday he admitted Dad to the hospital to go on fluids and receive two units of blood becuase of the dehydration.
Dad was discharged today from the hospital (only two nights) and is now home.
It's very stressful going through these roller coaster of emotions. On Tuesday things were looking really bad. Really bad! but then we got the news that oh hey, it's just dehydration...wow, from the low parts to the high parts. What a ride. Basically anything that we used to think was strange, abnormal, or dangerous is now just the new norm.
Wanted to say thanks to the church group for coming over and scouting out the list of chores we have. Also wanted to say thanks to John and Evy, for helping around the house and always stopping in to say hi.
Finally, and as always, I wanted to say thank you to Jesus for having answered more of our prayers and for putting all of you in our lives. This is not a journey that I would wish on any of our enemies but it's one we are in and I'm thankful that he has given us the strength, family, and friends to do it.
We don't have control over our time, but we do have control over how we use it. I've been working on trying to answer this question...perhaps you could reply with what you would do...the question is...if you only had 24 hours left to live, how would you spend it, what would you do, who would you do it with...how would you live every moment to its fullest potential? The reason I ask this question is becuase honestly I don't know how to live every moment, or every day to it's fullest. Perhaps there are more of you out there that may feel the same now that Dad has given this opportunity to learn the lesson?
To get those juices flowin'...here is a picture that makes me think of some things I'd like to go do again...you might recognize that strikingly hansome man on the right:
In Christ,
J. Raymond Jr., Jr.
Dear Jeff,
ReplyDeleteNot sure how to answer that question. It's probably something that none of us can answer unless we are put in that situation. I feel, in my heart, that I have been blessed in so many ways, that if something were to happen to me, I'd be okay with knowing where my final destination would be. But again, I may feel 'cheated' out of not seeing my grandchildren find their ways in the world and experiencing their journey. There seems to be nothing that can prepare us for what we don't know. Faith is what I choose to rely on. It is not my will, but HIS. I am reminded of this often and not always to my liking. Test after test. Sure do not wish to be going through what you are, but am amazed at your insightfulness and learning from your 'openness' and willingness to be so honest.
Much love,
Mary R
You've asked some hard questions Jeff...I honestly don't think a person knows for sure how they would spend that time until they come face to face with it - My faith tells me and I believe that Death is NOT the end.
ReplyDeleteIn losing my parents and others I love dearly, I've learned that it is important to say the things that need to said while you can. And don't hold back!
I just finished reading a book called The Walk. This is something the author said and I found it profound. "We plan our lives in long, unbroken stretches that intersect our dreams like highways connect the city dots on a road map. But in the end we learn that life is lived in the side roads, alleys and detours. I do not know what lies beyond the horizon, only that the road I walk was meant for me...It is enough." And so I just encourage your family to continue be there for each other and say the things that need to said and know that we that love you are continuing to pray that you will draw your strength from Him.
In His time and our love,
Jeff and Sue