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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.
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.
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no subject
Date: 2007-04-16 09:39 pm (UTC)From: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.