Monday, October 25, 2010

Excused Absence

I have been missing in action for awhile and I can't get my mind into punching.

My dad was in the hospital all last week and now he is under hospice care at a nursing home so I've been on the road - to and fro - across Dallas once or twice a day.  And this will continue for awhile - who knows how long?

Daddy has been lucid a few times and one night told me that all you could ask is to live a live filled with love and that he had certainly had that - he felt he had been very blessed.  Good thing he can't see well anymore cause the tears were rolling down my face.  He knows we love him and leaving that dear old worn out body will be a good thing but it is hard to watch him struggle as he leaves us.  We are very grateful that the wonderful folks from Hospice will help ease any pain.

Thanks for waiting for me.  I'm hoping the Inspiration Fairy will be back - but right now I have no interest in listening for her.  I know you will understand.  Thanks for all your kind words and positive thoughts.
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42 comments:

  1. Donna LittleOctober 25, 2010 at 9:11 PM

    Ellen, day in and day out you GIVE with all your heart. Now it's time for all of us to give back to you, in the form of prayers for you and your family, and loving kindness. God bless...

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  2. Patty Sue 2October 25, 2010 at 9:25 PM

    Ellen, You will never regret spending this time with your dad. It is hard to say good bye to those who love us unconditionally. My prayers are with you and your family.

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  3. AnonymousOctober 25, 2010 at 9:53 PM

    Hugs a million! Alene

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  4. MigdaliaOctober 25, 2010 at 10:05 PM

    My prayers are with you..Huge Hugz

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  5. slbt17October 25, 2010 at 10:51 PM

    prayers are with you hun.
    Take care,
    Sandra

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  6. Bandon, OregonOctober 25, 2010 at 10:57 PM

    Ellen, I am so sorry. My Hugs, Love and Prayers are with you and your family....

    Faith

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  7. AnonymousOctober 25, 2010 at 11:36 PM

    Oh Ellen, my heart goes out to you. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
    Patricia Gessner

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  8. GabyOctober 26, 2010 at 12:07 AM

    Hi Ellen,

    I am so sorry. I'm never good in finding the right words in situations like this.
    But Donna Little (look at the first comment) found exactly the words I was looking for.

    You are in my thoughts.

    Hugs,
    Gaby

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  9. DeniseOctober 26, 2010 at 5:04 AM

    So very sorry Ellen, I feel for you.
    Denise

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  10. MelanieOctober 26, 2010 at 5:58 AM

    I have enjoyed being a part of your life through your blog. I love the punches as well you
    sharing your life with us. I have not lost a parent so I don't know how you feel but I can pray for you and your family. Thanks so much for sharing this with us. Have a wonderful time with your dad.

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  11. Carol LOctober 26, 2010 at 6:26 AM

    Life is really too short for all of us, so spend every minute with your Dad, and your loving blogger family will be here when you return. Huge hugs and blessings!!

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  12. WhimceesOctober 26, 2010 at 6:50 AM

    Dear Ellen,

    I am so sorry friend, for you all in this difficult time. I continue to keep you and your family in my prayers. The love that you share is such a precious gift. God bless you.

    Hugs,

    Barbara Diane

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  13. DorothyOctober 26, 2010 at 7:31 AM

    Ellen, I am so sorry to hear of your father's declining health. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Don't even give your blog a second thought. We all understand. Just wish we could "make it better" for you. Hugs,

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  14. Created by KathOctober 26, 2010 at 9:36 AM

    Spending this time with your father is something you will never regret. We will be here when the time is right for you to return to punching.

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  15. AnonymousOctober 26, 2010 at 9:49 AM

    You are right where you need to be. It is so hard to lose a parent no matter what one's age. Hospice is a wonderful group. Take advantage of their counselors for yourself too. They help ease the pain. Sue G

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  16. marypOctober 26, 2010 at 9:57 AM

    You are where you need to be. Family always comes first. Know that there are many of us out here praying for you to have the strength and peace needed for the upcoming days. You give me chuckles all I can give you are words. Take comfort in knowing your dad seems to be at peace. Blessings ..

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  17. RubyOctober 26, 2010 at 10:23 AM

    Its definitely understandable this time is reserved for your Dad and your family. You will be in my prayers.

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  18. AnonymousOctober 26, 2010 at 10:25 AM

    I am sorry to hear of your father's declining health. Spend as much time with him as you need. Hospice are a special people just like you. Don't hesitate to lean on them they can help you as well as your father. Your punching family will always be here for you. I just wished I lived closer so that I may do something for you. All my prayer to you and your family. Carol Benson

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  19. KimmiOctober 26, 2010 at 11:08 AM

    I'm sorry to hear about your father. I know this time is difficult, as losing a loved one is never easy. I lost my father 12 years ago, and I still miss him dearly. So spend as much time as you can with him now - you (& he) will be thankful for it. Enjoy the remaining time you have together and be glad you'll have the opportunity to say goodbye. As maryp said, "Take comfort in knowing your dad seems to be at peace". He sounds like a wonderful man. You will always have the special memories you shared together, which I am sure you will hold dear to your heart. My prayers and thoughts are with you & your family. God Bless!

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  20. KimOctober 26, 2010 at 11:38 AM

    Ellen, so sorry to hear about your Dad's failing health. Of course, we will all be eagerly awaiting your next creation. The time you spend with family is so much more important, though.

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  21. AnonymousOctober 26, 2010 at 12:09 PM

    Take tine for family as we understand
    God is good & Faith will get you thru

    Prayers with you & family during this time

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  22. MaryOctober 26, 2010 at 12:48 PM

    Know that we are all sending you prayers and love to you and your family, it is a hard journey on all. Hospice is a wonderful service, they will make the journey easier for your dad and your family,,HUGS. We will all be waiting for you, when the time is right, for your return. Mary

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  23. CarolOctober 26, 2010 at 1:57 PM

    So sorry to hear how poorly your Dad is now. You take as long as you like away from here and spend your time with your family. Take care and my thoughts are with you.

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  24. UnknownOctober 26, 2010 at 3:36 PM

    Ellen, my prayers are with you and your family. Hospice is a wonderful means to make the journey easier on the patient, take advantage of any and all information they give you, as it will benefit you later on.Being there with him right now is important and we all understand your need. Hugs to you

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  25. ElizabethOctober 26, 2010 at 4:08 PM

    Ellen, I am thinking of you and your family and praying for all of you daily.
    Elizabeth

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  26. Pat CastilloOctober 26, 2010 at 4:19 PM

    So sorry to hear about the trials you're going through right now. It's always hard to see a parent suffering. Thankful to hear he's grateful for the life he's enjoyed all these years...I'm sure you being there is an added blessing...

    Will keep you in my prayers...

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  27. AnonymousOctober 26, 2010 at 6:11 PM

    Ellen, I'm praying for you and your family. We'll all understand.

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  28. CherbearOctober 26, 2010 at 7:23 PM

    I am so sorry to hear about your father. I helped take care of my father last year before he had a stroke and ended up in Hospice. He had pancreatic cancer and went quickly. I will keep your family in my prayers.

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  29. AnonymousOctober 26, 2010 at 10:01 PM

    Ellen, Take all the time you need to be with your Dad and family in this difficult time. Each moment spent with him is a blessing and precious. You and your family will be in our prayers. Sheila White

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  30. VickiOctober 27, 2010 at 11:54 AM

    Ellen, sending you big cyber hugs and keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. God's blessings to you all!

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  31. MargieOctober 27, 2010 at 3:58 PM

    Love and memories of wonderful times together are truly a precious gift. My prayers will be with your family during this difficult time. I am sure the Inspiration Fairy will be dreaming up something while you are with your family. Hugs!

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  32. Lori B demo in WIOctober 28, 2010 at 6:25 PM

    Ellen,
    You are one of my stamping idols and I feel blessed each day I get to look at your funny, clever, creations! But, I know the loss you are experiencing right now. My own Daddy (that is what all of us called him) passed away 7 years ago last week. I totally related to the "watching him struggle as he leaves us". His journey here is nearing it's end, but his journey is far from over! Please feel the love and prayers that are being sent your way! Bless you and know that God is holding your Daddy in His hand!

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  33. AnonymousOctober 29, 2010 at 10:46 AM

    I want to send you my prayers and love to you and your family. I lost my sister/best friend over 4 years ago. It was sudden. But the Lord allowed us the morning of her death our last sisterly chat and we both said we loved each other. May GOD give you his strength & LOVE. You are such an inspiration to us!

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  34. WhimceesOctober 29, 2010 at 9:54 PM

    Hello!

    Thinking of you and keeping you all in my prayers.

    Wishing you a good weekend and a Happy Halloween!

    Hugs,

    Barbara Diane

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  35. AnonymousOctober 30, 2010 at 12:21 PM

    Ellen, just found your blog. Family first. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Take good care. As someone who lost my Dad this past Easter, love him everyday. Hugs. Maureen

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  36. StaceOctober 30, 2010 at 12:53 PM

    Oh Ellen, I am so sorry to hear this. Big hugs are going out for you and your family. Take care of yourself, we will be here when you get back.

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  37. mindy grayOctober 30, 2010 at 7:46 PM

    Thinking of you. Hugs

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  38. PatOctober 30, 2010 at 9:43 PM

    I agree spending every minute with your Dad is so important...one you will never ever regret! I know from experience it is a hard thing to do, but it is so important once they are gone. Prayers that you and Him will have the strenght to get thru everything.
    Pat L

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  39. zuziquOctober 31, 2010 at 12:59 PM

    Thinking of you, Ellen, and also very understanding of your situation right now. Praying for you.

    Sue B

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  40. WhimceesNovember 1, 2010 at 8:07 AM

    Hello,

    Wishing you well. I am keeping you all in my prayers.

    Hugs,

    Barbara Diane

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  41. vicki - rochester nyNovember 3, 2010 at 9:26 PM

    God bless you and your family as you help your dad leave this world for the next. We had my dad in hospice also - those people were angels on earth. I will say a prayer for you all.

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  42. Patrice HNovember 4, 2010 at 3:56 PM

    Oh Ellen I am praying hard for you and your family. I'm glad you are able to be with your father at this time. He has a lot to be proud of in his daughter. Warm hugs and kind wishes are sent your way.

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