Things are not too great with Dad right now. We keep on coming across road blocks and think “once this is looked after...”, but once a road block is taken care of another replaces it.
Late last week Dad was having a hard time with breathing and eating (or rather, drinking). Anytime he drank something he couldn’t keep it down. We figured this was possibly because of healing that needed to take place. It turns out to have been a ridiculous fluid build-up.
On Tuesday (after waiting since Friday, arg!) Dad had a procedure to drain fluid from his abdomen. The doctor ended up draining 3.5 litres, which is just incredible to me. No wonder he’s been so uncomfortable!!
Dad felt better right away and we hoped this would mean a bit of a rally on his part. Sadly, Dad is just running out of strength for any kind of bounce back. This breaks our hearts so much. Dad is looking weak. Mom even said she doesn’t think he’ll be able to come home. Admitting these kinds of things may be therapeutically important but it does nothing to assuage raw feelings.
For his part, Dad has said many times he is ready to go ‘home’ and last night said he just wants to see his saviour. Finding the words to express my mixed feelings is not easy. We don’t want to see Dad go. We don’t want him to suffer.
Just so that you know; Dad is in no pain at all. He and mom really feel this is God sparing him having to go through that as well and feel that is how God is honouring all the prayers from so many friends, family and acquaintances. Keep up the prayers for both Dad and Mom. Mom has had to face a lot in the last couple months and has done so well, but we know she struggles at times, who wouldn’t?
A little bit of extra prayer for Carolyn would be appreciated. As I’m sure you know, she lost her Dad just months ago and having to relive it all isn’t easy. She’s feeling just as sad as the rest of us but has the extra burden of emotions and feelings that haven’t had much time to heal.