Inspiring Words

  {Moms' 60th party:Dec 29, 2001}

Dad is home and for that we are all grateful. He is in obvious pain but they did give him a small dosage of pain meds even though it's not the best for his liver. He takes it only when he absolutely feels he has to, which thus far is has been per the recommended dosage. His feet are pretty swollen but he gets to sleep in his own bed. God answers prayers and my mother and I both said tonight we know his being home has EVERYTHING to do with all the prayers you shared with us.

He needs to sleep A LOT so please by all means call him, but understand there's a good chance he's taking a nap when you do!

Thank you also for contributing to what will be a special card book. My mom and I have been taken aback at how beautifully written and heartfelt....such inspiring words for such a wonderful man. I'm slowly going through photos to find ones of everyone who touched his life. If you weren't aware, he was a PASSIONATE AMATEUR PHOTOG throughout my younger years. From my earliest memories as a toddler, he was never without a camera. Needless to say there are boxes and boxes and drawers and files and books of pictures and slides and negatives! I promise to find some of everyone as I know there are tons of the DAVIDS, ARIAS', KLUGA's, MARTINEZ's, RAMOS', DELGADO's, and SOTO's and so many others!!!

Some comments had my mom and me laughing out loud:

Donna: How you remembered the sled story is beyond me. He is going to laugh his heart out just as I did!
Jeff: The Vega comment...well, let's just say. I can't believe that car name rears its ugly head and is still haunting me in my 40's!! hahaha Thanks to you I now also remember where I get my appreciation for fart jokes, fart noises, fart anything...
Gregg: So beautifully written and laughed out loud envisioning you being invited into the tool sanctuary with no place to set a cup of coffee least of all a butt.

{Gregg & Chrissy with Dad & Mom; NYC 2005}

Dobbs: What a perfect recount of what is truly my dad's idea of a perfect morning! Ironically just found this photo 2 days ago...

{Dad, Corey & Delaney}

Julia: This made me laugh...he DOES have the best legs, doesn't he??? We've always thought this but thought we were simply biased!

{Proud owner in his Northgate (Dyer) yard!}

A Gift to Share

The surgeon team of doctors consulted on dad's chart and advised that his disease is now definitely in advanced stages. Pain meds only further damage his liver so they are reluctant to give him more which means he will have to remain in pain.

I continue to worry how my mother is holding up with this latest news.

Across the street from my parents is a very good neighbor and friend , Bill, who is also a former ER nurse. He has provided a treasured source of comfort and information.  Bill said something very poignant to us what is now late-yesterday evening:

My mother and I are given a gift. A gift to be able to say goodbye. A gift to be able to make choices. A gift to help my father move on to his next stage in life with dignity. A gift to help my father be welcomed by God's loving arms. A gift to tell him how very, very much we love and adore him.

As I learned so beautifully from my father, a gift is only worthwhile when it is shared.

We are sharing this same gift with you. A moment to write something on how my father touched your lives for him to read while he is still with us. This is for you to contribute. Your spouse to contribute. Your children to contribute.

{Each entry will be printed on 4x6 card stock and attached like a book, which he can read or it will be read to him this weekend. My only request is that each written comment be kept upbeat and not full of sorrow for we are celebrating the good and amazing person we all know and love!}