Interrupted Nights

It used to be, that when I slept on my parents sofa, it was because I was ill. It was a time when mom would grease my chest with Vicks and then put a warm towel on me. Sometimes I was there with a bowl on the floor beside me, in case I got sick. Even though I felt cared for while there, I'd often dream that I was floating towards the door or that someone was chasing me.

These are the things that I think about, when I lay on my parents sofa, yet again. This time because my Dad is ill and someone needs to be there to help him, 4-6 times during the night. As I lay awake, waiting to go back to sleep, till I am assured that he is sleeping again, I remember the good old days.

The days when my Dad was a healthy and full time working man, plus being a pastor. In spite of all that, he still found time to play with us. I was always very proud of my Dad.

It's really hard to see my Dad become weak, frail and discouraged. Right now yet, he has his good moments. However, there are more, not so good moments. It's all a part of his journey. Just like some runners, he is struggling with the last part of his race.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone Kathy Beachy

Hospice

I had so many mixed feelings today.  This morning Mom called to say that Dad had a bad night and was in a lot of pain.  They wanted Wil to stop in and see if he should go to the Hospital for Morphine.  I quickly called Monica to say that I couldn't watch the boys and headed for Mom and Dad.  Wil still had to finish getting ready for work.  I gave Dad pain medication as soon as I got there.  Carol and Wil both got there before his pain subsided.  I made several calls to Home Health and the Cancer Center Nurse.  They talked about Dad in their morning conference and agreed that it is time to put Dad in the Hospice Program.  I went into Goshen to get Morphine and while I was waiting for for it, I got a call from the Hospice Nurse.  It was decided to give the other  pain med every 4 hours before we give the strong medication that I just picked up.  This new one, would probably have him sleeping most of the time.  Today he did ok with taking something every 4 hours.

Back to my mixed feelings.  Throughout the day, I was reminded that this is really real, my Dad really isn't going to be here much longer.  10 months ago we admitted Wil's Mom into Hospice, and now here we are at it again with my Dad.  It's a great program and I'm grateful for it.

It's tough to see Dad becoming so frail, and seeing him in so much pain.  It's also hard to see Mom struggle and hearing her wonder what she will do without Dad. 

I pray God, that you will keep Dad from suffering and that you will grant his request and soon take him home, where he can have complete healing.  May this journey peaceful.  As my tears flow, I ask that you place a hedge of protection around him and our family, guard our hearts and give us peace. Amen

My Dad

How much can one man take? It seems when my Dad is almost standing tall, he gets knocked back down. He has had heart and hip problems for quite a while. The Tuesday before Labor Day, we thought we were loosing him. It's tough to see your Father vomiting blood and extremely weak. We called 911 to take him to the Hospital and there we found out that he now has Lymphoma.

Tuesday morning after he came home from his Radiation and a Stress test, his hip popped out. That was the 3rd time in the past year. They tried to pop it back in the ER but it didn't work. The Dr. warned us of the risk in taking Dad to surgery but there was no other option.

Dad seemed rather disappointed that he woke in the recovery room rather then in Heaven. He was told he would probably always need to wear the brace to keep it from coming back out.

We brought him home today noon.




- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone Kathy Beachy

Lot's of Sylvia-Especially for Grandma!

Check out Portland

 We started our 1st day out by going to the Rose Garden, Powells Bookstore and Nate and Deb's favorite coffee shop. Then we went on up to Mt Tabor Park.  I could easily have spent a full day there!  My favorite spot that day.

In the evening we ended up eating dinner at a restaurant called, Toast.  Great food.

Sunday 9-4 Updated

Sunday we hiked 5 miles in the Nahelem Bay Start Park. We hiked along the beach, all the way around the peninsula. Part of the way, we had to walk in tall grass, which made me a bit grumpy for a while. Soon, we were back on the beach, where we saw seals lounging. Wil was able to get a lot of good pictures with his telephoto lens. We were told that we are not to get close to the seals if we see any. When we got close to the tip of the peninsula, we had to climb up the rocks to get to the beach on the other side.

Oregon

Yesterday, we went to the Rose Garden, then to Nate's favorite coffee shop.






This morning Wil and I walked down the street to The Yolk wagon for breakfast.


Today noon, we loaded Nate and Deb's car and the 5 of us headed for Manzanita, Oregon, by the Coast.








They rented a great house on the Coast where we will spend 3 nights.

Pole Barn

As you can see, our summer has consisted of many projects and boys having fun in the dirt piles. Before long, I hope to re-claim our garage. 

 

If you want to distract Jeremiah, you can always ask if he wants to listen to music videos on your phone.

Brennan 7th BD

I’ve been having blogging issues, so I’m behind in my blogs. These pictures are from Brennan’s 7th birthday party.

“I never thought I’d have $20.00 until I got a job”!

		Brennan 7 VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL