My Daddy's Story

 On Wednesday, July 23, 2014 my father was diagnosed with glioblastoma which is a very aggressive type of brain cancer.  I cared for him and took him to many doctor appointments since April where he complained of his head feeling "foggy" and a general feeling of "unwell." 

During the week of August 3rd - 9th we had a wonderful time.  Even though he was a bit tired, we set up a lunch date with several of his friends.  We had a picnic at the ski hill for Brett's birthday, a ward picnic and a picnic at the mill with his employees and friends.  He thought about riding his motorcycle to the mill.  I talked him out of it.  It was an absolutely wonderful week!  On that Saturday I took him to Lakewood to spend the afternoon with long-time friends Jim and Cheryl.  We had a good time and he got to ride in his convertible.

 On Friday, the 8th we had an appointment called a chemo teach.  It was to inform us of how to handle the chemo pills and what precautions to take with not only the pills but any bodily fluids as well.  He was very fatigued during that appointment.  I noticed his balance was just a bit off as well.

 I am so grateful for the opportunity to have had him in my home.  He came to church with me on the 10th.  I had the distinct feel that he would not be in church with me ever again.  This would be his last time.  By Monday he was headed in a downward direction.

 Tuesday was the first radiation treatment.  He did well but was very fatigued and slow moving.  By evening he had fallen twice so we did what we could to make things easier for him.  Susie and I spent the night and we discussed what we could/should do.  By Wednesday morning we both doubted we could get him to treatment.  He couldn't stand under his own power and could barely sit up alone.  Heartbreaking is the only way to describe my feelings. We met with the Radiology oncologist following his treatment and determined hospitalization was the next step.

 A week in the hospital.  Lots of family took turns sitting with him.  He had a good evening on Thursday.  It was truly a tender mercy sent from our Heavenly Father.  By Friday he was very agitated and unable to have the radiation treatment.  We, as a family, had already decided that we didn't want anymore treatments.  By Monday morning the health care professionals agreed with us.  Tuesday, the 19th, all was finally in place for him to be moved to Birch Hill Health Care facility.

In the end, we are blessed to know of the plan of salvation.  We pray that this struggle will go quickly and he will go back to be with my mom once again.  He has lived a wonderful, active life.  He is the most generous and kind man I have ever known.  That isn't just my thought.  Many have benefitted from his kindness and generosity.  He loves us all deeply and unconditionally even though he doesn't always say it.

I thought about what to say to him.  This is what I would say.  I'm sure I couldn't do it without tears.  "If I could choose who I wanted to be my daddy, I would choose you.  You have taught me about service, love and kindness.  I am forever grateful that I am blessed to be your daughter."

Elder Pleshek

We received this gem via email today.  It is so wonderful to see my son with that missionary badge on his pocket.  We didn't get an email from him this week so this was the one thing I was looking forward to. 

City of Joseph Reunion

 A long weekend at Camp Nauvoo with many friends from our City of Joseph family.  We saw some people we haven't seen in 10 years.  It was fabulous!  Of course, we had our four beautiful grandchildren along so that was extra fun. Evie wasn't too sure about the stilt thing.

 Brock wanted to try all the games.

 Adam needed to try rolling the hoop.  He did pretty good.

 They all sat down and watched a puppet show and each brought home a sock puppet.

 There was a race between Pat and Rhonda in braiding.  I'm guessing Rhonda won.

 A handcart ride.  All the kids rode with their Papa while Clare and Sammi pulled and Tom pushed.

 I took a picture of each of the kids on the temple grounds.  Cami's turned out super cute once we got past the posing.

 Adam didn't give me many good shots but I love this one.

 Evie was a moving target so I was very pleased to get this one.

 I got a lot of this one.  He gave me the best smile.  I even got a few of him doing his "David" face.

 We haven't seen Ellen and Bennett in 10 years.  They look at young and beautiful as ever.

 Deanna did her best to get all of us but you can see we had some unwilling participants.

 Clare, DeAnna and baby Anne.

 The kids on Monday morning on the banks of the Mississippi.

We had to wait on the bridge for a barge so some got out to watch.

 



Unwanted News

A few hours after we dropped Andrew off at the MTC and Erin off at her apartment, I got a call from Kurt.  My dad has not been well and has been hospitalized for several days since I left.  After an MRI of the head, there was a tumor discovered.  A biopsy on Wednesday afternoon confirmed it is glioblastoma.  Basically, a very aggressive type of cancer. The prognosis was not positive.  Possibly three months if he does nothing and perhaps a year if he has treatment.

I wasn't shocked.  I still felt that very calm, peaceful feeling I had from Andrew's blessing.  Although it isn't the outcome I would have chosen, I was not surprised. I knew there was something very wrong as he wasn't getting any better but rather was getting worse following his gall bladder surgery.  Headaches were relentless. Loss of balance also very evident.  This is in God's hands and whatever the outcome of the treatments, it will be right.

When the day comes, it will be bittersweet.  Bitter because stupid cancer will have taken my daddy away from me and sweet because he then will get to be with his sweetheart, my mom.  How can I possibly be sad about that?  I absolutely adore my dad and always have.  He was my hero as a little girl.  I think he was the first man that ever danced with me.  It will be hard, but for now he is living with me and I have the privilege to care for him. 

Andrew's Farewell Trip

 A vacation to Utah for one main purpose. To drop Andrew off at the MTC to begin his full-time mission.  We began our trip by going to Muscatine and then on to Nauvoo for a temple trip before we ever went any further.  A night at the Fillmore house and some last good-byes on Sunday morning.

Two stops along the way to see historic sites.  First on Sunday at Winter Quarters.  It was interesting and nice to just stop and walk around.  A night spent at a motel in Nebraska before heading west in the morning. 

 The next stop was Martin's Cove.  We didn't actually take the time to hike to the cove itself.  A quick tour, a few photos and off to Evanston we went.  A night spent with Brian and Kellie Welling before the last leg to Provo.  We went to the temple before picking up Erin.

Once we got her, it was on to Lehi to drop off her car and then further north to Salt Lake City.  Howard Sharp was Pat's mission president.  Pat thought it a great idea to have President Sharp stand in as he set Andrew apart as a missionary.  It was indeed a special occassion.

Then over to Midvale to see Ashley Sharp who is housing his bicycle and bedding.  It was good to meet her again and I am glad he will have the opportunity to perhaps serve in their area.  At least he knows someone a little.

Since I forgot to take a photo with Presidents Sharp and Pleshek, this will have to be the photo of Andrew and his stake president.  This was just prior to the MTC "tuck and roll."

 You can't leave your Mom without a picture.

These two had a great time together for just about a day.  More tearful good-byes and we took him to the curb-side drop off.  He's nervous and scared and homesick, but the Lord will take care of him.  Of this I am certain.