Continued prayers for my Dad

SPD748 · October 13, 2014, 05:40:26 PM

First, I would like to thank those who have kept and continue to keep my Dad in their prayers.

That being said, I finally moved him into my home today. He's been a little stubborn however strength (in this case) won over wisdom

.

I mentioned in an earlier post that I was moving him to my home so that I could care for him. He has been diagnosed with lung cancer which, thankfully, seems to have been caught at an early stage. To compound the issue, he has severe cataracts which prohibit him from driving. At the moment he's relying on me to get him to and from the myriad of doctor's appointments which are necessary to combat his disease. Having him at my home will make things so much easier on the both of us. Though he's rearranged most of my home to his liking, I still have no regrets in the decision to move home here. Every moment I am privileged to spend with him is a moment that I know so many others have want of above all else.

I've taken the advise of my fellow forum members and waste no opportunity to talk about the 'old days' even when I've heard the stories so many times. Hopefully in the coming days, he will feel strong enough to sit on the front porch and watch/listen to my mill growl away. The sound of an old Detroit barking and the song of a circle blade always brings a smile to his face, even in the worst of times.

Words can not express the thanks I have for all that have and continue to keep my Dad in their prayers. With the support of God's will, Dad and I will have many more days to listen to a sawmill and tell stories.

-lee

WmFritz · October 13, 2014, 05:54:13 PM

That last sentence warmed my insides up, Lee.
I think when your Dad settles into a routine, he'll feel right at home.

Autocar · October 13, 2014, 07:03:20 PM

Circle sawmills and the smell of fresh sawdust will make any woodsman smile. Prayers your way.

coxy · October 13, 2014, 07:34:13 PM

wishing you and your dad many many happy days together

will he be able to go and watch the mill running

POSTON WIDEHEAD · October 13, 2014, 08:04:40 PM

Lee...go with the flow. The Bible says once an adult twice a child. I can tell my Dad forgets a lot of stuff. He tells me the same story 3 times a day sometimes.

But he knows it and tells me I'll be there some day.....and I will if I live long enough.
My Dad tells everybody he don't buy green Bananas anymore for fear he won't be around when they're ripe.

My Dad is just like a kid again and I smile when you said your Dad rearranged the house to suit him. :D

Go with the flow Brother......this will be some of your best days!

pineywoods · October 13, 2014, 08:22:58 PM

Lee, you have just joined an exclusive group of forumites, full time caregiver. There is a care givers thread down in the health and safety section, Might be some info you can use to make life a little better for dad. If nothing else, being able to rant with someone who has been there makes you feel better...

thecfarm · October 13, 2014, 08:30:37 PM

My Father and me looked at sawmills. He never got a chance to see mine or the house I built on The Farm. I know he would have enjoyed seeing both. Enjoy your Dad. ;D But enjoy your time away too.

hardtailjohn · October 14, 2014, 06:14:26 PM

I was just thinking about you two the other day, Lee. Glad to hear he's moved in and making himself at home. Treasure the time...as you are... record some of those stories if he'll go for it...I know I wish my Dad would have gone for that, but anytime there was a recorder around he clammed up.
God bless you both!
John

red · October 15, 2014, 05:49:13 AM

Prayers for both of you to remain Strong and Healthy

Laughter is the Best Medicine

giant splinter · October 16, 2014, 12:33:51 PM

I'm hanging in there with you two for the long haul, I agree with Hardtailjohn the stories are what Dads are all about and just looking back at how your Dad rebuilt that "Screaming Jimmy" and the fabrication work you and he did on your mill build was nothing short of incredible, having him there at home is the best thing for the both of you, let him know we all look up to him as a dad and a master mechanic who took on a major task and shared his time and experience with all of us here on the forum. Thoughts and prayers are with you.

drobertson · October 17, 2014, 08:46:15 AM

My thoughts and prayers are going out for you and your Father, it has to be a good thing to be able to share a day at the mill with him.

Jim_Rogers · October 17, 2014, 09:45:16 AM

I too say get someone to sit with you and your dad and have them record him telling you a story about the old days. While he's talking to you, he may not notice that they are recording him.

These things will be with you for a long time.

I have but one recording of my father's voice as he passed in 1980. I hope to soon get it on a cd or DVD so we'll have it forever.

Prayers sent as well.

Jim Rogers

timberlinetree · October 19, 2014, 06:38:19 AM

Thoughts and prayers for you and your dad. Its nice to hear of the stories shared. I had a bad dad so be blessed that you can spend time together.You all who have cared for some one have big hearts!

BW_Williams · October 19, 2014, 07:45:27 AM

Good job taking care of your Dad! I wish mine would have listened better, but he was as stuborn as his Dad (my papa) who died arguing with a Doctor

SPD748 · October 20, 2014, 07:29:58 PM

Thank you all for the kind words and encouragement. I'm afraid that my Dad's condition and diagnosis have worsened drastically. His cancer is stage IV and has spread to his adrenal gland. Last Saturday, I took him for a PET scan which is supposed to locate the extents of the spread. He has started sleeping most of the day. He eats very little. He seems confused at times. He is scheduled to begin radiation tomorrow however I really don't think he's strong enough, even for that. I fear that his cancer is supremely aggressive. I try to make him as comfortable as possible. It tears the heart from my chest to see the man that was always so strong, so independent, so alive wither away. If it must be done, I pray that God will take him soon. I pray that he may be taken to be with his daughter again. I would gladly let him go to be with her at peace than to stay with me in pain.

Magicman · October 20, 2014, 07:37:21 PM

My prayer is that your Dad will live out the remainder of his life in peace and comfort. Stay strong for him and make the decisions that you would want him to make for you.

POSTON WIDEHEAD · October 20, 2014, 07:39:20 PM

Hang in there Lee......went through the same thing with my Mom. Its NOT easy to be in your shoes.
Sleep is the beat thing for him. Stay strong and just let Pop know you're there.
I'm praying for you and your family brother.

thecfarm · October 20, 2014, 07:42:13 PM

It's sad to see all this happen.

beenthere · October 20, 2014, 07:58:23 PM

Will say a few more prayers that your Dad will be comfortable and that you will have peace with the great memories of him as strong, independent, and so alive. We are here only but a short time.

samandothers · October 20, 2014, 08:23:06 PM

Thoughts and prayers with you. Your comment 'It tears the heart from my chest to see the man that was always so strong, so independent, so alive wither away.' rings so true. I wish you both peace.

hardtailjohn · October 20, 2014, 08:48:15 PM

Peace be with you both. My heart and prayers go out to both of you.
John

sandhills · October 20, 2014, 09:35:02 PM

I haven't been through this with a parent but with 2 close friends, everyone else has pretty much said it but just let him know you're there. It's amazing how much comfort comes from just knowing you're with loved ones, even in times of confusion they know they're not alone, you both have my thoughts, prayers, and respect.

SPD748 · October 21, 2014, 08:04:33 AM

Dad was admitted to the hospital last night. Yesterday, he became very confused and weak. At first it looked like a stroke however there was no paralysis. Once I got him here, they did a CT of his brain which confirmed that his cancer has spread there as well. He has several masses. I'm told the doctors will reassess his condition today and come up with a game plan. They are making him as comfortable as possible. I'm hoping to see the oncologist soon.

-lee

WmFritz · October 21, 2014, 06:21:44 PM

I'm very sorry, Lee.

What's most important now is your Dad doesn't suffer. My heart goes out to you.

Darrel · October 21, 2014, 11:09:58 PM

Praying for you and your dad Lee. My wife and I are in the process of moving her dad in with us. I had no idea how much work it would be. But I am glad we are doing it. Caring for and loving those who have cared for and loved us is part of what it means to be human, part of our God given duty. Thanks for posting this reminder.