A homecoming
by Jack GrantI arrived in my parents’ home this evening, amid the disarray of a home upset by the serious illness of a family member, with a noisy oxygen generator in the corner wheezing and bubbling, sounding like something out of a comedy skit that is in very poor taste, seeing my rail thin father come in shuffling slowly as if he were 90 and not 62, all of this coming after walking out of the secured area at the airport and having my mother burst into tears at the sight of me because she has been dealing with seeing her husband so weak for so long and feeling completely helpless about it.
Not a holly-jolly Christmas time this year.
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Cold comfort knowing part of the circumstances which surround you, Jack, but part of Christmas is being with the ones you love.
It was not so long ago that I was where you are now. I wish you and your mother strength in the days to come. I also hope your father is comfortable and able to enjoy those around him.
Show him your pictures and share the stories of your adventures. Warm his heart with your presence and the great love and pride he feels for you.
My prayers are with you and your family.
God bless.
By Chrissy on 12.21.05 13:09
I was in the position you are in the year before last. The greatest comfort I could give to my Dad was sharing the tales from childhood and cracking jokes with him. He also took a lot of comfort from the manicures and pedicures I would give him.
Sometimes the only thing that matters is your presence. It’s wonderful that you are there for both of your parents.
G-d bless and keeping you and your family in my prayers.
By seawitch on 12.21.05 18:53
As sad and as hard as it might be, please you must enjoy your last Christmas with your father.
My thoughts are with you and yours…
By probligo on 12.21.05 20:46
I thought and thought about what can be said by someone who just knows you through your words here and the other blogs you’ve posted on. Nothing seems adequate so I will simply hope that there can be something positive for your family at this sad time. I know all too well what times like this can be like. We lost my father, aunt, mother and mother-in-law in the span of four years. My mother and mother-in-law were both diagnosed as terminally ill within two months of each other.
By Jim S on 12.22.05 04:54
Jack,
All the best this Christmas season. It can’t be very festive for you, but I hope having the family together helps everyone through this difficult period.
Best wishes, Alex
By Pigilito on 12.22.05 09:24
My thoughts are with you my friend. I know what you’re going through. I’ve been there…
Merry Christmas Jack.
By Sam on 12.22.05 16:23
Merry Christmas, Jack. I know the circumstances are less than ideal, but take solace in the fact you still have your dad. Cherish that. Best wishs, my good friend.
By Velociman on 12.23.05 01:21