I don’t know…
Seen at Michelle’s; she got it from Curious as a Cat:
1) Who do you wish could find their inner spirit to become more comfortable in their life? Oh, hmmm…a few people I know could benefit from this. But I’m not naming names!
2) You have to fight a duel tomorrow at dawn. You have been allowed to choose the weapons. What do you choose? Jello! Preferably blue jello, and we would throw it at each other until we collapsed laughing, in shades of blue LOL! That’s my kind of duel!
3) What’s the best thing to inherit other than money? Pictures. Photo albums of pictures of my grandmother with her friends or my folks with theirs…I love seeing old pictures!
4) Do you hope to run your own company some day? Oh HELL no! Too much responsibility for me.
5) Show and Tell. What comes to mind first when you see this picture? Or, tell a story if it reminds you of one.
She had always loved going to fine restaurants for just a nibble of this or taste of that; given a choice between three perfect bites and a huge full meal, she’d chose the former every time. Tonight, thought…tonight the chef outdid herself! She used a savory rosemary biscuit as the bottom, piped on some basil cream and topped it with just a touch of crème fraîche and caviar…oooh!
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Also, I have some not so good news about Dad. The aspiration pneumonia is back and it looks like this will keep happening, because of his inability to swallow. The doctors wanted to do a tracheotomy (which would be permanent) and my brother and I decided against that, as it specifically said in Dad’s living will he did not want to be kept alive by tubes if there was no hope of recovery. The doctors said his quality of life would be nil (he would be bedridden, not be able to speak, and not be able to eat), so we made the decision yesterday to stop feeding (via the feeding tube) and antibiotics and to keep him comfortable with IV morphine, patches and pills. The doc said it would be about 7-10 days.
It was funny…he was talking a bit about his Mom last week…something about they were going to go on a bus ride to Framingham (why Framingham? Who knows? That town here in MA has no special significance that I know of) and she kept telling him to hurry and get on the bus and sit down, Georgie, sit down! Grandma always did call him Georgie, he was her precious only child.
I’m fine with the decision, although, my God, it’s a tough one to make! Since I know Dad wouldn’t want to live this way it made it a bit easier, but I’ll miss him and I hope Grandma (and Mom) are both waiting for him with open arms and that he can swim and bike ride to his heart’s content up there.
Thank you for all your positive thoughts and prayers, I deeply appreciate that more than you’ll know.
Grandma & Dad
Posted in it's all about me | 37 Comments
December 30th, 2008 at 11:52 am
Oh, dear I am terribly sorry to hear this news about your father. My prayers are with you, and my heart goes out to your whole family.
Thanks for stopping by my meme. I hope it gave you a short break from reality.
December 30th, 2008 at 12:15 pm
Janet, I’m so sorry about your dad. I’ll be thinking of y’all and wishing you comfort and peace.
December 30th, 2008 at 12:15 pm
This is hard news to hear, but I know exactly what you mean by taking comfort from fulfilling his wishes. I wish you the best in getting through this time.
December 30th, 2008 at 12:17 pm
I’m sorry sweetie, but I’m glad you’re at peace with it and that you are following his wishes. xo
December 30th, 2008 at 12:25 pm
Oh Janet, I am sorry to hear this. I am happy to hear that his mom is visiting him, but sad for you. None of this is easy.
Sending you lots of love and light.
December 30th, 2008 at 12:36 pm
I am sorry to hear about your father. My mother passed away three days ago, and I take comfort in knowing she is in a better place with my Dad, where she wants to be. I hope you find such peace. ((warm hugs))
December 30th, 2008 at 12:45 pm
Janet, my heart goes out to you…
Keeping you and your family in my thoughts.
deb
December 30th, 2008 at 12:49 pm
Oh, Janet. I’m thinking of you. And sending warm thoughts and prayers out for your family.
December 30th, 2008 at 1:02 pm
I’m so sorry Janet. Even when you know it’s the right choice, it’s still an impossibly difficult one.
I’ll be holding you, your brother and your father very close in my heart in the days to come.
December 30th, 2008 at 2:15 pm
I’m here for you girlfriend. I know how hard it is for you. love love.
December 30th, 2008 at 2:38 pm
I don’t think there is anyone in this world who could say an unkind word about your Dad. he is one the best people I have known in my life. He was never too busy for us kids, he always encouraged us to try new things and rescued us when we screwed up.
He showed me what a real man could be. I’m so glad he walked me down the isle when I married Jack.
Love you, Sweetie!!!
December 30th, 2008 at 2:42 pm
I’m so sorry about your dad, Janet. My thoughts are with you & your brother during this time.
December 30th, 2008 at 3:17 pm
Janet, I am so sorry to hear this about your dad. I can’t imagine how hard it must have been to make this decision – I guess everybody hopes that it’ll never come to this point. I don’t really know what else to say, I wish you all the strength in the world to get through this. I’m sure your dad knows how much you love him.
December 30th, 2008 at 3:24 pm
Quality of life and personal choice are the key phrases that come to mind and it sounds like you took them both into consideration. It’s hard, but ultimately you’ll flourish from the strength of the decision that honors his wishes. You’re all in my prayers.
December 30th, 2008 at 3:42 pm
I’m so sorry to hear this, but so glad he let the family know what his wishes are concerning end of life. My thoughts are with you all for an easy and loving passing.
December 30th, 2008 at 4:21 pm
oh honey, i’m so sorry. sending sooo many hugs to you.
December 30th, 2008 at 6:03 pm
oh janet. i’m so sorry. my thoughts and prayers are with you, your brother and your dad.
December 30th, 2008 at 6:07 pm
Oh goodness, very sorry for your father and you!
December 30th, 2008 at 6:13 pm
My sympathies Janet, and always am here if you need an ear.
PS I hope you’re not talking about me for #1… you’re not right? Seriously right?
haha joking!
December 30th, 2008 at 6:14 pm
I think your answers to 1-4 are terrific – especially the blue jello duel; I can picture it so well! & the story for 5 *sighs happily*
as for your dad, I am so proud of you and your brother for making the hard decision and following your father’s wishes – never an easy choice, but so very respectful of him and his life. hugs & love to all of you … oh! and LOVE the photo of dad and his mom.
December 30th, 2008 at 6:31 pm
My heart hurts for you so very much. That just sucks, flat out. I can’t even think of anything useful to say, so please just know I’m here, sending my thoughts and even crying on this end because I’ve come to care about you and about your family, and it just hurts to know that you all are in the middle of something so awful. If I can do anything, please shout. Otherwise know that I am thinking of you. I wish I could send hugs through the comment form, but the goddamn thing won’t show me how to attach one.
December 30th, 2008 at 6:32 pm
Oh, and, yes, I loved your answers and especially that beautiful picture. What a treasure. I mean that.
December 30th, 2008 at 7:34 pm
good thoughts for all of you Janet….that’s a wonderful picture of your mom and grandmother meeting him.
December 30th, 2008 at 9:56 pm
Oh Janet I’m so sorry to hear that- it is never easy to lose a loved one- even when you know it’s best for them & what they would want. I’ve been thinking of you the past few days (amid the chaos of work & the kids being home from school still) I know you’ll get through this.
December 31st, 2008 at 12:01 am
Oh hun I am so sorry to hear about your dad. May his remaining time be easy and peaceful.
December 31st, 2008 at 12:27 am
I’m so very sorry Janet. It’s times like this when I wish I could reach through my computer and give a hug. You are in my thoughts my friend.
December 31st, 2008 at 12:29 am
That’s heart-breaking news. I’ll be thinking of you and your dad.
December 31st, 2008 at 2:14 am
Oh Janet, what a hard thing to do. ((((hugs))))
December 31st, 2008 at 2:41 am
Oh, wow. I am so sorry that you are having to make such a decision. I hope that the remaining time with your dad will be filled with peace, and you’ll be able to share some good memories. Best wishes to you and your family during this difficult time.
What a great picture of your dad and grandma-thanks for sharing!
December 31st, 2008 at 9:13 am
Janet, ((((((((((((((hugs)))))))))))). I can imagine how difficult the decision was to make. Cherish every moment you have with him before he goes ahead, and know that you’ll see him and your mother again. I’m keeping you all in my prayers.
December 31st, 2008 at 9:44 am
Janet,
I’m so sorry about your Dad.
December 31st, 2008 at 10:29 am
I know I could use some of #1 sometimes.
Oh hon. I am here for you. He is going to swim and ride to his heart’s content. You’re such a good daughter. (((Hugs))) Love ya’, sweetie!
I’ve got to say that I love that picture. It’s priceless.
December 31st, 2008 at 3:28 pm
Dear Janet: We continue to pray for you through these days. I pray for a peaceful period for your father in these final days, and please know that great things await him.
We made the same decision with my mother, as you know, and if you ever need to write, chat, or just vent, know that I am here. Blessings to you. Peace.
December 31st, 2008 at 4:13 pm
Oh I’m so sorry to hear this, Janet! Just know that I’m thinking of you through this hard time, and sending some virtual hugs.
December 31st, 2008 at 7:29 pm
So sorry you and your brother have had to make such tough decisions. My thoughts are with you.
December 31st, 2008 at 10:08 pm
I am here for you if you need me for anything. I’m thinking of you!!
January 2nd, 2009 at 11:16 pm
I’m so sorry about your dad. What a tough decision to make. He was so lucky to have you there to care for him right up to his last wishes. That’s love.