Monday, April 7, 2008

Are you ready?

Jeff and I get to visit his parents usually every Saturday, and then get to spend time with my parents and siblings on Sunday. I know I have only got three posts on here, but a ton has been going on in my life, so this will probably seem kind of choppy, so I am sorry I will try harder in the future. Anyhow, earlier this year my dad was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer. I was actually with him the day he first found out there was a problem. He needed someone to drive him home from his colonoscopy, and my mom was terribly ill with the flu, so I was recruited. It wasn't a problem for me since I have been unemployed for the past five months, and was easily available to help out. So - after his procedure, the doctor came in to meet with me in the waiting room and said that there was a "mass" which he was pretty sure was cancerous, but that my dad would need to meet with an oncologist and have some more defining tests done. Then he said, we should go tell my dad the diagnosis together so he had some support for the news... I was the very first person to find out he had cancer - even before he did. Surprisingly, I was not nervous or scared in the least bit. I just had this feeling of calm and belief that he would make it through the treatments and come out fine on the other side. I have continued to feel this sense of peace throughout the past couple of months - until yesterday. We were all sitting around in the family room of my mom and dad's house and for some reason the topic of dreams came up, and my dad told us that a couple of days ago he had a very vivid dream of simply a voice asking "Are you ready?" over and over again. So, naturally I immediately think that it is a spiritual sign asking him if he is ready to die. My sister jokingly said that he should carry a sign with him to bed every night that reads "Hell NO!" And we quickly left the subject, but it has been festering in my brain ever since that moment. I simply cannot lose my dad. He is one of my best friends, he has always been there for me - even when I have made EXTREMELY stupid mistakes and have hurt him badly, he has been forgiving and loving throughout my life. He is my daddy. The main man in my life for 28 years - my example of unconditional love. I love him so much. EVERY time he sees me he hugs me and kisses me and lets me know that he loves me, even if I am just dropping something off and am just there for a second. I know that there could be a million interpretations to the dream, if it means anything at all - it's just scary is all.
Jeff's mom is a breast cancer survivor, she had stage 3 cancer too - about 10 years ago and had a double mastectomy, but she made it. She survived. I hate that she had to endure that, but I am grateful at the same time because my Jeff knows what I am going through and is such a wonderful supportive husband. He told me that he was so afraid that he would lose her before he found his wife and she wouldn't get to see him in a happy stable place. He understands so well how I am feeling from a child's perspective. I am so very glad that she is able to see us so happily married and in love. I am so glad I have a mother-in-law that is so much fun and so thoughtful and loving. I so hope that we will have many more years where we both can enjoy our parents-in-law, and share our lives with them.
Anyhow, this is my message to our Heavenly Father - My dad is one of the most wonderful men I have ever known. He may be ready, but I am definitely not. Besides, my dad deserves to get to see his future grandchildren whom he already loves without even knowing them. He deserves to have so many more years of life with my mom and my siblings and myself. So if the plan is for him to die soon, please re-evaluate this - I need him. My mom needs him. My siblings need him. His grandchildren need him. His siblings need him. His parents need him. We all need him here. Please. Please. Please.

1 comment:

Colleen - the AmAzINg Mrs. B said...

Oh my goodness - I sit here in tears at the beautiful tribute to your father. I do understand - my Daddy was also my rock. I am certain you will have many, many more kisses & hugs to receive from him - and he will have many more to give you (and the baby) when you become a Mommy. I know you are the apple of his eye and that he loves you to the moon and back - God knows too. Have faith, say your prayers (have Jeff say prayers too, I know he believes...) and Randy & I will continue to pray for your Dad and your beautiful & loving Mom.
I love you Sweetie!
Colleen