Dad and Ann in January in one of their favorite places - the bowling alley!
My Dad has been in the hospital again with more health issues. He's been feeling weaker and retaining fluid. He was scheduled for a cardiac cath this past Tuesday, but he called me at work last Friday to say he was so weak he felt like he needed to go to the hospital. My sister Cheri picked him up and took him to ER. I met them there after work. They got there about noon, and he wasn't admitted until 11pm. What a long day!
He had lots of tests during his time there, including that cardiac cath that was already scheduled. It showed that his heart is very weak, one of his valves is not closing properly and there is nothing that can be done to improve that.
He's been saying he is sick of going to doctors and doesn't want anything more done. He's not depressed, but is realistic that at 91 his heart is worn out. He told many people at the hospital that "it's all in the Lords hands, and when He is ready for me, I'm ready to go." He has remained his sweet, fun self through all of this and we heard from both doctors and nurses how much they love him. :)
So, he has signed on to hospice. He came home Friday and at the moment is feeling pretty good other than the tiredness he's been dealing with. We don't know how long we have, but are going to do our best to enjoy this time with him.
Your prayers are appreciated as we go through this. We've been anticipating it for some time, but it's still hard.
You are very blessed to have a father with such rest and peace about meeting his maker. I love that the doctors and nurses love him, that's a joy too, amidst the sadness of it all. God bless you, and I'll pray for you all.
ReplyDeleteDella
Keeping you all in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteI am so very sorry! What an awful Father's Day this has been for you. He has such a good attitude. My prayers are with you both for strength and to lift you up. Hospice is wonderful, I had them for my Mom.
ReplyDeleteYour dad sounds wise, and I must add he looks a lot younger than 91. I pray for all good things for him and for you in this difficult time.
ReplyDeleteMari - you, your dad and your family are definitely in my prayers. This is so hard, but it is so good to know that families are forever. Sending you love and prayers.
ReplyDeleteHow blessed you are to have a father who has made his peace at this time in his life. It is still very hard as his loved ones to bear it but it makes it easier when you see how he is handling things. God bless you and your sister for taking such good care of him. I pray he will be comfortable and able to enjoy this time with all of you.
ReplyDeleteYour Dad is a remarkable person! You and your sister are very loving daughters!
ReplyDeleteMay God bless you all, and help you during this trying time!
Mari - my sweet friend. My thoughts and prayers for your dad. I'm sorry to hear this; God bless him and all of you. xoxo
ReplyDeleteHi Mari, I know what you are going through at this time as I went through the same with my dad at 91 years of age. I will for sure keep your dad in my thoughts and prayers as well as your family.
ReplyDeletePrayers for you all.
ReplyDeleteMari, reading here this morning brings tears, as well as memories, of my father-in-law and when we brought him home from the hospital the last time. The doctors had said possibly six months was the time we had left to enjoy him but in actuality it turned out to be six weeks. It's a hard path to travel and you are in my prayers that God will walk through each step of the way for truly, I have learned that His grace is truly sufficient.
ReplyDeleteMari, you have my prayers. Your father is an inspiration to me. He gets it, and what a thrill to know that this man of God is your papa! It explains so much the wonderful woman that you are. Your determination to enjoy every moment you have with him is also an inspiration. Hearing from staff how much they love your father is fantastic. Prayers and love, Nancy
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry. Keeping you all in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteYour sweet dad is in the Lords Hands and I'll be definitely praying for him, too.
ReplyDeleteGod bless your dad, you and your sisters.
Hugs and prayers from my heart to yours.
Oh Mari, it is so hard. Sending hugs and prayers your way! Your dad sounds so much like my dad...the nurses all loved him too.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a wise decision your dad has made and exactly what I would do. I will keep him and your whole family in my prayers!
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry about your dad. He sounds like he is a sweetheart and has a very good outlook. Enjoy the time that you have. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteOh, Mari. This news makes me so sad for you and the whole family. Hospice is wonderful, though (as I'm sure you know). I'll be praying for your dear dad and for Ann and for all of you on this journey. Love and hugs.
ReplyDeleteI am in tears, Mari!! This all feels too familiar. And your dad's attitude reminds me so much of my dad's. His only regret that was he didn't get the chance to preach one more time. I'll be praying for your family in the weeks/months to come. Love you all so much.
ReplyDeleteThis post makes me sad for you, but I definitely understand where your dad is coming from. That's the decision I would make for myself as well.
ReplyDeletePraying for all of you as you make this journey.
Sweet Mari, I am so sorry to hear this. I have so enjoyed your posts about him . He is quite a man. I will pray for him and your beautiful family. Hold his hand.
ReplyDeleteMy dear sweet Mari
ReplyDeleteGod bless your sweet Dad. What a gift of such a full life - and such wisdom and faith to take this next step all in stride. I hope you know if we lived close I'd be there for you in any way that I could. I hope that you're able to find this remaining time the most treasured yet with your Dad. Prayers will continue - as well as hugs, beautiful thoughts and friendship ~ all sent on the wind to you my Friend.
Blessings to you all. 🙏
Just saw this post. Its so hard when our loved ones are older with health problems. It is wonderful your dad has the faith and trust to leave things in Gods hands. That speaks so beautifully of his walk with the Lord. Praying for him and your family
ReplyDeleteOh my friend, you certainly have my prayers. I know that you know this and I'm not trying to sound sanctimonious, but how I would have loved to have a dad! I mean, I had a dad but I didn't know him and he died young. So just, what a privilege for you and your sibs to have had your wonderful dad for so long (especially in view of losing your mom relatively young), and for him to have had so many years with you! I think of Ann too, that she is facing being separated from him for a short time -- but then, reunited in Heaven where I guess they'll be good friends since there's no marriage there, haaha! She and your mom will have to learn to share. But for whatever time your precious dad has left, I know he will be a blessing to all and especially to your family, and you all to him. xoxo
ReplyDeleteThis is the hardest thing to do is carry out their wishes. My husband had to do it with his momma. She held on as long as she could but just wanted to leave the hospital and go home. We all got to be at her bedside and say our goodbyes. She was so peaceful. It really does make them feel better when they know they are understood and heard. We wil be praying for you and your family.
ReplyDeleteOh Mari - your dad. I can only imagine how y'all feel but he sure has a good attitude and that's a blessing. Of course, my prayers are with him and all of you. God bless.
ReplyDelete