Another blessed day with my dad.

My sister went last night to my dad's bedside and I packed up the boys, at the prompting of my good friend Stephanie, and drove down this morning. Dad is progressing through the well documented phases of dying. As we watch my dad slowly fade from this earths existence I have so many questions; why did he have to be so sick so long, why didn't he have a name to give his illness, why can't he be better, why does dying take so long, who am I supposed to call on for advice when he's not here, and why can't my boys go fishing with grandpa once more.   To see my dad each week, I see that it is only a human shell we live in, our spirit- who we are- is inside, the flesh fades but the soul is intact and hopeful and will move on from this life to a greater existence with our Father. My dad is so hopeful, so calm, peaceful, he's waiting....he says the "time is near" and a tear rolls from his eye. My sister and I talk of our favorite vactions, birthdays and Christmas, he listens. We talk about our kids and what they are doing, he listens. Quietly he whispers, "It's wonderful to hear you talking".  The boys come one at a time, my dad puts both hands on Sam's face (it's a moment we will all remember) tells him how special he is, that he loves him and that he has great hair. Ben is next........he holds his head close to him and whispers something to him, Ben cries. Daniel was a unsure but he held his hand and talked about a fishing trip they did together and how grandma Irm wasn't happy that the two of them climbed over dangerous rocks (anything to get a good fishing spot).  He tells Matthew he's growing so much and asks him to come back and see him soon, "see you later" he says. It was so hard to leave him and yet I know he's in God's hands and will be seeing Him soon.

Shoe boxes

What an awesome day. Five beautiful friends, 28 incredible kids and 70 shoeboxes packed!!  Thanks Stephanie for opeing up your home to all of us and sharing in this experience. My boys had a great time with their friends and I enjoyed my time with mine.  The doughnuts were yummy Jess - thanks.

Watching the Vikings game with all my boys!!! Junk food night.