Update on Courtney's Dad Dec 6,2010
Romans 12:12
"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer."
We've been studying hope at church. I've probably needed a bit more this time around... after our last visit with my Dad (on Thanksgiving weekend) we all experienced another level of sadness. I felt like he didn't recognize me. It was more difficult to keep his head up and his eyes open enough to see people. He responded to my mom's voice and often to Greg's patient, but persistent touches. That was comforting. The best part of the visit was when Anna walked in the room. You see (or at least now I can see) Anna is about at eye level for my dad when he is alert. He can see her differently. She walked in the room, and we all tried to say hello (with difficulty) and then he saw her. He reached out to her and gave her a hug. It was just precious. He greeted her with such calmness and gentleness. These things are becoming more difficult for my dad. I am not sure she felt completely comfortable, but I think it was a moment locked in all our minds for us to retell when she is able to understand more. I was retelling this to a dear friend and she said to me "Courtney, maybe he thought it was you".
Dad is probably under 140 pounds, but is mobile (thank goodness). Eats pureed foods mostly and has a caregiver with him most days. My mom (faithful servant, and precious wife) is there a lot; caring for my dad in a way that most of us cannot. I am so thankful for her example.
We've been studying hope at church. I've probably needed a bit more this time around... after our last visit with my Dad (on Thanksgiving weekend) we all experienced another level of sadness. I felt like he didn't recognize me. It was more difficult to keep his head up and his eyes open enough to see people. He responded to my mom's voice and often to Greg's patient, but persistent touches. That was comforting. The best part of the visit was when Anna walked in the room. You see (or at least now I can see) Anna is about at eye level for my dad when he is alert. He can see her differently. She walked in the room, and we all tried to say hello (with difficulty) and then he saw her. He reached out to her and gave her a hug. It was just precious. He greeted her with such calmness and gentleness. These things are becoming more difficult for my dad. I am not sure she felt completely comfortable, but I think it was a moment locked in all our minds for us to retell when she is able to understand more. I was retelling this to a dear friend and she said to me "Courtney, maybe he thought it was you".
Dad is probably under 140 pounds, but is mobile (thank goodness). Eats pureed foods mostly and has a caregiver with him most days. My mom (faithful servant, and precious wife) is there a lot; caring for my dad in a way that most of us cannot. I am so thankful for her example.
Courtney I am just weeping as I read this...it is such a precious glimpse into the bend in life's journey that your family is on right now. Thank you so much for sharing this! We will read with reverence, prayer, and thankfulness!
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