Mikelly Posted October 26, 2002 Share Posted October 26, 2002 ...My dad, who is 64 years old, was admitted into the hospital today with pneumonia and a very low hemoglobin count, as well as blood in his stool. When I got to the hospital this afternoon he looked so pale that I was taken aback... I've never seen him so week and frail and it rocked me to the core of my being. I realized tonight just how much this man means to me, and the significance of my life because of his. My father taught me about cars at a young age. He taught me the fine art of dumpster diving through the junkyards for a part, how to change out a clutch in an F100 Ford three speed, and to do brake shoes in 10 minutes. He also taught me how much more important it was to say something meaningfull, or say nothing at all. He is a quiet man. But when he speaks, it is like finding a fine gem. You know that what he is saying is worth hearing. It took me going away to a war zone back in 1996 to actually tell my father what his life had meant to me at that time. I actually took the time to tell him how much he means to me, and how much I truly appreciated everthing he did for me when I was growing up. Tonight, we talked a bit about his retirement that we are planning for, how much money he has lost in the stock market through his 401K, and just how much he will get when all is said and done, based on the current trend. I had to choke back tears to tell him not to worry about that. Here he was fighting to breath and whisper to me, and all he was worried about was making sure my mom had enough money to do her weekly shopping. No amount of telling him "Dad, I'll cover it, don't worry about it" would matter to him. He wants things his way, and he wants to stand on his own feet. Pride is a strange thing. I can't remember the last time I heard my dad tell me he loved me, but he did tonight, and it really hit me hard. I'm not ready to go it alone yet, and I told him so. He squeezed my hand and whispered "you already are".. It broke my heart... I'll be back there again tomorrow, and the next day, and until we bring him home... Been a rough day guys... Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Anonymous Posted October 26, 2002 Share Posted October 26, 2002 Best of wishes and a fast recovery. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Anonymous Posted October 26, 2002 Share Posted October 26, 2002 Best of wishes and a fast recovery. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sumo Posted October 26, 2002 Share Posted October 26, 2002 Hang tight Mike, my father was also in the hospital last year. He was over medicated and exhausted. We thought he had alzheimers setting in, it turned out that he only needed one out of the three blood pressure medicines. My fathers short term memory was gone and he kept asking the same questions over and over. He was only in for a few weeks, and after a few months he recovered. I know what you're going thru so just hang in there. It's hard to see your parents in that situation. They took care of us when we were sick, now we take care of them. It was a hard year for me because i never experienced anything like it before. My dad has fully recovered now so that helped me in my recovery too. It helps to talk about it so if you need to talk to anybody were here or email me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VRJoe Posted October 26, 2002 Share Posted October 26, 2002 Hang in there Mike and tell him he's got a whole lot of folks pulling for a quick and full recovery. Remind him that you're going need help getting the garage finished -Joe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest 280Tom'z Posted October 26, 2002 Share Posted October 26, 2002 Hey Mike sorry to hear all of that and i know how much my father means to me so i can only imagine how great of a man he is and how much he means to you i hope the best for him and for a speedy recovery i wont be back til next week so i'll be prayin for him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pparaska Posted October 26, 2002 Share Posted October 26, 2002 Mike, very sorry to hear he's not well. I'm praying for a quick and full recovery. Your dad reminds me so much of my own. I thought you were talking about my dad for a minute. Therefore, I believe I know just how you feel about him. BTW, I had to grab the tissue box when I was reading that - you have a way of doing that, you know. Please give me a call if you want to talk - or want me to come by. Hang in there, bud. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike C Posted October 26, 2002 Share Posted October 26, 2002 I REALLY, REALLY feel your pain. My Dad was my best bud and most vocal supporter. He died from metastisized colon cancer in 2000. He was 63. Never got to enjoy his retirement nor did he get to be a grandfather. It has been the single most defining event in my life. My thoughts are with you and your father and my wish is for a speedy recovery. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aviatorx Posted October 26, 2002 Share Posted October 26, 2002 Best wishes Mike for you and your Dad. I never had the opportunity to have that kind of conversation with either of my parents as they both went quickly. Be grateful to have connected on a higher level, and thankful for every day you get together. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blueovalz Posted October 26, 2002 Share Posted October 26, 2002 My thoughts and prayers are with you Mike. My dad went through a similar thing last year and he's back on his feet (last night on the phone he was joking around about how he was feeling at age 70 and describing the "wreck" in the other recliner (my mom). It sounds like you've got a good relationship and memories of you and your dad. I hope I can leave the same for my son. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnc Posted October 26, 2002 Share Posted October 26, 2002 Its really tough for a man who's provided for his family 40+ years to suddenly face the possibility that he can't anymore. Help him keep his pride - its what's holding him together right now. You've made your offer of assistance but start working on ideas and ways he can still be the provider. And be glad you've had the time to tell him you love him. That will help him more then you can possibly imagine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RPMS Posted October 26, 2002 Share Posted October 26, 2002 I'll say a prayer for your dad, and for you too, Mike. You're both going through a hard time right now. How is your mother holding up through all this? I imagine it must be really tough on her, too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Anonymous Posted October 26, 2002 Share Posted October 26, 2002 Sorry Mike, prayers and best wishes to your father. Once again, sorry man. Regards, Lone Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest zfan Posted October 26, 2002 Share Posted October 26, 2002 Our thoughts and prayers go with you. I pray for a quick recovery for your Dad! Remember to tell the ones you love that you do love them. It's great to hear this as well, Especially from your Father! Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Two40MuscleZ Posted October 26, 2002 Share Posted October 26, 2002 Mike: Parents play such a major role in our lives. They give us everything they can and ask for very little in return. Remember the love and bond you have with them. Charish the moments you spend together. Never fail to express your love and feelings for them. A father could have no greater blessing, than to know he has the love and respect of his children. I have every confidence that he will make it through these trying times. You must remain strong and rise to the challenge at hand. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Sincerely, VAN Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikelly Posted October 26, 2002 Author Share Posted October 26, 2002 Just got back from the hospital and my father, although still weak, is doing much better. Temps were down to 99 degrees from 103, and he is starting to cough up most of the crap in his lungs. They are going to do a colonoscopy on him in a few days, as well as a lower GI. They need to find out why he is bleeding in his stools. So he'll be in there for atleast 3-5 more days. His color has returned and he looks SOOO much better. Nurse told me today that last night he was critical, but today they feel that he is making MUCH progress and is on his way back onto his feet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
auxilary Posted October 26, 2002 Share Posted October 26, 2002 good to hear that, mike. when you mentioned the color, i remembered my uncle who passed in february. i was with him the day before he died, and he was yellow. at that point i knew this was the time to say goodbye while he was still conscious and comprehensive Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MYRON Posted October 27, 2002 Share Posted October 27, 2002 Mike, Thats great to hear! I am sure things will work out for the best. Myron Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DavyZ Posted October 27, 2002 Share Posted October 27, 2002 I'm praying for a speedy recovery for your Pop. Hope he feels his good self again soon Davy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kevin Shasteen Posted October 27, 2002 Share Posted October 27, 2002 Glad to hear that Mike. When I read this post for the first time this morning....I was moved by the despiration in your initial posting; losing anyone in your family is tough, but especially someone as immediate as your mother, father, brother or sister. Glad to hear your Dad is doing better! Kevin, (Yea,Still an Inliner) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.