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Saturday, January 19, 2013

This Is A Tough Post To Write.....

Even though I had made a commitment to keep blogging regularly this year, things don't always turn out as we had planned.

I began the year by taking a trip with five of my siblings, their spouses, my Mom and some of my nieces and nephews.  We took a road trip to San Antonio, TX where we stayed in the Grand Hyatt and had a wonderful time exploring close-by attractions, the Alamo, the Alamo Bowl, the Nutcracker, the River Walk, the LBJ Texas White House and other really fun things to do.  Dad and Joyce, Dad's significant other, had planned to go with us but on Christmas Day both of them were feeling bad and decided not to go. 

My Mom and I returned home with the flu (we had roomed together and I swear we caught it in the motel room although I can't prove it) which turned into pneumonia for both of us.  Nothing we did with the flu seemed to help, but once it turned to pneumonia we got on to antibiotics and are both back to normal now.

Then on Sunday, January 6, my Dad was admitted to a Springfield hospital with pneumonia like symptoms.  After having him transferred to a better hospital and days of testing it was determined that he has lymphoma.  At first, he was going to try to fight it, but we learned that his kidney's are failing.  In fact, all three of the systems that clear toxins and waste from our bodies are failing him.  After a family meeting with Dad, Joyce, my Mom and we seven kids, its was decided that, with the help of Hospice, Dad would return home.  All of us, along with grandchildren, friends, and others, have made a commitment to care for Dad so that he can pass at home.  He requires two people at all times with eyes on him 24/7.  His legs and arms are still strong so he is able to provide us much assistance, but caring for him is difficult at best.

The folks from Hospice are great, very friendly, and they have been a great help to us.  I am not ready to get into too much detail about this, but I do want to put it out into the universe that all has been forgiven and I am thankful for this time that we have left.  If he is lucky, he may have another week or two, but probably not much more -- knowing that none of us know the time.

Anyway, I apologize for not blogging about jewelry the last month.  I just have something much bigger and more important in the larger scheme of things to take care of and honestly, I wouldn't have it any other way right now.  Your prayers will be appreciated.  Please pray that if his time to pass is now, that it be peaceful.

So if I am a bit "absent" please forgive me.  I will rejoin you after we have completed this journey as a family and once again go back to our "normal" daily lives.  I think of you all often.
 

23 comments:

Kym Hunter Designs said...

Jean, I am so sorry to hear about your father. I will certainly keep you and your family in my prayers. May God's strength and mercy be with you and yours during this difficult time.

Jenni said...

jean, sorry to hear about your Dad... he is lucky to have such a caring family for this last stage of his life.I wish you strength and courage for these difficult weeks ahead.Take care.
jenni

Therese's Treasures said...

Hi Jean,
I know at times this can be difficult. Those of us that has had to watch their Dad's go from a strong man to a weak and frail man know just what you are going through. I will pray that your Dad makes it through to the other side peacefully and knowing that he has love all around him.
Take care,
Therese

Alice said...

Jean, I'm so sorry to hear of your dad's condition. It's never easy to come to terms with such news, especially if it is a parent.

When my mom was diagnosed with terminal cancer I quit making jewelrly, quit all my volunteer jobs, and did my best just be with her in her last days. She passed away at home with her family around her, just as she wanted.

Prayers for you and your family as you move through the days and weeks ahead.

Anonymous said...

Oh Jean, I am so sorry to hear this. Of course your family will be in my prayers. At this time, a longtime friend of mine also is under hospice care, a still-young woman I have known since way back in my newspaper days. Final stage of heart failure.
Praying for all.
vickie

Unknown said...

Dear Jean, while I only know you online and through your work, I feel that I must offer comfort and support. One thing I can definitely share, is that hospice is an invaluable resource. They help in keeping your loved one comfortable and keeping you and your family sane. And when the time comes, they help with grieving, too. You and your family are in my prayers.

Julie said...

Heartfelt prayers for you and yours. I totally understand. When my folks passed 16 years ago I walked away from showing dogs. It was these same people that brought me back. We're here for you when the time comes.

Monique (A Half-Baked Notion) said...

Your family is so blessed to be able to share this time together, Jean. Each person will have their own special contribution to your Dad's support, as each has their own gift of presence to offer. Please be assured of my prayers and thoughts.

AliMc said...

Prayers and hugs to you and your family in this very difficult time.

Kepi said...

My prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. It is a blessing that you can all be with your father in this his time of need. This time will be a precious memory for you. Hugs,

Unknown said...

My prayers for you Jean, your father, and your family. I just had a forboding feeling when we weren't hearing from you...but I never thought this. Stay strong and let the Hospice people guide through - they are good folk and have helped many a family. I will light a candle and say a prayer that everything goes peacefully and that you can all take this time to heal. With much love and respect.
Sharon

Regina said...

My thoughts are with you and your family as you make this journey together. I will say a prayer for you all.

Linda Younkman said...

Jean so sorry to hear about your father. My thoughts are with you are this difficult time. We miss you and look forward to having you back on the jewelry scene but there are definitely more important things in life and we need to tend to them when needed. Hugs.

Unknown said...

Jean, I am so sorry to hear this news. I cannot imagine what you and your family must be going through. Treasure every moment and every memory and know you are in my thoughts.

Unknown said...

No words...just sending hugs and prayers your way.

Jean A. Wells said...

Everyone, thank you so much for your out pouring of love and support. You have no idea how it is appreciated. Dad is much worse this morning so the end is probably quite near. This is going to hurt.....

Anonymous said...

Jean, I'm sorry...yes it will hurt terribly. Know that we will be with you in thought and prayer.
vickie

Liz said...

My prayers are with you and your family.

Unknown said...

You know your family is in my prayers and I pray for mercy, grace and peace for all of you.

Unknown said...

Jean I am so sorry for what your family is going through. It is hard to watch our big strong Dad lose strength. He will find peace in a Hospice - they are wonderful. Your presence will bring comfort as well. Prayers for strength for you all.

potterygirl1 said...

Jean I am so sorry to hear about your dad. Sending you lot's of love and hugs♥

Laura said...

I'm really sorry and am praying for comfort and peace for your family.

Sharyl said...

My heart goes out to you and your family, Jean. Peace and love be with you all.