I just received a call and my dad is out of surgery. He's doing well and they feel the cancer was contained to the prostate, so they are very optimistic.
This moment of profound relief just took me back to another phone call I got about the time I started blogging, so in my continued 'absence', I'll leave you with that post.
Again,
Thank you!
Saturday, November 17, 2007
saturday in my part of the world
Today began with a phone call at 3:05 am.It wasn't one of those dreaded calls where your life changes forever, it was the welcomed call.
My step-dad just arrived home after a four hour drive from the city where he had emergency surgery. He had suffered a heart attack while in the hospital for observation and was flown to Salt Lake City. I can't even begin to tell you what a nightmare this week was.
30 years ago, my mother came home alone from a bowling tournament that my (biological) dad was competing in. She told me later that he had just bowled and when he turned around, he had the funniest (not as in "ha ha funny") look on his face and she knew something was wrong. He sat down beside her and she began to take his pulse. She said that she knew something wasn't right so she called an ambulance.
He was angry with her for doing so, and refused to get on the gurney.
He made it to the door of the bowling alley when he collapsed.
My dad died in the ambulance on the way to the hospital from a massive heart attack. He was 47. I was an adolescent.
So here we are 30-some years later and my step-father (who has been my father on this planet longer than my bio dad was able to be) returned home with my mom.
It's amazing how quick a mind that can't keep track of soccer schedules (or parent conferences) can remember in vivid detail how the room looked when awakened to be told my father wasn't coming home. I am sure in thirty more years I will remember the relief I felt today when my 'other' Dad called to say, "Are you sure you want to be called in the middle of the night just to hear I'm home?"
My thoughts and prayers are with you always.. We live with cancer daily here.. My heart goes out to you..
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad that your dad's surgery went so well. Continued prayers for your dad and you.
ReplyDeleteI remember that post. Still, it chokes me up like you wouldn't believe.
Hugs.
I'm emotional today and this post has me in tears- I'm so glad you got the 'good' phone call.
ReplyDeleteI got the not-so-good one yesterday that my Uncle passed away. He was only 60 and it's a really bad situation for my Aunt (he was unemployed, they had zero insurance of any kind and had already maxed out all of their financial resources). She now has to deal with losing her husband, her home and everything they worked to build all at the same time.
:)
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry about your Dad, and so happy that things are looking good now. You're all in my prayers. Take care of yourself.
I'm glad to hear you got some good news, J. I hope he heals quickly and that the prognosis is good.
ReplyDeleteIt is amazing how those defining moments in our lives both good and bad, happy and sad, are etched permanently in our brains so that we remember every detail.
good to hear =) thinking of you <3
ReplyDeleteGreat news about the cancer.
ReplyDeleteThat story was pretty powerful. 47 is much to young.
I'm glad to hear about your step-dad's surgery going well. Sending prayers your way that things will continue in this direction.
ReplyDeleteI am sorry that you are having a rough time, yet again. Your step Dad sounds like a fighter. Fingers crossed he will be alright.
ReplyDeleteI hope the good news continues.
ReplyDeleteGood to hear he's doing well. So hard to suffer the loss of your father when he was so young. I was eight when my mom died so I know how that is.
ReplyDeleteGood luck and wishing you happiness and less stress!