On losing a parent .......

[dragonsinger]

There's a section in the bible that goes "For everything there is a season...."

My father's season is about to end.
Some of you already know that my father suffers from emphysema and has been on oxygen 24/7 since 1997. A week and a half ago, he was placed in hospice.

Last night he had a very bad night and my daughter called to say that if I wanted a chance to see him I need to come in.. I'm leaving shortly for Virginia and will be on the road 20 hrs to get there.

I will be taking my laptop and logging in when I can... Touching base with you all will help me remain 'calm' and keep me occupied when I am alone with my thoughts.

NOW for the public service announcement

My dad began smoking at 14 years old. In 1993, at age 67, the doctor told him he had a spot on his lungs of emphysema but if he quit smoking then, it would not develop much farther. My father's reply was "I don't want to."

By 1997 he was on oxygen 24/7, down to 93 lbs. and unable to do many things he did before. Dad's weight never has gone back up over 114 and he's never been without his oxygen tank since. He slowly got to the point he did not have enough strength or lungs/air to walk 50 feet or to drive his car.

If you are now smoking please think of this. This was not what dad envisioned for his later years. Nor did we his child and his grandchildren and wife.

Think twice ... I have.

Comments

[lindseymoongirl.livejournal.com]

I'll be thinking about you.

[ofenjen.livejournal.com]

Hugs now and always. Be strong and be careful. Cry lots and come back safe.

[fyrestar1.livejournal.com]

I'm so sorry to hear that. My thoughts will be with you. ♥

[kimmyblair.livejournal.com]

Sorry to hear of your news. My thoughts are with your family.

I will pass along the no smoking message to others. It is am important message to get out there.

[karli-ratte.livejournal.com]

I know there's nothing I can say to make you feel better. just know, that if you need somebody to talk to, there's a whole bunch of people here just waiting for you to knock on our doors. I'll think of you and send you all the strength you will need now. *BIG HUG*

[josee-madalia.livejournal.com]

I e-mailed you a hug this morning, but I'm sending a dozen more your way now. I know this will be a difficult path ahead for you. I have followed that path when I was only 7, and even then it was hard. I can imagine living so many years with a person and having to say goodbye will be just as painful.

If it can help you, think of this: "Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened". I know this little thought has helped me a lot over the years, and did too when my dad passed away (though it was more of a "remember the good moments" said by my mom, then).

Take care of yourself dear! And if you need a shoulder (well... at least ear) to cry on, don't hesitate to call.

*major hug*

I have never smoken a puff in my life, and stuff like this only confirms me in my belief that it's the best thing I've ever done in my life.

[queen-lily-rose.livejournal.com]

*Hugs* My Heart Is With You And Your Family. My Grandmother Passed Away After A 6 Year Battle With Emphysema And COPD {She Was Also On Oxygen 24/7 For Years} And Now My Dad Has Been Diagnosed Too. I Will Light A Candle For Your Dad And I Will Be Sending You All of The Prayers And Loving Energy I Possibly Can. I'm Here For You.

[jewells68.livejournal.com]

We are all thinking of you and your mom and kids! Having gone through what I did with my own dad just 4 short years ago, my heart goes out to you. It's not easy, but you'll get through it. I know from my own experience how we tend to put everyone else first in situations like these, and forget to take care of ourselves. Please be careful on your LONG drive, take time to sleep and eat, not only on the drive but when you get there.

Drive safely, and know we're here for you if you want to cry, rant, or just talk.

Many hugs across the miles!

[hp5freak.livejournal.com]

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.

*hugs hard and clings*

[kimberly-elf.livejournal.com]

::hugs::

You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I hope the memories of your father will ease your pain in this very difficult time.

Have a safe trip.

[hewtab.livejournal.com]

*hug* :(

[lezlishae.livejournal.com]

*hugs*

[freakyartychick.livejournal.com]

well perhaps i have something that might cheer you up. look at my journal. i made art for you :)

my dad thankfully quit smoking in november. i'm very glad he quit

[darcey321.livejournal.com]

My father-in-law died from emphysema a year ago last March. It's horrible to watch someone you love just slowly waste away.

My prayers are with you.

[sassyseahawk.livejournal.com]

You are in my thoughts hun. I am sorry you are going through this. It is very hard, I know.

[theyellowpepper.livejournal.com]

I'm so sorry to hear that, mate. And let me tell you that my thoughts are with you and your family... *hugs*

I perfectly know what it feels like losing a family member due to excessive smoking. I was 12 when my granddad died of lung cancer and back then I swore to myself to never ever start smoking. It was the wisest decision I ever made and I can really just support what you've said above: stop smoking, guys. It's not worth it.

[ashoepe.livejournal.com]

I'm am so sorry to hear about your difficult time. I will keep your family in my thoughts and prayers.