My dad has had a very hard week this past week.
I just don't know.
The song that keeps going through my head is by Juice Newton.
The Sweetest Thing i have ever done is loving you.
It is just so very hard to see my dad so very sick.
I am hanging on by a thread at times.
We have done some things the last couple of weeks that I have never wanted to do.
But we did them because my dad wanted us to.
We went to a little country cemetary in People's Valley and pick out the burial plot.
My dad wanted my husband to make his casket.
He did....it is so my dad. Thank you my sweet husband.
My mom, my sisters and myself are going to the funeral home this Saturday.
Just to make intitial contact and find out what we need to know.
All the while we are trying to hold on to hope.
61 Happy Campers Said:
Hang in there Sheryl, I know first hand just how difficult it is for you all.
Here in New Zealand we say "Kia Kaha" meaning "be strong".
Oh Baby Girl, I'm just so so sorry that you're dealing with all of this right now. Prayers for you and your family. I'm a phone call away.
Aww girl, I'm so sorry for what you're going through. Sending a hug your way and prayers for your Dad.
This is the hardest thing you will ever have to do with love and tenderness. It is a gift to you Dad.. God bless you all and your husband for making his wishes come true..no thoughtlessly made casket..but one hand made with love and tenderness..a resting place where there is no more pain..only love and heart and deep deep honor..you are all so very brave..
Sending hugs from Utah...
I have walked in your shoes,sweetie, and it is a hard walk to take. I'll tell you the hardest part for me...even though you KNOW in your heart that it is coming...when it actually happens you just can't believe that it is over.
God bless you- I am praying for you and your family. Life just keeps moving us along, doesn't it..whether we are ready or not. xo Diana
Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time
All things we never want to have to do but we all do. I'm so sorry you are having to do this, but trust me, he feels better knowing that all is taken care of and all his ducks are in a row for you, your mom and your sisters. It's how my dad handled his last days as well. It gave him comfort and that's what it's all about right now... your dad's comfort.
Hugs Hugs Hugs.
I've been there too, Sheryl... it will be a blur for a few weeks... then the knowledge that he's not hurting any longer... so hard.
What wonderful men you have in your life ... sniff
Oh how I am thinking of you, with a heavy heart, and knowing full well what you are going through. My prayers are with each and every one of you. For strength, courage and that you may be surrounded by those you love to lift you up.
Hang in there.
XO Kris
What a brave and unselfish person your father is - to take care of some of these decisions and not leave them for you all after his death. I can't begin to imagine how difficult this is - but how the web of love is being woven around all of you! My thoughts and prayers continue to follow your family through this whole process...
*hugs* and God Bless. ♥
I am so sorry. I can hear your heart breaking in your written words. Be strong, carry on.
Oh, Sheryle, my heart is breaking for you. I have little to add to what others have said. Your Dad is an incredible man--as grief softens with time, this is what you will remember, and you will know that he is at peace. What a loving family you have. Tears for you during this difficult time.
Your father is such a special man. No wonder you are who you are today--a strong independent resilient loving woman.
I am sorry. It is so hard. Caring for you all day and night. Love, Linda
Your dad is trying to make things easier for his family by getting all these necessities out of the way. God Bless him. My dad was the same way. We are lucky, you and I....we were blessed with excellent fathers. I wish I could say something to make it all better, but all I can say is that I understand and I am so sorry your dad, your family and you are going through this. Big cyber hugs, my friend.
Oh, I'm so sorry it's coming to this. You are such a wonderful and loving family, this is clear.. and I'm sure it brings great comfort to your father now. You're in my thoughts...
how hard that must have been and how wonderful for you and your hubby to do that for your dad. you will always be glad you did what your dad needed you to do. no regrets, aren't we supposed to live life that way? God bless you all!
Oh sweetie....Peeple's Valley is the best place. I go there every September. I'm so sorry that you are having to do this. Love, Hugs & prayers.
I'm so sorry you're going through this -- having just done so with my MIL two weeks ago.
In reading what you've done this week, I can't help but realize just what a double-edged sword love it. If it were not so strong, so wonderful, it would not hurt so very much.
What a blessing that your dad has a say in what he wants. My thoughts are with you.
Even in his darkest hour your Dad is making sure everyone feels like they are 'doing something'.
Stay strong and positive Sheryl. And thank you so much for coming to visit my Blog and explaining about the 'comment' thing. I've taken your advice.
See, just like your Dad you are always looking out for other people.
You are a blessing to your father. Your love for him comes through in every word you write about him.
Wow, what a wonderful father you have. He's preparing & lifting some of the burden from the family before hand. Although it's very difficult for all. What a wonderful husband you have! What a wonderful family you have...you are in our thoughts & prayers. {{hugs}}
Difficult things to do, but necessary. It is so wonderful your father's wishes are being carried out. I'm sure it gives him great comfort. When a loved one leaves this world for the next it is never easy for the family saying goodbye. Hang on to the moments you now have with him, for as long as you can. You will know when it's time to let go. Take care. You will be in my prayers.
Bless your heart. My Dad took care of all the details, for him and my Mom, ahead of time. They passed 3 weeks apart. Having that taken care of was a blessing and a gift, during those hard times.
I'm keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers, especially your Dad.
This is a very difficult time for you.....you've done a great job of spending time with your dad. You will never regret that. Hugs!
Sorry for your struggles in all this. Sometimes life just smacks us in the face. What a wonderful man your father must be, and such a strength in him to be witnessed by your family. Prayers for you all.
I know this must be hard beyond words, but really such a great thing you are doing for/and with your dad.
I am so sorry for your very difficult, sad moments. Having to say goodbye, under any circumstances, is just not easy. I hope there will be blessings that shine through the hardships that will make the heartaches ease a bit and that will let the smiles emerge. Just so you know, it's hard to tell people this sometimes, but I lost my mother in 2006 to breastcancer...she was 57 and had so much here she still wanted to do...my sister was five months pregnant with her first child...anyway, I must tell you that all of the close moments I had with my mother during her transition to her Heavenly address made me see that death can be beautiful in a strange way --- all of the loving feelings, the closeness, the bond, the raw honesty that's revealed...there is a beauty in that. I tried to see it through my blurry teared up eyes and I thank God for so many of those precious moments. God be with you and let the guardian angels swirl around you and provide support.
Lana
www.FarmLifeLessons.blogspot.com
I am so sorry to hear that your Dad has had a rough week.
What a joy it must be to your Dad to see his family taking care of things as he would like them done. That task is never easy to do. My thoughts & prayers are with you, your Dad & your family during this difficult time.
OH, darling, my heart aches for you. Such hard, hard things to do, but you honor your Dad in everyone of them. I so wish you didn't have to go down this road, buy go you must. I send you my prayers and love dear heart.
What a truly wonderful gift you are giving to your father in his final days here on this old earth of ours. And to have a casket built by someone who loves my child, how beautiful. It's so hard to say goodbye to our loved ones. But the goodbyes are only for a short period of time until we are all reunited again. He knows you love him and that is all that matters at this time.
Your husband is a treasure to do that. My thoughts are with you. Strength and peace and love.
Sending {{Hugs}} to you and still praying for your dad and strength and peace for all of you. This earth is just a bus stop to eternity and we'll all meet again.
OMGosh, I am so sad for you and your family. I hate to hear that you are in pain..God give you the strength to carry on...to do as he wishes.
What a beautiful thing your hubby did...how very proud you must be.
Oh, how sad, but how wonderful of your father to make decisions and set things up for you. It takes a very brave man to do this with and for his family.
I don't know if this is easier or harder than a sudden death. It's hard to say goodby either way.
Dear child of God...there's nothing anyone can say that can take away your grief. Just know that there are people out there feeling your grief and grieving for you.
Your loving dad is being so strong and yet he is still being your teacher, teaching you how to take care of these sensitive issues. What a wonderful loving father. You are so blessed. God's love and peace be with you.~Ames
Oh I am so sorry for you. I am praying for you all. I have not been down this road but I can only imagine how hard it must be. I hope it helps to know we are all praying for you and your family. I love that your husband did that. What a lovely gesture. Hugs to you.
Your father is one hell of a man.
He knows what he wants and isn't afraid to say so.
The words are hard to convey, Sheryl, but know that I am sending you my love and keeping you close to my heart.
I can only imagine how your heart is breaking...you mentioned the song by Juice Newtown..but your post reminds me of the song..'You can let go now Daddy' ..that one brings tears to my eyes..and my Dad is very much alive..and for that I am most grateful..
hugs to you and your family..thinking of you at this very sad time.. :**(
I can feel your pain as I lost my dad 2yrs ago this past June. I moved in with him as he wished. I took care of everything he wanted done also. I would not trade a single moment of the last months together.
Your Husband is a true Gem. And I know your dad is feeling all his familys true love for him as he feels it for you. Bless you all.
Stay strong for him, I know it will make him feel at ease.
Love a respect to all
Oh my goodness. I am at a loss of words.. I can't even imagine what you are going through. My thoughts and prays are with you and your family!
Hugs, Linda
Blessed is the man who's final thought in this life...
is knowing he was a good father.
Someday, I hope to be just like your Dad.
Be Strong, Have Faith, Cry whenever, and remember HoboJoe's words. My prayers are with you & your family.
I'm sending lots of prayers for your Dad. As for the decisions you and your family have been having to make, my heart sure understands that detour in life. It's a difficult one but, as you plan, remember always to find a bright spot in your day. It will get you through. God sure works for us all.
Loving your blog, as I'm new here. Also, thanks so much for stopping by and do come back when you can.
BlessYourStrongHeart
Gosh I am so sorry - that has to be so hard. Sandie
My heart goes out to you. I too had this hard time with my Dad many years ago.
I'm so sorry. I hurt for you and the tough days. It's not fun.
You are in my prayers.
It is such a labor of love that your husband would build a casket. So wonderful. What a tribute.
I hope you'll share a photo if you think it's appropriate.
I am so, so sorry. The lingering death that your family faces with your dad must be most difficult. Sort of like that with my dad and it was most difficult.
Be kind to yourself. Take some walks. Know many of us are thinking of you as you proceed down this path.
It is difficult to do those things when someone dies suddenly, so although no one wants to talk about those things, - it may be better to talk about it and do it together.
Sending prayers your way.
Hugs from me too to all concerned. Not an easy time. I know.
While you are going through motions that feel like they are breaking your heart, you are also being given a wonderful gift that many of us never experience. You are sharing your father's last days and helping him to gracefully and lovingly finish his time on earth. There is no greater gift than that which you are sharing with your dear, dear father and family. Please know that many hearts are filling with love for you and your family with your heartfelt posts sharing with us parts of your journey. Thinking of you here always...
Oh, Sheryl.
I read this post and heave a big old ragged sigh for you. It just weighs me down so much, what you are going through. I'm so sorry. Just hold and and hold on to one another. Love each other. Love him through it. When my Grandma passed in '06, I loved her through it SO HARD. As hard as I could. It was exhausting and heart breaking and mind numbing but I loved her through it. The biggest compliment was when my dad said "eveyone should have a granddaughter like you."
Sending prayers and hugs and love to you and your family. Cheryl
Sheryl,
I know what this is like. No matter how long good-byes are, nothing can prepare you. Sending you love and prayers.
Your Friend,
Deborah
I do believe it is giving your Dad immense peace to take care of these for his family. An act of great love on his part. You are all so truly blessed to have one another.
Know you are in my heart and prayers-all of you!
xo, misha
Oh Sheryl, I know how difficult all of this must be. I truly believe he is preparing you in whatever way he can, because he loves you so. My heart goes out to you and your family dear friend.
~Andrea
xoxo
hugging you, sheryl...
hugging you, sheryl...
Your dad is giving you quite a gift, asking that you do these things in advance. My parents have taken care of everything, and when they die, we won't need to worry about the details. I really appreciate that they did that for us. Your dad is asking this from you now because he loves you all so much.
I am so sad hearing this news. It is such a difficult time at this moment for you. You have such a wonderful husband to so such a task. We are thinking of you.
Kevin and Ruth
Sheryl, How blessed you are to have such a loving father who thinks of others EVERY day of his beautiful life. How blessed he is to have such a wonderful family to honor his requests.
I'm asking God to provide extra strength for your family thru these tough days and strong hope for your dad. He's with you every step of the way.
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