Yesterday? And the 24 hours before yesterday?
We thought we were witnessing my dad's final decline.
I called my kids to let them know we didn't think he'd bounce back from this bout of issues.
He was convinced he was dying, and he'd refused food and meds. He wouldn't get out of bed. "This is my last day," he'd mournfully wail. He'd cry uncontrollably for hours and hours, missing mom and grieving Drew. He kept choking and gagging and was scared.
I was the last visitor he had on Friday night, and while my first half hour with him was rough, he calmed down after that. By the time I left, a few hours later, he seemed to be at peace.
I had no idea what to expect when I returned this morning.
I woke up many times through the night, praying for him. All morning, as I got ready and drove over there, I prayed.
As I went up the elevator, I prayed.
I got to his room and the door was closed.
I carefully opened it a crack, scared to see what condition he'd be in.
The room was dark; lights were off, curtains were closed. And his bed was empty. And neatly made.
He died? No one told us?
Or had they transferred him to the hospital and forgot to let us know?
I felt sick.
This was it then?
I went looking for Christine and found her in the living room area.
"Uh, do you know where my dad is?"
"He's around here somewhere. In his wheelchair, going in circles..."
"You got him out of bed?"
"Yeah," she says matter-of-factly, like it's her job, so of course that's what she did.
"Wow. He was such a mess yesterday..."
"He seems fine," she replied.
I went looking for him, and as other residents saw me coming, they pointed me in his direction. Everyone knew where he was. And who he was. And who I was.
I found him in the far hallway, wheeling himself around.
"Hey! Dad! How are you?!" I said with a smile, standing in front of him.
"I'm GOOD!" he responded with enthusiasm.
"Are you OK?" I asked.
"I'm happy!" he declared.
"Want to go check out the building?" I asked.
"Sounds good!" he said.
OH MY GOODNESS PEOPLE.
You have no idea.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Three FIVE things I'm thankful for:
1. Answered prayer. Had a fun visit with my old man.
2. Managed to spend an hour outside today. FINALLY. I LOVE SUMMER.
3. Dinner with Clint on the roof-top patio of Milestones on Cambie Street.
4. Knowing that Clint and Max were watching the fireworks together. Isn't it sweet when your kids are friends with each other?
5. The moon. SERIOUSLY, it was all kinds of awesome tonight. I left Clint and Vancouver and the sunset and the fireworks behind me and was heading east toward the freeway when THE BIGGEST MOON IN THE HISTORY OF MOONS, was rising in the distance directly at the end of 1st Ave. It took my breath away.
Shalom,
1 Thessalonians 5:18
Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:18
Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:18
Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:18
Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:18
Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
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