Hi Everyone...
I don't know where to start, so I guess I'll start by thanking those who offered prayers for my family and me. They are what carried me through this past month. I know that because I couldn't have endured or had the strength to manage all that I've been through this past month, and I mean that from the bottom of my heart.
It is exactly one month ago today that I left to visit my parents in New York. The day after I arrived my Father fell ill again and was rushed to the hospital. He was in the hospital for a week where we learned there wasn't much they could do for him so we brought him home and he was placed in hospice care. I cannot say enough about the care he was given in the hospital or with the rescue squad that helped us when we needed them. The caregivers were wonderful and didn't just care for my Dad but for my Mom and me as well. They were angels in disguise.
I cannot say enough about Hospice either. The people they sent to help deal with everything were wonderful. So wonderful, in fact, that I'm thinking of volunteering for them as soon as I'm emotionally able. They provided for every need and were with us through the whole thing, we never felt alone. My Mom and I did everything we could to make his last days peaceful and comfortable and even that made his passing less difficult to deal with. I know the Lord held us in His hand the entire time, He gave us the physical and emotional strength we needed, and I will never regret being there, even though it was probably the hardest thing I've ever had to do.
I am planning another trip home in a few weeks to help my Mom sort through some things and file more paperwork. I do have to say that most of the people we've had to deal with so far have been so kind to my Mom and have gone out of their way to make this stage as stress-free as possible. Many thanks to those people who have reached out to comfort her. I just pray that she has people all along the way to help her not feel alone during the months ahead.
You may not realize, until something like this happens, how well loved or well known you are in the community and even in your own family. We offered people a chance to speak at his memorial service and so many stood up to tell funny stories or fond memories, things I never knew or had forgotten. It was a wonderful way to celebrate his life.
Sorry for rambling on, but I know many of you have been wondering where I've been. I'm back for a little bit now, and haven't had time to stitch or even think about stitching so no new pictures for a bit anyway. I am so behind in so many things (not just stitching!!). Ironically enough, a previous boss of mine called in the midst of all this to ask me to come back to work for him. I'm still trying to sort that out in my head. It is a job that I love to do (picture framing), but it is demanding work (he has a very busy shop) so I'm not sure I'm ready to jump back into that line of work...although the money would be nice! LOL
DS was busy while I was away, attending his Chorus Concert, his Band concert (where he performed a solo!! and got an award for excellence), a Chorus Competition in Hershey, Pennsylvania where their school won 2nd place as well as Esprit d' corp award, and his advancement ceremony from Middle school to High school where he won a Presidential Award for academic achievement. I've been told I have 3 1/2 hours of video to watch (without commercial interruption...yikes!) Break out the popcorn! (*Sigh* I missed all the fun stuff!! ) He was able to skip two finals because no matter what he got on the test he would have gotten an A in the course, he pre-tested in Spanish and will have his Math final tomorrow. Thanks to his wonderful Principle and teachers who helped rearrange his schedule so he could attend his Grandfather's funeral! He leaves in two weeks for a mission trip to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania to help with a Vacation Bible School. He's a busy boy!!
Ok, time to get off this machine and get my life back in order...so much to do I don't know where to start, but I think clean clothes is the order of the day! I'm so happy to be back...I missed everyone! Take care....and thanks again for your prayers. *Hugs*
12 years ago
5 comments:
My condolences to you and your family on the loss of your Father. I am so glad for you and your Mother that you had such a wonderful experience with hopice care. Unfortunately I can't really say the same with the hopice group that helped with my Mom. :( I lost my Mom 6 months ago. So I empathize with your loss.
Take some time for yourself and when the stitching moos hits it will. It will be a certain pattern that reminds you of your Father and that will help as well. It did for me.
So sorry DJ,it's hard when you lose some-one you love,try to think of your Father as a guardian angel who will watch over you and your family,that advise was given to me when I lost my mum,take care my friend.
Dear DJ, All my love to you all including your Mum. You know I have already sent my heartfelt feelings to you.I can't speak highly enough with regard to Hospice's as to how they give overall care to the whole family. My Dad was cared for by angels too.
Its lovely to have you back in circulation so to speak. Your bubbliness,and quips were greatly missed.
I'm so pleased that DS is doing so well in school,you must be so proud of him.
Love & Hugs,
Dawn
So sorry to hear about the loss of your father - it is so hard losing a loved parent. Make sure you take time for yourself though in the next few weeks, it can be so easy to get caught up helping everyone else..
I am truly sorry for your loss.
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