So, I guess you could say I have been missing in action for a few weeks. The last week of September, I received word that my dad may not have long to live so I flew out to be with him and to help my mom. We really had a pretty good couple of weeks, that I will treasure always, before he passed away. I was so lucky to have been in a position to drop everything and go!
My dad passed away on October 17, 2011 following a 16 month battle with esophageal cancer. I will forever miss him but am so thankful that he isn't suffering. Thank you Hospice of North Idaho for keeping him comfortable until the very end and for helping us be as prepared as possible for his passing.
Following his death, I was stunned to find out that my "job" wasn't done! I had no idea how much work there is to do in the next few days. With all of the preparation Hospice gave us, I guess I must not have "read that pamphlet"! Perhaps in my "spare time", I should tackle writing my own!
Five days after my dad's memorial service, MM and I headed back to Kona. It felt so good to be home again and I just dove headfirst into my work. I cut out 80 kimono keys, cut out 14 bags, went to a movie and dinner and gave my kitties lovin's. That was all in one day! The next night I got a call that mom had undergone an emergency appendectomy and developed complications. Long story shorter, after being gone for 5 weeks and only home for 30 hours, I headed back to Idaho to care for a very sick mama. She spent the next 10 days in the hospital. Looking back, those days seem like a blur! Is it really November?
Thankfully, my mom is recovering and I am looking forward to being back in the islands very soon. While I have been away, MM has been cutting fabric and making linings for bags to keep the cogs turning in the studio. I do not know how I would have handled all of this without him in the wings. Throughout my dad's illness, I have learned to not procrastinate. Things in life can change so fast that I've had to take every advantage of time that exists to get things accomplished. Of the many "gifts" that my dad gave me over the course of my life, my most treasured are the intangible ones. The life lessons I guess. He taught me by his example how to work hard and to never give up. He preached that "Life is like a battery" to remind me that without both a positive and a negative, life wouldn't have that "spark". He gave me his blue eyes and his crooked smile full of big teeth. So although he is "gone", my dad will always be very close to me. Even when no one else has a clue where in the world I am!
a hui hou
5 comments:
Your write-up update is touching. It truly is a blessing to be with those you love in their last days! You are one of the last things he will remember up there in Paradise! No matter what - I believe our loved ones - still sees us from up there and knows whats going on ! ;) He sees you and is proud of you !
Glad to hear your mom is recovering & nice to have you back!
Barb..You don't know me, although I have children on the BI. Several of my loved ones own a Sasaki Bag. I am still looking for my special bag. :) Beyond that..I was very touched by your recounting of your recent experience with your Dad and Mom, especially the life lessons your Father left you. Peace and comfort to you and yours at this special time.
Christine Nance
My Dearest Barb,
You have been such a "ROCK" during this tough time in our lives. I know how much it has taken out of you, I could never have fulfilled Dad's final wish to be kept at home without you and I will forever be so thankful for that.
Then you had to go beyond the call of duty and rush back to take care of me in the hospital. I know that was so very hard. I do thank you from the bottom of my heart. I love you with all of my heart. Please take care of you when you return home and be gentle with yourself. You need it and deserve it!!
Mom
Your mom's comments brought me to tears.
Hugs to all of you.
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