new blog post. for dad

I needed to share my heart with my friends.

These are difficult times.

Know that you, your father and all you family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Andrew

Todd,
Yes, definitely praying for you all. I wanted to go back to when you first told us all about his diagnosis. Most all of the replies here were like 'so sad,too bad'. Not many gave you much hope. So that is what I want to remind you of, like you have reminded us before. Tell him to not let this define him, and don't let this consume you, or him. Tell him to re-read some of your blogs. They truly are inspiring!

He has accomplished so many great thing in the past. I admire him for being such as strong man, and for raising your family, and that he retired early. Even though it may be end stage now, there is always hope with treatment for a better quality of life right now. This will draw you even closer to him.

Just look at reports of Jimmy Carter today about his cancer. He is described as still having a broad smile and upbeat attitude, and he said he is "perfectly at ease with whatever comes", and he will be prepared, due to his strong faith. So just keep holding him up, like he held you up on his shoulders when you were young, and Keep the Faith, my Brother Todd,
Love you, thinking about you and your family,
Dan In So Calif"

Post Edited (Wings of Eagles) : 8/21/2015 12:22:13 PM (GMT-6)

Todd,
My tears rain down for the pain you are going through, my prayers sent heavenward for you and your family.
Beth

Todd –

My sincerest sympathies on your situation with your dad. It's never easy losing a father, if that is what is to be. I had to go through that some years ago.

What was so very touching about your blog was that you didn't have to say how much he had done for you, how much you had learned from him. You proved it simply by listing all of those fine things about him. It sounds like he has been a truly wonderful father to you indeed.

When my own dad passed some time ago, handling it was difficult. I wasn't sure what I should do. But then my Uncle James, dad's brother, showed me the way. He said: "Just think of all the good things that he was and that he did. Incorporate those into your own life, you'll do fine, and he'll be proud of you for doing that."

I did that and found that it really was good advice.

If improvement in your dad's situation is still possible, I know that all of us here will hope and pray for that. If the time has come for him to move on, tell him now how you feel but I'll bet he already knows it.

Very best wishes for you and your dad.

Todd,
I just read your blog. I can actually feel your love, respect and admiration for your dear father. What a great man he is! As others here have said there are things that can be done for him to alleviate his pain and give he & his family some time.

Yes, when the time comes, your loss will be great. But that time is not now - now is the time to talk with him, to listen to him and be there for him. I know you can and will do that. You'll draw on the same strength and love he has shown you all your life. You know, the same strength that brought you out of the pit you were in and the love you found with your dear wife. Those are the things you were taught and have lived. We are witness to it.

You can do this Todd. Don't pine away the time you have now - it's too valuable.

We stand with you and support you and love you,
Susan and Don

Todd, you seem to be doing everything necessary to help him. This is all a sick person needs, is someone to attend to their needs, be a liason with the doctors and everyone involved in care. Your mom will need more support, and if you feel strong enough to play this role, I am sure it will help her through these difficult times. It is what family is about. Sometimes that is all you can do, and yet that is plenty.

Good news. Here's hoping he continues to improve.

Still praying for both of you.
Hang in there,
Andrew