Throughout Dad's illness and death, I knew one thing. I would learn. God has given me the gift of experience. Yes, gift. C.S. Lewis said it perfectly: “Experience: that most brutal of teachers. But you learn, my God how you learn.” This post is a reminder to me. I need to remember this experience as … Continue reading 7 Reminders during Grief
He left last Tuesday as autumn leaves took flight. We surrounded him under the shadow of the unseen One. Some reach this destination accompanied by doom and regret. We did not. The swift arc of time brought us to this moment of understanding and consequence. His breath growing shallow... Eyes opened and unblinking... “Daddy you can … Continue reading A Finished Journey
We are waiting at the station with Dad, metaphorically of course. We can hear the whistle of the train. We don't know how far away it is. But eventually it will arrive. He has no baggage. No one does at this station but he knows the Engineer. His body, weak and weary from the journey... … Continue reading We are waiting at the station
Sitting in between Mom and Dad’s bed. Waiting for the wave of sleep to overtake him. Mumbling lyric Disquieted mind. The vibrancy of confusion Covers the landscape. Lord, heal our weakened limbs As we walk the broken road to the shores of the unknown. Amen
Dad made it back yesterday. It was a very busy day of adjustment to Dad's new normal. He perked up last night for a little while after the video below was taken. Overall, it was a good day. Benji Came in to sing the old songs that dad loves so much. Here's a little video … Continue reading Reunited in Worship
Dad will be leaving Oceans Behavioral Hospital tomorrow to return to Mom and the room at the Regency House. I'm praying the meds continue to work and will keep him calm through this time. His language is still all over the place. He speaks but conversation is extremely difficult for him-- just a jumble of … Continue reading Starting Over with Dad at Regency
Gwen Williams came to visit Dad last night. We had a great time, he was very aware of who she was and Dad talked non-stop. They talked about music, the foundation singers, doing the musical "Love" at Alexandria Senior High, Dennis Phelps, Benjie Harlan, Horseshoe Drive and all their ministry years. Gwen was her delightful … Continue reading Dad’s Surprise Guest
The state that we've entered is called Unknowing. It's was incorporated about 6000 years ago just east of Eden's spendor. But it's always been there. I've often stood at the border, one foot in Unknowing and the other in Faith. I'm amazed how connected these two provinces are. Faith is a state we aspire to … Continue reading That State Called Unknowing
They haven't started trying new meds but the stuff he's been taking has leveled him off and he's more placid today. I don't think he understands why he's there. He wants out. But really, who's want in? I think everybody in the family is completely spent. Melinda is going over to Regency this afternoon and … Continue reading Brief Update
Dad is now in a parallel universe. His eyes are wider. His words echo through the waxed, sterile corridors. He approaches like a hurricane in a wheel chair. In his world everyone is an enemy. Dad is held captive, he believes, by the malevolent forces of cloaked villains. His medication, he believes, is poison. And I am a part … Continue reading A Glimpse into a Different World
Walking Them Home 