I lost a wonderful and very dear friend to breast cancer this year. She never once said "Why Me?" I have several other friends who are fighting valiant battles now. No complaints from them, all amazing incredibly brave ladies doing what they have to do with dignity and grace. I'm no different, not special, so every year when I get the results back from my annual mammogram and it's good, I feel as though I've dodged a bullet.
My dad has had pneumonia four times in the past year and a half. He almost died twice. He has been in and out of hospitals, he has a traich, a catheter and is on oxygen 24/7. He has amazed doctors with his resilience and sheer will to live. We brought him home to my house a year ago this month. Doctors were not optimistic and we counted everyday with him as a blessing There have been tears but mostly laughter. That's what we do in our family. Face anything and everything head on with a joke and a belly laugh and pie.
Today, I write this from Room 3115 where my dad is battling his 5th go round of pneumonia. When he arrived by ambulance a few days ago doctors thought he might be in for just a couple days, a "Tune-Up" if you will. Last night, was a bad night. He couldn't catch his breath. He's scared. The treatment has gotten more aggressive, his oxygen need is increasing and his breathing more labored. He's not eating. He's been here before and always come out of it. I never try to count him out, after all he has amazed us all so many times before. Yet, somehow this time feels different. So we wait, and hope and continue to pray. Does he have the strength to dodge another bullet?
4 comments:
I saw this post courtesy of @AdrianDayton on Twitter. Been there with my Dad, and my Mom, then with my best friend and soul mate--who fought long and hard to stay alive before yielding to a collection of illnesses at 50.
Now I am fearing and facing the same challenges again, this time way up close--closer than ever- in my family. Thanks for this post, reaffirming the way in which we are trying to face our fears, and the challenge of many many long, painful and frightening months of treatment.
Warm wishes to you and your family, and your rock of a Dad.
Sandi,
My thoughts and prayers for your dad, with the hope he will recover from this setback. My thoughts and prayers for you, with the hope you will continue to be strong and unwavering by his side attending to his needs. Know that all of us here stand shoulder to shoulder with you to provide you with that strength.
God Bless...
Sharing our strength with you and your family Sandi ....... we are forming a shield/net to catch you and yours wherever God decides the landing is to be - just for today .... hugs, love .... God Bless
Thank you all so much for your kind words, thoughts and prayers.
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