Dad.
I had other posts scheduled this week, but life took a turn.
Things aren’t always easier just because you know they’re coming.
My dad is in his last days. I saw him last Friday, and he even got to meet Scout and Jem. Knowing he met our future children, even for just a moment, was a blessing.
We knew he was getting weaker, that ALS was progressing, but he has beaten the odds. Most people with his form of ALS don’t live six months past diagnosis. I believe it’s because he was so fit. Even now he doesn’t look his age.
So it was easy to keep hoping…
But ALS eventually affects the diaphragm and breathing muscles. His lungs have gradually filled with secretions he can’t cough up, and when he aspirated vomit recently (his food often came back up even though he “ate” through a g-tube), that was final blow. We had the option of very invasive treatments that would not fix the problem, or we had the option to back off treatment and simply keep him comfortable. This is what he told us he wanted, back when he could talk, and we are respecting his wishes.
He texted my sister Monday evening that he felt bad and thought he had the flu, so we convinced him to let his brother drive him to the ER. Yesterday we were told he might not last 24 hours. He’s still here today, but we’ve transferred him to a nearby hospice center. We are blessed with family and friends close by, so we can take bedside shifts and he will not have to be alone.
But this is hard.
And yes, we’re still moving the kids in on Friday. So we could use a whole lot of prayers.
**Update: Dad passed the following day. I’m thankful to have been by his side.
Wife, mom, J-ma. Introvert who enjoys good books, sunshine, and authentic conversation. Often seen with a steaming mug of tea in hand – unless it’s lost yet again in the microwave. Read more »
Prayers, friend. I’m so sorry. I’m blessed with two dads – step and bio. We watched my step-dad lose his battle with cancer 12 years ago. I’m so sorry that you’re going through this.
I’m so sorry to read this, I watched my mom battle cancer for 8 years and it was still a shock at the end. Praying for you and your family in the difficult time!
You know I will be praying for you. I can’t fathom how hard this is. I pray your last moments with your dad are full of happy memories and the knowledge that your dad will be WHOLE again very soon. Such a hard time for you…. prayers.
What an emotional time for you right now Jamie. I’m so happy to read about the kids, but deeply saddened to hear the news of your dad. Will be praying for you, your family and for your dad.
So sorry. How horrible for you.
What a difficult time for you Jamie…hugs and prayers for peace.
I’m so, so very sorry. You’re right, this is so hard. I’m praying for you all and for your father. God bless you all.
Susan
oh Jamie.
(((Huge Hugs)))
Will be praying you through this. All of you. All of this.
Jamie, I don’t comment too often but I just wanted to speak up today to let you know that you, your dad, and your family are all in my thoughts and prayers. May God hold you all in His loving hands during this hard time.
Jaime-Praying for you, your Dad and your family. My Dad passed away 15 months ago after losing his battle with Stomach Cancer. I know my dad has moved onto his eternal home with his Savior…which gives me such comfort. My dad was sick most of his life with Lupus and all of the various complications that come with that devastating disease. So, knowing that he no longer has to suffer, well, I’m happy for him. But there are days when I just miss him, want to have a chat and see his big smile. (Sorry, didn’t mean to go so..)… Read more »
Jamie, I know from reading your blog just how close you are with your Dad. I’m truly sorry that you’re losing him, especially now. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Jamie, This is definitely a hard, hard time, and I am so glad you and Debbie are honoring your dad’s wishes, hard though they are. He loves you both dearly and all his grandchildren and greats, too. I am so glad that I could visit him while he was still aware and be able to tell him I love him and he has loved and been loved. .. and that he is a good person who will live on with us. Your dad was unique and fiercely independent, and it has hurt to know he suffered ALS, but he worked… Read more »
Praying for you. I cried reading this, I can only imagine what you are going through. The verse for today on my devotional is Psalms 23:4 Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.
Letitia
So sorry to hear this Jamie. Prayers for all of you.
Knowing that it’s coming doesn’t make it any easier. I lost my mom when I was 22 (she was 43) after a year long battle with cancer. I also work in a nursing home and do hospice care frequently. You made the best decision to abide with his wishes. Just be there with him and bless him on his way. *Hugs* I’m praying for your family through all of these huge transitions.
Just a note that I’ve been lifting up you and your family during all these transitions in your life. Remembering God’s promises to Never Leave Us Nor Forsake Us, to Cast All our Cares Upon Him for He Cares for You. Blessings,
Nancy
I’m so sorry to hear this. I’m praying for you and your family.
Oh, Jamie. I am so sorry. I hope your final moments with him are blessed.
Oh Jamie, I’m so sorry! It’s a blessing that family is close enough to be by his side. May God wrap His arms of love and comfort around you, your dad and all your lived ones through this time.
Oh Jamie, I’m so sorry. My prayers are with you and your family.
Our prayers for you! So sorry, Jamie
Praying for you today. Good luck with your new children!! And blessings to your family during this trial.
Praying your dad has a safe journey and know that he is in His loving arms.
Love, love, love to you.
Praying for you guys.
I am so sorry. My prayers are with you all. May God hold you close and lift you up.
You are all in my prayers. My dad has Alzheimer’s and his health is declining rapidly, so I know how hard it is to see the man who took care of you for all those years suffer. Praying for God’s comfort and peace to wash over you.
I am so sorry to hear that your dad is not doing well. ALS is such a terrible disease. My mom died of it 12 and half years ago. You and your entire family are in my prayers. By the way I think it is wonderful you are adopting. My husband and I adopted our daughter 7 years ago when she was 14 months old from foster care. Now Emily is 8 years old and is doing great in second grade homeschool.
Oh so sorry to hear. I will be praying for you and your family.
Prayers for you, sweet girl.
We’ve had MD in our family and know how hard it is.
Praying for you!
I missed your update, Jamie. I’m so, so sorry. May the God of all comfort be your comfort.
I’m so sorry to hear this. Praying for you and your family right now. Hugs!!