I’ve been absent in writing and posting this blog and I missed you, but I’m not completely sorry. I’ve been spending most of my time with my dad. And it has been good time. His pain and comfort have been managed very well by his hospice nurse and the nursing staff at Wheatridge Manor.
Sunday I got to celebrate Father’s Day with him. If this is your first visit to my blog, my father has throat cancer and is in a nursing home on hospice care. When he stopped treatment in December we thought his time was very limited and we came close to losing him shortly after. But that man defines resilience and decided he wasn’t done with the land of the living.
I also have to say that he hasn’t looked this good in years! He’s gained 20 lbs. since his lowest weight and his hair is growing back thick and black. Best of all, he feels good; good enough to share his wit and humor with anyone he sees.
“Move it or lose it!” He yells at anyone in the hall who may or may not be blocking his path. As old as that line is, he still uses it and it’s still received with a chuckle or a wise crack by the other residents.
Yesterday we had a visit from Winn, the Lutheran hospice chaplain. I hadn’t met this man and we had a short time to visit while Dad was still in the restroom. I found myself being rather open and honest with him. I’ve met all kinds of clergy in the nursing home, and I’ve had my beefs with some in particular. But Winn carries a light that I haven’t seen in any of the others. We discussed gratitude for life and each breath we take. I told him how I have been blessed with each day that I have my father to hold and squeeze and kiss on the top of his full head of black hair. I enjoyed our conversation very much.
Today I’m home getting some things done and dusting off the blog. Dad is on an excursion to Blackhawk with some of the other residents and the lovely ladies from activities. I know he’s enjoying himself.
Let’s wish him luck!
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