ic Kathe With an E: Life Goes On

Sunday, February 5, 2012

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!

64 comments:

  1. Thinking of you all during this hard time. Your dad sure does sound like one amazing man. I enjoyed your Valentines Decor-love that red heart wreath. Thank you for sharing, you will continue to be in my thoughts.- jen

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  2. Oh Kathe,
    I am so sorry to hear about your father...He has one special daughter whose heart is filled with love...Thank you for linking this up to Woman Thing the link party...Blessings to you,
    XO
    Cindy

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  3. I'm sorry to read about your father. I recently lost my dad, and it is truly heart-breaking, but life does go on. Your memories of him will keep you going. You will cry a lot, but often in joy, remembering all of the time you had together. Hugs to you!

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  4. This story touched my heart. My grandma died the day after Valentine's Day about ten years ago and I always think of her with the holiday now, too. andrea@townandprairie

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  5. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I am so glad you son's were able to make the visit. Sending you a bug hug! Linda

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  6. Hi Kathe, So sorry to read about your father. My prayers are with you and your father. Your Valentine decor is so pretty and inspiring.
    Blessings to you and yours, Celestina Marie

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  7. Been thinking of you Kathe, glad your boys got to visit your dad and that he knew they were there. I am sure the visit meant a lot to all of them as well as to you. Take care.

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  8. I'm so sorry to hear about your dad. Its never easy losing a loved one.
    Came over via Cindy's.
    Your Valentine decor is lovely!
    Hugs Lynn

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  9. I'm so sorry to hear about your Dad. It's hard, I understand.

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  10. Adorable Cherub! I can't believe the wonderful things we can find at the dollar tree. So cute. Everything turned out BeautifuL!

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  11. I am so sorry to read that your dear daddy is so ill, I know that he gets strength from you and Our Lord. Thank you so much for a heart felt blog, Maureen

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  12. A beautiful post! Your father is a wonderful man knowing the daughter he has in you. I have just lost my 90 year old Dad and the days are getting less painful now. You have made such a beautiful tribute to him here - bless you!
    I came here via Cindy's link Party.
    Big hugs to you,
    Suzy

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  13. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
    Take care,
    Always, Queenie

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  14. A nice post and glad your children could come in for a quick visit. Thanks for sharing your story.

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  15. Your Valentine's Day decor is lovely, and I know it gave your spirit a boost just to do something "normal".

    I can tell that you come from incredible stock. I love people like your dad. I want to be like that. You have been richly blessed. I'm so glad your sons got to come, too.

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  16. Blessings going your way...you have so much to rely on with a dad who probably even now gives you strength. I'm glad you were able to take a breather and do some decorating to distract you if for a moment.

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  17. Kathe, you have such a sweet spirit. I will pray for you and your dad! I love your Valentine's Day decor...it is just lovely!

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  18. Best wishes for you and your dad, who sounds like one amazing man!
    Beautiful valentine's decor too!


    Thanks for linking to a Round Tuit!
    Hope you have a fabulous week!
    Jill @ Creating my way to Success
    http://www.jembellish.blogspot.com/

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  19. Thanks for sharing your lovely post.Will being keeping you and your family in my heart Joann.

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  20. Hoping your father gets to feeling better soon.

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  21. I worked as an RN for many years in a nursing home.
    And my father passed away 10 years ago.
    So I have been in your shoes years ago.
    Pamela
    Ohio

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  22. Your post brought tears to my eyes, especially the last paragraph. I reminded me of my day. I know things are tough right now. He sounds like such an inspirational man! We will keep your family in our hearts.

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  23. I'm so sorry for you in this very difficult time. I know it's not easy at all, but I know it's wonderful that your dad knew your sons were there.

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  24. So sorry to hear about your dad. The idea that he was on the welcoming committee just makes me smile.

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  25. My deepest condolences... I am proud of your spirit to pick up and LIVE while you go through what you are experiencing. Many smiles ahead.

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  26. God bless him. It wasn't his time yet. You should be very proud of your sons.
    Your decorations are lovely, and it is a distraction you need!

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  27. Kathe, you are in my heart and prayers. And what wonderful sons you have raised. You have every right to be proud. I'm glad you took a little time to add a few pretty Valentine things out. They look wonderful. Thank you for joining the party. Take care of yourself and God Bless!

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  28. Sending hugs, sometimes it's to hard not to just do normal things when such sadness is ready to suck up every quiet moment. I would love you to add this and any other posts you want to show off to my What We Wore and Made party over at http://raegunwear.blogspot.com/search/label/WWWMW

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  29. Beautiful, remember, he's in your heart always, you'll hear his voice coming out of your mouth and he'll be sitting on your shoulder when you need him. Prayers are with you.

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  30. What a lovely post. You're in my thoughts.

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  31. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I know this must be so hard. Your pictures are lovely.

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  32. Oh what a touching post. It is so difficult watching our parents grow old. Both of mine have departed, but my husbands father is still living. He recently was diagnosed with liver failure. They have given him 6 months to two years. He too is a trooper and enjoying every minute, no matter how long. I thank God every day for his kind mercy and for the sweet memories I have. Your Valentines decor is very sweet. Sometimes a diversion is just the right pill.
    Hugs,
    Jann

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  33. Sometimes it is the small routine things that keep us able to function. And what a blessing you have your sons to share things with. Look for the small joys and beauties to offer solace and strength.
    Ruth

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  34. Hugs and positive thoughts to you. Thank you for sharing your valentine decor.

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  35. So sorry about your father. I love your blog background. Where can I find it? Thanks.

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  36. You are a dear daughter to your dad, i'm sure he would know how sweet a daughter and grandsons he has.
    Your little valentine display is lovely with the cherubs.
    x jeanetteann

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  37. Sending thoughts of comfort and positive thoughts your way. I like your valentine display. Happy VTT

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  38. SO SO sorry about your dad, wishing you strength in this hard time :)

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  39. Wishing you the very, very best.

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  40. So sorry you and your dad are going through this hard time right now, but I'm happy that you must be heartened by the response of the people around him to his wonderful personality. He sounds like quite a man. (Also, I really love that red stick heart wreath.) Thanks for sharing your story and your Valentine decor at our Link It Up Thursday party.

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  41. Life will go on, but memories will always remain. Time is on your side.

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  42. I was so relieved to read the good news! I wasn't sure what I would see when I hit your post. I know it's hard, Kathe, and I wish there was some magical wand I could wave to make it easier for everyone. Your Dad seems to have it under control, though. He really IS a hero and a trooper! I'm sitting here listening to Kenny Loggins tonight, and "Celebrate Me Home" is playing right now. I hope you can see through your grief and sadness enough to be able to celebrate your wonderful Dad home when the time comes. Meanwhile, I wish you peace. Take care of yourself, Kathe.

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  43. Very touching and sweet. Thanks for sharing that important post and Thanks for linking up to our party - please come and visit me at Embracing Change and follow along! I would love to have you and will be starting my first linky party next week - would love to have you link up!
    Stacey of Embracing Changertant post.

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  44. Thinking of you and your dad and sending lots of hugs.

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  45. God's blessings and strength to you and your father. May you be the rock for him that he's been for so many. We're praying for you.
    Thank you for sharing such a lovely post with us.
    Hugs,
    Patti

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  46. Decorating is good therapy! Looks beautiful!

    God bless your father and your family!

    Happy Valentine's Day!

    Katherine

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  47. So sorry to hear about your Dad, it is never easy. It is one of the hardest time in your Dads life and your. Glad to that you sons were able visit, and so happy you have them. Touching post! Thanks for sharing at Sunday's Best Par.tay!

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  48. Prayers for your dad and hope he is pain free. Prayers for you and your family too! May your Valentine's Day (and every day) be filled with nothing but love.

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  49. Sorry to hear you are going thru such a hard time right now. Keeping you in my thoughts. I love the little cherub and all
    the vday decor. This is my first time doing this meme and so far
    I love it.

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  50. Hi Kathe...

    My friend, your post really touched my heart! I just lost my father on Jan.31st. My heart goes out to you and your family...as well as prayers!!!

    Heartfelt wishes and prayers...
    Chari

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  51. Thank you for sharing your lovely Valentine decor at Potpourri Friday!

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  52. My heart goes out to you and your family. Sending you big hugs.
    Sherry

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  53. I'm so sorry to read about your father. My prayers go up for you and your family. What beautiful Valentine plates! Thank you for linking to my party. laurie

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  54. Heart shape of plates are look really wonderful and amazing.I really like this cupboards.All collections are really wonderful.

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  55. Thank you for joining in last week. I featured your display at the It’s a Wrap Link Party at Artful Rising.

    Erika

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  56. Your dad sounds like a real trooper. I am sorry he is ill but glad he is making the best of his situation. Send him my wishes for a successful campaign. Thanks for linking up at Bacon Time.

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  57. I am sorry about your dad's illness! Hang in there!

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  58. What a true-love story. It's nice to also read all those comments and realize it has opened so many hearts!

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  59. Thank you for sharing your story at Taking A Timeout Thursday. I'm glad you put up your Valentine's Day decor - it looks lovely! Happy Valentine's Day!

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  60. Kathe, I will be praying for you. I can't imagine how hard this time is for you! Know that you are loved by all of us out here in blogland! :)
    Melody
    ChattyChics.com

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  61. Hello Kathe, I know exactly how you feel. Dad was sick for so many years - we all pitched in and gathered as much as possible. It is truly such a blessing these days to have such honorable men in your family - while Dad was sick I was all about taking care of business and taking care of family - my grief appeared afterwards - I have a delayed reaction in stressful situations. I have grown closer to my siblings over the years and we treasure our memories. Thank you for sharing - your continuing to enjoy to beauty of events in life will encourage and cheer your family! Thank you for sharing with Home and Garden Thursday,
    Kathy

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  62. Thanks for sharing your sweet post Kathe. Sending you lots of thoughts and prayers!

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  63. Hi Kathe, I hope this time with your father will be meaningful & that he will be comforted. Thanks so much for linking up on Fabulous Friday.

    Warmly, Michelle

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