Kudzu, sweet tea and a church on every corner – it must be the south. A razorback decal on every other truck – it must be Arkansas. And it is. Sheri drove me down so I could get some more time with my Dad. Here is a quick update:
- My Dad is in clearly in his last days. He sleeps most of the time and barely eats, but there are a few moments when he is lucid and we’ve been able to talk. I’m very glad that there is nothing left unsaid between us. His final words of affirmation and love for me add to a great conversation we had shortly after his diagnosis.
- My Mom is doing pretty well. We’ve all had time to prepare. Her days are long as she spends most of her time with my Dad – even though he sleeps 23 hours a day. I was the first child down this round. My two sisters fly in today. My brothers will roll in later. Our goal is to have someone with my Mom from this point through his home-going. (By the way, yesterday my Dad said, “at this point, living longer has no value. When I die I get to stop suffering and go to heaven.” He is ready to go).
- I went to church with my Mom. They were supposed to meet at a picnic rounds near the lake for a joint service / baptism and picnic (sound familiar?). But heavy storms led to a change of plans. In place of plan A they held an indoor picnic complete with a birthday cake for the church – according to tradition, its Pentecost Sunday, the day the church was born.
- The time here has been slow but good. My Dad’s brother and his wife (Uncle Mark and Aunt Janet) were here. It’s been quite a while since I last saw them. I’m glad to have had time with them and get a few more stories about my Dad. Sheri is down with the flu – which delays our return given that she is our only driver, but she’s feeling better already.
Press On,
Mike