This is my Dad and I.I was/am very much a daddy's girl always. I am the oldest and always found fun, comfort, and solace with my dad. We were very similar, quick temper, not very patient (with people who should know better) , but always loving, kind, and funny. His smile was the greatest! And being the cause for that smile was my ultimate goal in life... I hope I'm causing him to smile while he watches on from a much better place.
When he was first diagnosed with cancer (thanks to the dentist who noticed) the projection was great they could remove the part of the tongue with the cancer and life would go back to normal. He was ready and fought with all he had through 3 different types of cancer, at least that many major surgeries, several rounds of chemo, and radiation for months and months.
In March of 2007 we were told he was cancer free.
In May I got a phone call and was told the cancer was not only back but it was terminal. I flew home a week later...no one knew I was coming except my friend from high school that was picking me up from the airport, and my brother who I told at the last minute to leave a door open for me (I got in at midnight.).
The picture is from that weekend. It was Mother's Day weekend. My dad was so happy I was home. That is the last picture I have with my dad.
That Monday while I accompanied him to doctor's appointments and radiation he was in so much pain...and it was killing my mom's spirit too.
I returned home and my prayer changed... Please make him better or take him home with You where he won't be in so much pain.
On June 8, 2007 my brother in a panic called and woke us up at 6:00 telling me my dad was dying. 30 minutes later I spoke with my unbelievably calm mother who informed me that indeed he had passed away. Just 3 days before I would have gotten to see him again, he was gone.
I love my dad. I think about him every day. I know that he is happy and pain free where he is now. I also know that my family is a Forever Family and I will live with him again.
This year, I Relay for him. Please join me in supporting my brother's team Spark Hope and the American Cancer Society.
Be sure to check out what the rest of the class is showing.
8 comments:
Wonderful show and tell :)
I'm so sorry for your loss. What a great surprise it must have been for him to see you.
Wonderful....Very emotional, very touching!
That photograph shall always be with you...and I hope your father is peaceful and happy to see you love him so much.
Please take care...thanks for sharing...moments that become a lifetime!
What a beautiful post! Thank you so much for sharing your father with us. My mom passed away from cancer 3 years ago. It hurts, but I'm glad to know that she is no longer in any pain.
Thinking of you and sending you a hug.
Thank you for sharing.
A lovely last picture of the two of you.
Oh Erika--I am so incredibly sorry. What an amazingly beautiful picture made more poignant by the story.
I'm sorry for your loss, although it's wonderful that you were able to get such a great picture.
iclw
I am so sorry for your loss.
I did a post for my dad who died in August 2005 (Monday was his birthday).
I understand ♥ (hugs) and I think it is a great idea to do the Relay for Life.
My Dad died from infection complications following a successful bone marrow transplant for leukemia.
hi, I am visiting from ICLW...No. 35 to say hello and to check out your blog.
My Little Drummer Boys
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