Life Goes On

My father is such a trooper!
He is hanging in there like a boss!
If you are a follower you saw this
post last week.
Both of my sons were able to fly in for a quick visit at the first of the week.
Between them and Mr. B I was able to
suck so much strength from them all.
Unfortunately, at that time, dad was not doing well.
He was in tremendous pain
and very uncomfortable.

The good news is, he did know they were there.
He does know how very much they love him.
He is their hero.

I am so proud of the men my sons have become.
They are the most caring and compassionate men I know.

They were able to see what an impact
their grandfather has made in the lives of the other residents
at the nursing home.

He made the decision not long after moving
into the nursing home several years ago
that he was going to make the best of his situation.
He became Chairman of the Welcoming Committee.
He made sure to attend every session of bingo and trivia.
He made so many dear friends,
not only amongst the residents but,
the staff too.

I have never been hugged so much by strangers.
Each of them telling me just how much they loved
my father. 

Today, his pain medication is under control.
He is stable and able to rest comfortably.
He is eating, drinking his water and joking with his buddies.

I'm not fooled into thinking
he is having some sort of miraculous recovery.
His condition is still terminal.
Arrangements have been made.
But, I am convinced of the power of prayer.
I cannot thank you all enough for your thoughts and prayers.
I truly believe that the positive vibes sent his way
have made a difference in his condition.

Being my father's daughter
I know, life must go on.
I know he would hate to think I am
sitting around crying
(although I have shed a river full believe me!).
So, I decided it was time to put out some of my Valentine's Day decor.
For now, I have just done the small buffet in the kitchen.

I purchased the rose heart shaped plates
several years ago from Home Goods

In the back I left the silver platters seen here
On the right side I layered
the plates and a small heart shaped
wreath I found at Michael's last year in front of them.
The little ceramic cherub is from Dollar Tree.

On the left side I have a red stick heart wreath I purchased
from Ikea at Christmas time this past
holiday season.
The cherub playing a lyre came from Goodwill.

Even setting up this little bit of decor
helped to take my mind off "things" for just a little while.
The little cherubs remind me that, at some point soon,
my daddy will be with the angels and my dear mother.
I have no doubt, knowing my dad, that he will
soon be elected
Chairman of the Welcoming Committee
there too!