I'm going home for my dad's last birthday It wasn't the cancer coming back They don't see any tumors or cancer cells in the fluid they're draining from his abdomen (5 liters the first time - can you believe that?) Jesus No It's not the cancer coming back They think it's the liver It grew back as planned after the surgery But apparently it's not working right Apparently it's failing They say there is nothing that can be done at this point Take the pain pills Keep him comfortable Get the hospice people in He got married 4 days after he turned 20 The first baby came a year later The next after two more years The next two years after that The last eight years after that He was Dad It's what he did He did whatever it took to take care of his family Work three jobs? Sure - he did it He never whined or complained or got grumpy There had to be days he just wanted to get some rest But he went to work I never saw him do a single selfish thing He put family first - always There was never any doubt He always had a flat top He loved the Indy 500 He'll get to watch one more He took me to baseball games at Crosley Field He went to Mexico with me He didn't like it, but he went, for me He did - a million things Quietly and unassuming He set the bar awfully damn high for being a dad He couldn't have done it any other way That is just him Their 57th anniversary will be next month Mom didn't sound good on the phone 2 nights ago She wouldn't tell me the truth My sister did She said he cried when they told him I cry when I think about that They sounded good on the phone last night I know them They have a game plan Suck it up and be strong and brave Let's don't upset the kids Shit I'm praying I can be half as strong 57 years You've never seen two people more in love You've never seen two people that fit together any better They did everything together They are crazy about each other Still I'm worried about Mom So is Dad I'm sure he's going to take me aside The dying man is going to take me aside He's going to tell me, "Take care of your mom" That's him He's dropped 60 pounds in the last year Since the surgery My sister says he looks like our grandmother I see it too He looks like his mom They say 3 - 6 months Of course there is no way to know They could be wrong They can only put band-aids on the problem now But maybe band-aids can help for a long while I hope they're wrong I'm not taking any chances though I'm going home
Bob: I am shedding a tear for you an your family. Will go to mass this Sunday just for you and your family. Nothing matters in the end except family, it is all we have!!!
Bob I am so heartbroken for you hon. I can't tell you how sad this makes me to hear this about your dad. You are so blessed to have him as your dad because he sounds like he is one in a million and he raised a great son who is one in a million too. My prayers to you, your mom and your family and lots of love and hugs to you while you go through this difficult time.
Sounds like your dad is a wonderful man and has done well raising his family. Prayers to you and your family.
