I returned Sunday afternoon from a visit with my family in Arkansas.
The week before we left to fly to AR, my dad (who is 91 and has not been having a good year, health-wise) went into the hospital with pneumonia. He was released while I was still home, last Tuesday, not completely clear but good enough, they thought.
Yesterday morning, back to the hospital he goes. A serious bacterial infection in both lungs. He is sort of on the mend with powerful antibiotics, but his body is no longer capable of fighting infections on its own. He is definitely in his final decline. How long he will be with us is unclear.
Since I just got back from a week with him, and had a very very good visit in August for two weeks when he was in hospital then, I am not going back right now. I am on high alert, and getting progress reports every day from my brother and sister-in-law, who live there and have been, blessedly, taking care of all of the care my parents have been requiring over this past difficult year.
I am echoing the words of tensegritydan when I say, I am so grateful for the support of my family and my wonderful friends, that I have the sort of job that allows me to attend to my family's needs when I must, and a partner who is not only supportive, but actively involved (David shared this last visit home with me, and has totally endeared himself to my family). I have been blessed, indeed, and there is much grace in my life.
Above all, if my daddy were to pass today or tomorrow, I feel like we have shared our I Love Yous and Goodbyes, and there will be no regret in that area, anyway. But I really hope to have one last time with him. We shall see.
Glass Act 