Time moves swiftly here on the internets and I know my posting has slowed somewhat for the last few days. The reasons are sadly, grim ones.
On the one hand, I am proud to be the semi-adopted son of a family here in East TN, a family with much compassion and talents too numerous to mention, which I have known for 15 years. On the other and more immediate hand, the family is facing and coping with the failing health and apparently terminal cancer of the father. I'm not giving out names for privacy reasons. A full diagnosis is still underway.
His health turned quite bad late last week so the last few days have been brutal for his family and for him. He is in the great and caring hands of several doctors and nurses and I know he has been resting well and his pain is being managed well.
Words to describe all these recent events fall far short of the reality. I am not one to tiptoe around the topic of Death, but when It is a part of every breath, it starts to slur my speech and stun my thoughts. And I'm the fortunate one in this time. I know for the family and the critically ill father, breaths will not bring much relief for months and months to come.
For constant readers here, I felt compelled to explain the sporadic posts and the likelihood that the pace of this page is going to be slower than I want, simply because my attentions and thoughts are a part of this family's very painful present.
Their dad is my family too, and, as important, he is my friend. So my strengths and attentions are all with them. Whenever I have time and thoughts coherent enough to post here, I shall.
Send your best thoughts his way, and many thanks to readers for your patience. I hope this post finds you and yours well and happy, and please take some time to consider how fortunate you are and to explore the rich luxuries of Time and Health and the family and friends you care for and who care for you.
Sending many prayers for strength & sustenance during this hard time. The end of life is such a spiritual experience.. I am glad that you are having some quality time w/ this gentleman.
ReplyDeleteMy best to you all.
Best of luck, man
ReplyDeleteOh, Joe. I'm so sorry.
ReplyDeleteMy best to you and yours.
prayers for all of you...it's hard to see at this point in time, but death is only a step into another existance...its the getting there that takes the struggle, pain, and grief of those closest as well as the person leaving.
ReplyDeleteI understand how hard it is to keep up a daily pace of posting when you are consumed by something too personal to blog about. See to the needs of those in your present. The rest of us will be here when you're back up to speed. Best to you and all those who engaged in this struggle. I hope that you can find comfort in each other.
ReplyDeletemuch thanks to all of you for your encouragement and support. posting will vary some from the normal pace, and may include more details about my friend and his situation.
ReplyDeletebut i must write regardless - that is just part of who i am.
Joe, You are a rock to the family that is there and a huge blessing to the family that is here. Thank you so much for taking such great care of a man that was so special to many people.
ReplyDeleteYour loss must also be huge! Our thoughts and prayers are with you also.