More Time

Two weeks ago my sister and I had gone to wish Dad a happy birthday. He was turning 91. He seemed in great spirits and ate every last bit of his fave lemon meringue pie. He didn’t know exactly who I was…but he really liked my name…

My sister walked away to help Mom with something and he told me it will be soon. Maybe summer . Take care of Mom. I promised him I would.

Wednesday morning I woke up with a message from my sister Dad is in hospital with a UTI and high blood pressure….but he has done this couple of times and has rallied every time…but this time sepsis was in his bloodstream and he has been unconscious ever since.

Since he is over an hour away I’ve gone twice this past week to see him and stayed all day. Someone is always with him….

My sister told him yesterday he can go…but he just isn’t ready to leave yet.

I will say that as I sat near his bedside my regrets are few….as you look at pictures it was clear they were a huge part of my life and my children’s life…and I am grateful for that.

I will not tell you for a second those visits were easy. It’s not fun when you visit and your parent doesn’t know you. Or they tell stories and you try to figure out what they were talking about…it’s emotionally draining.

Last time we were there my Ellie bawled when she said goodbye to my Dad….she sensed that would be it….and she hasn’t stopped crying.

I will write here what I told her.

We were blessed with an amazing Dad and Grandpa. we have wonderful memories of times together. I will never go fishing or camping and not think of my Dad. I won’t eat a donut or see Folgers coffee and not think of my Dad. Chevy trucks will always make me smile….KC Royals will always be who I root for I will always buy General Mills products with pride and I will always be proud of being from KCMO.

We had a Dad who rescued us when we were hurt, but gave us wings to fly. He could fix anything….he took care of us always and boy did he love to tell jokes. We were the lucky ones…and I am so very grateful!

Take the pictures….go on the visit….do not be full of regrets