Humble Beginnings

Brrrrrrr..........

It's cold.  I don't think it hit above 38° today.  Right now it's about 33°.  I've seen rain, sleet and yes, even snow in the last 10 hours.  This is extremely cold weather for us this time of year.  Our annual Easter "cold snap" is maybe 40°, never sleet and certain never snow.  But, never say never, right?

Today started out pretty good and I was really productive.  I made 18 little sandwich hoagies, a batch of cinnamon rolls, whipped cream (for hubby's coffee), tortilla chips (from corn tortillas), chocolate chip cookies and honey/buttermilk pancakes (yum!).  I started browning ground beef for chili when I got a call from my step-mother...Daddy's in the hospital.

I don't care how old you are.  I don't care what relationship you have with your Daddy.  When he's in the hospital, you just go.  So, I went.  Apparently early this morning he started throwing up in his sleep and didn't wake up (according to my step-mother he thought he was dreaming).  He breathed in the bacteria from the vomit (something to do with acid reflux - didn't quite understand it all) and by the time they got to the ER, it had turned into pneumonia.  Unfortunately, I was not told until 4:30 this afternoon, 12 hours after he arrived at the hospital.

When my stepmother called, she said she had not called my other siblings (I have an older brother and 2 older sisters).  I was the closest so she only called me.  She said I could call the others if I wanted, she didn't mind (????).  Anyway, I called my brother and he called our sister.

By the time I reached the hospital, my brother had already called and asked why no one bothered to call (my point exactly).  Anyway, I don't want to get into the whole family thing (I'm really irritated right now that my step-mother didn't bother calling ANYONE for 12 hours).  I think she's gotten an earful from my brother and me (I simply asked that she call earlier rather than waiting 12 hours).  I don't know that my brother was that nice.

All in all, Daddy is doing well. He's in good spirits (thank the good Lord) and has a great appetite.  He wasn't coughing when I was there but I'll still be praying for him. He's 73 years old and the best and most wonderful Dad in the entire world (aside from my hubby, who's the best Dad for our children).   It hit me real hard today of what it would be like if Daddy wasn't here ... couldn't turn to him for advice, couldn't share wine-making stories or share in the things the munchkins did.

So, my resolve is this:  to visit Dad at least once a week and enjoy him while he's still here because once he goes to heaven (and I am so thankful that Daddy has a strong relationship with God because I KNOW he's going to heaven) I won't see him until I get there.

A note to the rest of y'all:  If you have the opportunity, enjoy your parents while you still can.  You don't know when they'll go to heaven.

God's blessings (and stay warm!!).

Well said

{ 09:30 , Saturday, April 7, 2007 } { Posted by SongofJoy }

My sweet Daddy died suddenly in his sleep three years ago and I never had the chance to say goodbye. It was the death I would have wanted for him - no pain or sickness, just a peaceful passing - but still very hard on the rest of us. I try to always tell my loved ones that I love them before I leave them - you never know if those will be your last words.

Blessings,
Carol