Friday, March 30, 2018

Entering the home stretch

Road trip project
Last weekend we drove to Spokane to see my dad. SO much happened in two short days. First he reconciled with me, then, at the insistent face-to-face urging of a friend, he called his brother and his wife to reconcile with them, too. We ate and talked and cleaned. The house is a mess, and so is he; my very particular father is particular no longer. Dad's decline in just the month since Rick and Brian were there is dramatic; we don't see him lasting more than two or three months, and the oncology nurse confirmed that.
The view from Dad's house
We met his financial guardian; we met the nurse practitioner at his oncologist's office. Dad signed permission for Rick and me to talk to his medical professionals, a POLST form, and designated Rick and me as his medical decision-makers when he no longer can. After we left, his wife flew over for a short visit, and his brother arrives today for a short visit. Important loose ends are now tidied up – with God, with family, and regarding medical details; it was more than we could have hoped for (oh we of little faith!).
A diversionary dart game with Brian in front of the house
There will be a messy avalanche of stuff to deal with after he dies, but I'm choosing not to think much about that because "sufficient to the day is the evil thereof" (Matthew 6:34).

So glad to get back home to my best buddy
Gatsby is the comic sidekick; laughter is good medicine
Thanks for listening. I try to keep this primarily a farm/sheep blog, but as the Yarn Harlot points out, The Blog is community. The older I get, the more I keep between me and God, but outside of that I probably share more of my heart and thoughts with you than I do with anyone else. Now; (mostly) back to our regularly scheduled programming!
The road to Bentley's house
That's it for the family report from . . .

10 comments:

Mama Pea said...

Oh, Michelle, I hope this latest meeting with your dad has given you the peace you deserve.

That picture of Jackson is so precious. What a mama's boy!

Helen said...

What a relief and blessing for all involved. Not everyone is given the chance to make amends, your father is lucky to have you.

Diane said...

So glad that you were able to have a reconciliation with your Dad. Times have been tough, but this means a lot.
You are a good daughter.
Wishing you the best.

Leigh said...

Michelle, that's wonderful news! Thank you so much for sharing. We all need things to rejoice in, and it's true, the blogging world is community. And your yarn looks really good too!

A :-) said...

Your heart must be so glad, my friend, that your father was able to reconcile - and not only with you. At the same time, your heart is likely also sad - it's hard to see the evidence of decline in a parent.

I'm glad you had this opportunity to see him. And yes, even though our blogs are here, in the ether, and the community we create with them is nearly always virtual, it is nonetheless community. :-)

All shall be well.
And all shall be well.
And all manner of thing shall be well.

(St. Julian of Norwich)

Retired Knitter said...

Peace to you and your dad as he makes this last journey that we all take eventually. What a blessing for all that unfinished business was resolved. Not everyone gets that chance.

Debbie said...

This has been a long time coming. Mending family fences, putting things in place ...it's a relief, it's bittersweet to all involved.

You are a special daughter.

Wishing you a good weekend.

Thanks for sharing beautiful photos.

take care

Fat Dormouse said...

I too am happy to read that you & your father have been reonciled, and that this work continues with other members of the family. May you and your family feel at peace.

As usual your photos are lovely - especially those of the dog. Bless!

Florida Farm Girl said...

I'm so glad you and your Dad have come to a peaceful reconciliation. The coming weeks or months won't be easy but they will be easier than before. My best thoughts and prayers to you, your Dad and your family.

I'm tied to my cyber friends, including you, so I know what you mean.

thecrazysheeplady said...

{{{hug}}}