On a dark but not very stormy night, after several attempts the bonfire was finally lit.
My Dad loves his garden and spends as much time as possible looking after the trees, bushes, flowers and shrubs. Then once a year on Bonfire Night he burns as much woody rubbish as possible and I have shared a picture of him from last year on the post here. This year was much quieter with fewer people coming over to my parents but we still stirred the Christmas pudding as per family tradition.
I really appreciated the opportunity to spend time alone with Dad at the bottom of the garden, keeping warm as the flames roared with burning garden detritus. We had the opportunity to chat, mostly about my work in the NHS, he always listens, gives an opinion and indulges my mad ideas! Spending time with my Dad is more important than ever,
This time last year he was 3 cycles in to his chemotherapy, at Christmas he developed arterial blood clots and almost had his leg amputated. The chemo had to stop and he was left with damage to the leg and has to wear a supportive splint. Sadly we got the news that the cancer has now spread to his liver and lungs. He is the bravest person and his faith in God really gives him strength. The prognosis is poor, just months maybe longer with chemo, so yes he has decided to try again with those evil drugs and has completed his first cycle, the second has been delayed due to a low white blood count.
Last year Deb shared on her blog about her Mum Marti and her cancer diagnosis. Through her honesty many of us learnt about the signs and symptoms of Ovarian cancer and it raised awareness as we became part of Team Teal supporting Marti with thoughts, prayers, cards and letters. When my dad was first diagnosed I wanted to 'talk' to Deb as she was the one person who knew what I was going through. Marti lost her battle with cancer only a few weeks ago, since then I have been thinking long and hard about my Dad. So I want to honour Marti's memory by continuing to bring cancer to the attention of anyone who might read this blog so I will share more of my Dad's journey with you.
I would like to repeat this quote from Deb's last blog post
"Endurance is not just the ability to bear a hard thing, but the ability to turn it into glory." ~ William Barclay
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Oh this is really a lovely way to record a story today. I'm sending my best wishes to you and your Dad as he deals with this utterly dreadful disease.
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet memory of standing with your dad around those fires. Sending lots of hugs and blessings your way.
ReplyDeleteRinda
So glad you got to stand and spend time with your dad. Cancer is a horrible disease. I'll be holding your Dad, family and the medical teams in the light. Glad he wants to continue to fight.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds to me as if some of that bravery has come down a generation :) It can't have been easy to write this, but it's so very worhwhile and such a lovely way to journey with your Dad. It's a privilege to have you share your story with us today and I just know everyone who reads will be looking out for more news so they can help to support you all.
ReplyDeleteSuch a lovely memory,Ruth....sending positive thoughts to you all.
ReplyDeleteThese are special moments to write about and thank you for sharing them. Sending you all support and blessings.
ReplyDeleteOh, honey - I'll be thinking of and praying for you all. Thank you for sharing this with us, it can't have been easy. I'm glad you had that special time just being with your Dad - wishing you many more xx
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you are getting some quality time with your Dad. I honestly don't know which is worse, losing someone without any warning or watching them deteriorate. My best friend's MIL was diagnosed out of the blue a couple of months ago with brain cancer and she is likely to slip into a coma within the next few days. It is a cruel disease and I hope you get many more quality moments with your Dad, embrace every second. Best wishes x
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing. I've said a little prayer for your Dad just this minute. It is good that he has his faith to lean upon, as well as a loving supporting daughter. Blessings to you all.
ReplyDeleteI remember last year's post - I'm glad that there's been another bonfire and pudding stirring with everyone present. I *hope* that there's a repeat performance next year too ... but in the meantime enjoy every moment you have with your Dad, take the time to talk with him and know that your blog friends are here to support you ♥
ReplyDeleteThat is a really lovely post. I can not begin to imagine what you are going through and I pray that you will be comforted in all that is to come.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear this Ruth.....will be keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers...so glad you got to spend time with your dad this bonfire night
ReplyDeleteAlison xx
Oh Ruth, I am so honored by your kind words. My heart breaks for you because I do know exactly what you are going through, and I am so very proud of you for including this story on your blog. I never really knew how my posts on my mom's cancer would be perceived, but I'm sure glad I put it all out there. The support I have received from our blogging community has been incredible! I continue to think of you and your family often, and I do hope you will continue to share information about your dad here on your blog! Well done, my friend! xo
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