My Dad's birthday was yesterday. He was 96 years old. We had a small get together for his birthday and for Mom's birthday later in the week. Mom will be 93 years old.
They are in assisted living. Dad seems more confused everyday. He was diagnosed with MDS or Myelodysplastic Syndrome which means that his red blood cell production has been disrupted. Left untreated it can become leukemia. Right now the only symptom he seems to have is fatigue...he sleeps a lot during the day and last evening when we showed up for the birthday get together he was in bed. So I woke him up and helped him get ready...my brothers and sister and their spouses were all there.
I pray many times a day that my Dad will just go to sleep and be done here on earth. He has fought the good fight...I think the race is over for him....but God must still have a plan for my Dad.
Far Side
Philippians 4 : 6 - 7 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."
Such a hard decision to make on treatment. Also a good case for Palliative Care for him?
ReplyDeleteComfort care for the rest of his life?
I know my husband wishes for a day he can just not wake up.
Hugs to you.
I also hope he slips away without any pain or suffering. What a good long life they both have lived. I am so glad you are there with them. It's a blessing to have them so close by. Happy birthday to them both!
ReplyDeleteThey both have beautiful skin! It doesn't look wrinkled. That is truly amazing for their age.
ReplyDeleteAging is hard to experience but almost harder to watch with loved ones.
It is a blessing that the family can still gather together around your parents at this point. I know how hard it is to watch them fade however. My MIL kept saying "God forgot me" - as her friends all gradually passed away but she was still there. We were relieved that she did just peacefully slip away.
ReplyDeleteYour parents certainly don't look their ages. Happy Birthday to both of them!
ReplyDeleteI do hope too, that your prayers are answered.
Best wishes to your Dad and Mom. I’m glad your family gathered to celebrate their birthdays.
ReplyDeleteYour parents look very good for being in their 90s!
ReplyDeleteI hope when his time comes, it's peaceful for him.
So hard...this is just sooooooooooo hard for you and him and your mom. Hugs to you.
ReplyDeleteYour parents have led a good, long life. I hope his time comes peacefully.
ReplyDeleteThis is the exact conversation I had in the last year with my mom-in-law... she said, "I don't know why God is keeping me around, but He must not be done with me here." I also prayed it would be easy when she passed, and it was! God is good... we just don't know what He has in mind until it happens. I'll be praying specifically about this with you. HAPPY BIRTHDAY to both of your parents!! Their ages are quite the milestones! Hugs and blessings to all of you, my friend!
ReplyDeleteI like your attitude. My dad was so done when he had his brain tumour.
ReplyDeleteI would never guess that your parents are as old as they are... they are much younger looking! I understand how your feel about your dad. We felt the same about my mother in law. So hard when they have lived a good long life and their health fails them.
ReplyDeleteYour poor Momma looks tired, Connie. I will start praying for both to have strength.
ReplyDeleteI am glad that they are in assistant living. That takes a lot of worry away. You mom will enjoy her birthday more for sure.
ReplyDeleteYour mom looks great, but it must be hard for her to see her life partner struggling so. When My mother passed just short of her 90th birthday I rejoiced. She was so physically debilitated and ready to be done. She was fortunate to have been able to finally just slip away.
ReplyDeleteI guess your dad needs to absorb a little more love from your wonderful family.
Happy Birthday to and God Bless your Dad and Mom. They have been blessed with long lives....something that is unheard of in my family.
ReplyDeleteGod bless your parents.
ReplyDeleteWow, your parents don’t look like they are in their 90’s at all. I’m so sorry about your dad’s diagnosis. I lost my daddy to MDS seven years ago. He lived for five years after he was diagnosed. I’m saying a prayer for your parents.
ReplyDeleteMy dad lived with MDS for many, many years. When his levels got too low, maybe twice a year, we took him up to the VA Hospital for overnight blood transfusions and he was back to his ornery self. Then he had a massive stroke which triggered it into leukemia. He had congestive heart failure and already exceeded their expectations by at least a decade. Your mom and dad look great. I know this is such a hard time for you.
ReplyDeleteOh, Connie, I know just how you feel. As you know, my mom is the same age and in a care home, and it’s not much of a life. I think the same thing, and then I feel guilty.
ReplyDeleteA happy birthday/belated birthday to them both. We can all hope for a peaceful passing and I wish that for your parents when their time comes.
ReplyDeleteI do hope he goes peacefully. Has to be so hard on your mom, too.
ReplyDeletePrayers.
Happy Birthday to your Mom and a belated one to your Dad. I do know how you feel with your Dad. I'm starting to feel that way about Mom. Although she does really like the place she's living now, I sense that she's not happy and would like life to be over. She feels she's just existing. She worries about the cost of being there and even though we tell her that all is well, the sale of her house will take care of her for a long time, she still worries. She forgets everything we tell her within a few minutes. Such a sad way for her to end up her life that's always been busy traveling and very active. I'm sure you feel the same with your Dad.
ReplyDeleteI'll keep you in my prayers Connie. Life can be hard.
Blessings,
Betsy