Shortly after we returned from vacation, I got the call that one of my dear friends had gone to be with the Lord after a long fight with breast cancer. She was one of the best friends a woman could hope for- so full of wisdom, joy, laughter- just an amazing friend! It was very hard to say good-bye to Anna, even knowing I'll see her again one day!
The day following her funeral, I found out my Dad has brain cancer.
This photo was taken of he and my step Mom just a week before his diagnosis when he was feeling great!Talk about shocking! You kind of expect that one day your parents will get older and will need you to help out, take care of them, etc. But, I just knew that when that day rolled around, it would be much further down the road, when my kids were older and more self sufficient. I was so torn- I knew I had to be here for my kids who need me all day every day, but in my heart I wanted nothing more than to be close to my Daddy spending time with him. Being even 4 hours away, seemed like a world away during that week. Thankfully, my mom, newly widowed, dropped everything to come to my rescue. She arrived the following week so I could go be with my Dad.
Further testing revealed he has Glioblastoma Multiforme, or GBM- a very aggressive brain tumor. His is located in the language center of his brain so it affects his speech mostly. He had surgery at the end of August, and is now undergoing radiation and chemo for 6 weeks.
After his surgery, I returned home to see my kids who had already started school, and my wonderful husband who has been so great through all of this! I return on weekends when I can, just to spend time with my Dad, take pictures, and make memories.
This summer has taught me that time with those we love is so precious- and often taken for granted~ but, we never know what the future holds or how much time we'll have with them.
This past weekend, Autumn and I traveled to S. Houston to spend the weekend visiting my Dad, stepMom and brother Brad... making more precious memories with those we love!
2 comments:
I have been keeping your family in my prayers. Bless your heart, this is so hard to go through. I know our Heavenly Father hears every prayer being said. Hang in there. We will keep on praying!
May God's grace, love, and comfort sustain and strengthen you during this time. Much love to your Mom and hubby as they are helping you juggle duties, giving you precious time to love on your Dad.
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