Words can’t expressed how much I’ve appreciated your support over these past two weeks. I’ve felt your love and I know Heavenly Father has heard your prayers in behalf of my dad. Here’s an update:
Thankfully my dad is still with us but continues to fight the hardest battle of his life. He lost the ability to walk and is having to start over from scratch doing the simple things in life. He’s been moved from the hospital to a rehabilitation center near their home. Yesterday I sat by his side for several hours and he kept saying how much he loved me and wanted to hold my hand. I asked how he was feeling (he had a very rough day) and he said “I’m dying.” When he says that, our family’s standard answer is “We all are!” I continue to be buoyed up by my wonderful mother and the unique relationship she and my dad share. She is by his side 24/7. She slept at the hospital on a very uncomfortable recliner and continues to stay with him at the center. It’s a very difficult situation but she handles it so courageously. Thanks again for all your messages of hope and cheer. I’ll keep you posted! During this ordeal I’ve still been able to find joy in the journey. Here are a few happy thoughts on this dismal November day:
Happy Thought #1. While going through this tough ordeal, my pal, Hilary Weeks, gave me a sneak peak of a song on her new album. You MUST watch this video now called Beautiful Heartbreak! It’s simply amazing and will make you cry. If I were in the video, I’d be holding up a sign that says “Aging “Parents.” Watch the video and you’ll know what I mean. It can be purchased here on iTunes and is from the album Every Step.
Happy Thought #2: I saw this idea on Pinterest and knew I had to make it my own. Brecken has a big space on the wall under her vaulted ceiling and this is what we did this week:
It was super fun and easy to do! I simply gathered 12 old frames I had around the house (the more eclectic the better) and choose 12 pieces of patterned paper that matched her room. (Most of the paper is from the American Craft’s Crate Paper line.) I cut the paper to fit each frame, then placed American Craft’s sticker numbers over the top of the glass. The next step was to hang the frames in a circle, then place the clock movement in the center. The tricky part for you will be to find a clock movement. You could remove the hands from an old clock or I can try to talk my pal, Angie Sheffer, into selling some to my blog readers. Angie is the owner and creator of For All Time Clocks (see “Happy Thought Number 5″ below!). Let me know if you’re interested in buying a stand-along clock movement and I’ll see what I can do.
Happy Thought #3: I LOVE the American Crafts sale each November and December. If you live in Utah or a nearby state, it’s definitely worth the time to stop by! As you know, Crate Paper is one of my favorite lines of paper.
Happy Thought #4: Collin’s football team remains undefeated. Today is the 5A championship for the state of Utah. It’s televised live at 2:30 p.m. on KJazz. Be sure to tune in and cheer the Knights on to victory. Collin is #51 Defensive End.
Happy Thought #5: If you’re looking for an affordable, unique, amazing gift, be sure to check out this deal on beautiful personalized clocks from For All Time Clocks. This clock is front and center of my home and I always get so many compliments on it:
I’ve given many of these as gifts:
Go here to place an order for a clock. Be sure to put LISAB25 into the discount code–this will give you 25% off all 18″ and 25″ clocks. This is a great deal for a great present. All orders must be place by December 1st to ensure Christmas delivery.
Well, I’m off to the football game! I’ll let you know the results. Hope you’re having a great Friday and staying warm!
Love, Lisa
Prayers are sent to you and your family in this trying time.
Lisa, I have been checking back each day to see how your day is…I have been and will continue to pray for your father and you and your family…What an amazing mother and father you have…
I have actually made a card for your mother and father and one for you and family as well and would love to send these to you from New Zealand…Do you have an address that I could send these to?
Lisa,
Thinking of you and hoping you will find some peace.
Dianne
Dear Lisa,
I just wanted to tell you I’ve been thinking about you a lot since your last post. I don’t know you (although my neighbor knows you from school days or candy striping days or something), but I’ve walked in your shoes. My dad passed away January 20, 2011. My mother followed him 29 days later, on February 19, 2011. I was at both of their sides. I’ve learned many things the last several years as my parents health was failing. What I learned the most, I learned through events leading up to their passing. Heavenly Father is in charge, and His timing can’t be beat. Of all the hard things that were happening all around me, I knew that His hand was over me and helping me to know what to do and how to do it and when to do it. My prayers were answered in very specific and timely ways as I was called on to make very difficult, heartwrenching decisions. I pray that you will feel the love of the Lord…all of your family, extended family, and especially your sweet mother. Warmly, Tirzah Shirley
Lisa, I’m interested in the stand-alone clock movement piece…..
I hope your father continues to improve, it’s very difficult to watch your parents age. I worry about my daughter going through it since I had her when I was 46. I watched both my parents suffer through cancer. It sucks…….hang in there!
Prayers for all of your family. Indeed, God gives us happy thought amidst the most trying of times. God is good!
Glad to hear your dad is doing a bit better. Hang in there. It’s very difficult to see a parent sick and in declining health. Cherish every moment.
Jen
These clocks are the best. I have given them for gifts as well and I have one in my front room as well. I look at mine every day! I love love love it!!
I would absolutely be interested in the clock hands, that is the PERFECT solution for an area in our living room! Love it, can you tell me the length of the hands?
Have been wondering about you and your family lisa, I am praying for you all.
Hey Lisa – I know you’re mom wants to be at your dad’s side every moment, but you guys need to do your best to have her take a break – caregiving takes its toll – especially on those who are older. It’s so hard – but we had to make our mom go home for a few hours while we sat with our dad. So, something to consider… Still praying for you all as you walk this path.
Glad your dad is doing better. I love to hear about your parents and their close relationship. Makes me all tingly and warm.
Hope the fb game went well.
Love the wall in your daughters room how cool.
Lisa – your dad, mom, your whole family is still in my prayers. I am very lucky to live very close to my parents (10 miles) and see them most every day and I am so thankful for that. Hang in there and Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family. God Bless. Gail S.
I am so glad things are getting better. I know how hard it is to watch your parents suffer and struggle.I am still praying for all of you and thank you for keeping us posted. I have been checking daily for an update. Give your parents love from Colorado. Happy Thanksgiving.
Many prayers and blessings continue to come your way. Much love for your sweet mom and dad!!
Lisa,
My sincerest prayers and best wishes are with you and your family.. My father became very ill in February and I’ve been caring for him along with my mother.. They’ve been married since they were 15 and 17. My father has Alzheimer’s and now has Kidney failure and congestive heart failure.. I completely understand the pain and helplessness felt as our hero is stricken with illness. Be strong and continue to be there with love and strength.. God hears our prayers and we will always be daddy’s little girls and his rehab will definitely be hard but having his loving family surround him will give him the motivation.. God Bless you and your family.. Liz
Dear Lisa,
Just wanted to day that my thoughts and prayers for you and your family & I hope your dad continues to get better every day. I know it’s very difficult. I lost my dad when I was just 6 yrs. old…..wish I had more time with him….that was 40 years ago.
You are such an inspiration.
Hang in there and Happy Thanksgiving!
Nice picture of Collin on the Deseret News website showing him causing a Freemont fumble. Way to go Lone Peak! My son who is attending the University of Utah went to the game. Your family will continue to be in our prayers!
Lisa,
Just wanted to say our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. I am glad that your dad is doing better. My Mom just passed on about 4 weeks ago. It was not unexpected but was still difficult. Fortunately the day before we were able to spend all day with her and she knew we were there and she was so peaceful and happy. In many many weeks and month prior her dementia caused her to be sad or angry. It was a joy to have her hold my hand and not be so worried.
I know your father knows how much he is loved and how wonderful his family is.
Find comfort in your family and have a Happy Thanksgiving!
Lisa – I’m sorry to hear about your father. The first thing I thought of when reading his symptoms is an often over looked condition called HYDROCEPHALUS. Cerebral spinal fluid becomes trapped in the brain causing an increase of cranial pressure – major headache. People with hydrocephalus often loose their ability to walk and forget common things such as their phone number or address. A neurosurgeon can diagnose Hydrocephalus from a CT scan or MRI. The treatment is a shunt that drains the fluid and thus relieves the pressure. This condition is more common at birth, with small children or caused by some sort of trauma, so doctors don’t commonly think of it when treating our senior citizens. Gabrielle Giffords now has it as a result of the brian trauma she suffered when she was shot.
I’ll keep your family in my prayers!
Lisa,
Want to wish you and your family a happy Thanksgiving. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Won’t be long now until your missionary son will be home and what a happy new year you will have.
Lisa my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, and especially your Dad. I hope he starts feeling better soon! I loved hearing your friend Hilary sing Beautiful Heartbreak! It was truly beautiful and yes… it made me cry! My beloved 30 year old son died in May. Grief has been a hard process for me to go through. My son was amazing, he’s at peace now, and I know where he’s at. I love to imagine him sitting in Jesus’s lap and singing to the angels. The hardest thing for me is this…I miss him. I miss him more than words can explain! My heart physically feels broken. There are days the grief comes in waves and buries my soul in sadness. Then other days, I celebrate his life with such joy! I never imagined burying one of my children. The universe feels upside down. My balance and internal compass are off kilter. Nothing is as it should be. My heavenly father loves me and I feel blessed in so many ways. Yet, all the good and positive things don’t take away this grief. It’s something I’ve heard I just have to ‘go through’. It was helpful for me to hear you were finding joy in the process. I will keep trying. I’m sending big hugs and lots of love! Cindy
Hi Lisa,
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time. I lost my dad 18 months ago and it is so hard. Enjoy any time you have with him.
Hope you and your family had a happy Thanksgiving.
Hey Lisa,
It’s Kim, remember me? I’m from Mississippi and we hiked Timp together two summers ago, so fun!!! I”m so sorry to hear your dad is struggling, I”ll keep him and your sweet family in our prayers.
On another note, I must have one of those “clock movements”! It would be perfect for my daughter Ashley’s room. Please let me know if she would be willing to sell one to me?
Thank you and have a very Merry Christmas, give your dad a hug from Mississippi!
Kim Cronin
I have been thinking about you and your family. And I’m definitely interested in the clock parts to make a clock with frames. If you know where I can get one I’d love to know.
I know it’s been awhile but do you have any of the clock movement info? Hope you have a wonderful Holiday!
Trish
Just wondering if I can get information on both the clocks and the clock movement. Thanks!
Also, just LOVED seeing the photos of your son at the airport last week. They brought back great memories of that special time in my life too.