Keep on Keeping On

Pop has had a pretty good day today. He has eaten well, and talked a lot, and napped when he wasn't eating or talking. He remembered Valentines Day yesterday and told Mom "Happy Valentines Day" on monday because he knew he might forget. He isn't frustrated, but ready to go home. We don't know, and my not know why God's timing is what it is, but with Dad as the ultimate example we continue to trust that God is in control our job is to try to want for our lives what God wants for our lives.

Dad is ready

David shared this with me this morning.

"This is how we started the morning today:
 
Dad:  I know God never makes a mistake, but what is going on?

Me:  Are you trying to ask why are you still here?

Dad:  Yes, you figured that out quick.

Me:  I don’t have a good answer.   Some would say its bc you are stubborn, but I don’t believe that.  Its just not your time yet, but we’re getting there."

Dad later asked what he is doing wrong. He says he is not frustrated, just ready to go.

Visiting Pop

We need to let Pop have plenty of time to rest. The door will be closed. Feel free to knock. If he is awake it is fine to visit for 10 minutes or so.

Impossible to put in words

"This is the life". That's what Pop said today after enjoying a Krispy Kreme for breakfast and a piece of Mary Kay's amazing cheesecake as a snack. He didn't talk as much today, had a few less visitors and took a big long nap in the afternoon. The family is very appreciative of all who came by to share in the last couple of days. Pop really enjoyed seeing everyone. Thank you to the Pinedale elders for their prayers and words this evening. So much of our life as a family is intertwined with Pinedale, it was fitting for them to share in this journey. It really is impossible to put into words how good it has been to interact with all the people who love Pop over the last couple of days.

I told Pop today that I'm a little jealous of him. This has been a journey that we have travelled as a family. And now, Pop gets to go on without us. I wish so deeply I could get to see what he is going to experience very soon. I wish I could escort him directly to the throne of God. But as has been normal in Pop's life, he is leading the way. Not waiting for someone else to show him how to get there. We will separate for a while. But we share a common hope, a common faith, a common redemption. And we live with an expectation of reunion.

I also told Pop not to hold on because of us. He said "Don't worry. I'm not". If I were him, I would prefer Jesus over us too.

Pop's Song

Here is a video for Pop's favorite song during his journey.

A good day

Pop had a good day today.  He was awake most of the day and enjoyed some good visits from friends.  He had a chance to give some golf lessons, eat a Krispy Kreme, hear some stories, play with all the grandkids together, pray with several people and for several people, and say repeatedly "It is well".  I honestly feel like we are cheating as we go through this process.  It has been a long and winding road for the last year and a half, with several low points and many high points.  But to be where we are, with no real regrets, and to be able to sit around and laugh and tell stories is, I know, much different than most families with a similar diagnosis experience.

I talked with Pop today about the doctor's prognosis.  Pop did not realize that the Dr. had said the end is near.  I told him that the Dr. said he was going to get to go home soon.  Not to Augusta Court, but really home.  Pop simply said "That's a good diagnosis for me".

The road home

We have reached the point in this process where Dad's will to be with Jesus is much stronger than his will to stay here. His body is gracefully cooperating with this desire. As of right now Dad is at the Hospice Home where they are keeping him comfortable. We don't know what the next step in the process is. We will keep the blog updated as much as possible. As Dad has always said, God is in control through all of this.