Happy Father's Day

This song, since I was an itty bitty girl, reminded me of my Daddy. I used to sing it to my Dad. All those years ago. I remember my Mom buying me the tape, with this song. And I played it over and over. Years later, this would become my favorite song, to sing in the band.

Even way back then, I knew I had a very special Daddy. A Daddy who loved me so very much. That he would do anything for me. Which included all those Barbies, violin lessons, and school trips. But part of my Dad's love, it also included lots of discipline. I'll be the first one to tell you, I'm so grateful for that. At the time, I was scarred of the paddle. I knew when I was in trouble. I knew that I was in for it. But it made me a better person.

As a small child, I also learned the lessons of hard work. Not many kids learn this, as early as I did. Walking up at 4AM to go to Auntie C's house, or Daycare. Seeing my parents work hard. Watching my Dad's literally bleed from hard work. All the hours and hours, that he put into supporting our family. I'll never forget that.

I can tell you so many stories about my Dad. Fun adventures. Even silly things like buying 3 cases of tomato sauce...when my Mom sent us for a can. 1 can! Or distracting another customer at Wal-Mart, so I could get a few packs of notebook paper, from their basket. Come on, they had 2 cases. I just needed 2 packs. :)

Not everything about our relationship has been easy. But I'm grateful for it. I'm so thankful to God, that he gave me my Daddy. The man that loves me. Just because I'm me. Not for any special reasons. I've always known that he loves me and my Mom. And I'm so thankful that as an adult, I'm so much closer to my parents.

I've been so lucky. I've had parents that have seriously supported me. With everything that I've set out to accomplish. Whether it has been moral support for school, or encouragement for my music. I've been lucky. What other Dad, would sit and listen to their daughter, crying on the phone, at 3AM? Not many. But my Dad has been so supportive. Giving me wisdom. Offering advice. Even when I didn't particularly want it...or feel like I needed it.

This year, it's been tough. The last 6 months, they've really tested us. In so many ways. But I'm so thankful to God, for giving me my Dad. For allowing me to be here, when he's needed me the most. And whatever it is, I'll be there for my parents. I owe them so much.

Just 6 months ago, I was pleading with God. Asking for just a little more time. More time with my Daddy. I know that unlike many people, I won't have my Daddy for a long time. He's older than most. But every precious moment that God gives us, I'm so grateful for.

I think about it often. What am I going to do without my Daddy? I'm not sure. But I do know this much, he's given me so much. So much to comfort me, when I need it. Knowledge that will lead me, when he is no longer with me. Love that will always be in my heart.

There are certain things that I wish for. I wish that one day, my Daddy will give me away. That he'll know, I've found a good man, to share my life with. I'd be over the moon, to share my kids with my Daddy. To see the joy that his grandchildren could bring him.

I could go on and on. But more than anything, I want to celebrate, honor, and love my Daddy today. I want him to know, God couldn't have given me a better Dad. My Dad is not just my Dad. He's my best friend. I just hope that he has many more years of love, happiness, and health ahead of him. Happy Father's Day Sunshine! Love, Your Morning Glory! ♫

Thinking About Christmas...

There was not a whole lot that I expected, or wanted, this year for Christmas. I was hoping for a simple day or two at home, with my parents. I had a few things that I really wanted. A couple of craft books, a crochet magazine subscription, and a scarf. Mostly, I was looking forward to some chili rellenos, and time with my parents. And I really wanted to go to Midnight Mass at our church.

It's almost been a month since Christmas. And honestly, this year, Christmas was a blur. I'm not even sure if I wished my Mom a Merry Christmas. I spent the early morning hours talking to my Dad, and praying. Usually I'm up wrapping presents until 4AM! And I had planned on going to Midnight Mass alone. But none of that happened.

It's all OK though. Because my Dad is OK. Minus the little sugar scare yesterday morning. He's honestly doing really well. Gaining strength with each passing day. And I guess being Diabetic Certified is coming in handy now. :) But honestly, Christmas came and went with little notice by me. Sad, but true. All that was on my mind, was getting my Dad healthy. And keeping my Mom calm.

A few years ago, I had a pretty sad Christmas too. Just some personal things that were going on. In the end, my parents and I enjoyed a quiet holiday together. Just the 3 of us. And after Christmas, we took a little road trip through the mountains. That was the year that taught me a lot about myself. For all sorts of reasons.

This year, I looked back on that simple holiday. I'm one of those people that usually write out 500 Christmas cards, bake enough cookies for the US Army, and decorate my house to look like a Christmas Wonderland. Christmas is truly one of my favorite times of year. I just love my religion, and this holiday is all about religion.

But that year, and this past year, it was different. I came home Wednesday, and I saw my sad decorations. Just a wreath on my door, and some bells on my front door. That's it!!! Not me at all! I never set up my Advent Wreath, or Nativity Scene set up. I didn't pick out a Christmas outfit, never finished my shopping, or started my baking, no Christmas cards were sent, and honestly, I think I wore a mismatched pair of sweats on Christmas Day. With snowflake socks, and the same pair of ballet flats that I wore for 2 weeks! I definitely didn't pack, to be home for almost a month.

This year, I definitely became closer to God. It was the first time that I was really scared about losing my Dad. Really scared! As a medical professional, I'm trained to handle tough cases. I've saved a life with a gun to my head. But when it's your parent, it's completely different. And when you see you Dad laying on the ground, bleeding from his head, turning blue, the entire world just stops.

I kept it together. For the most part. I had to. We don't have many people to lean on. And during those first few hours, all my Mom and I really had, was each other. And I needed to protect her. I was the strong one. The one that knew what was coming. The one that sent my Mom to the waiting room, and sat there with my Dad. Knowing that pain and even a bit of yelling was coming.

I anticipated those things. I protected my Mom. And I took care of my Dad. All those nights in the hospital, I stayed up. Talking to my Dad. Praying to God. Pleading with Patrick. Holding on to my faith. And just believing we'd all be OK. I cried. But not until late at night. When my Mom was asleep.

I'm almost positive that my Dad doesn't remember any of this. Or any of the conversations we had. I held tight to my faith. I prayed. I asked God for his grace, love, and strength. And I just held out hope.

We were very lucky. To have amazing people in our lives. Having some of the most amazing friends and family. Friends who are close to my heart. People that I feel closer to than my own family. Lots of prayers. From family and friends, near and far. People who visited every single day. Loved ones that were there for us, when we needed them the most. Whether it was the daily visit, the delicious food, the conversations, the support, or the love...it all meant so much!!!

And during this time, I really felt God's love. I have amazing friends here, that prayed for my Dad and our family. Friends who have never met my parents. They held special masses, said rosaries, and just prayed for us. So many people prayed. And through the power of prayer, love, and support...my Dad made it! :)

It's going to be a long recovery. It's an adjustment for my parents. But I'm just grateful to have my Dad back. He's making a recovery. And I'm so grateful for that. I'm literally speechless. God is Great!!!

This year, Christmas came almost a week late. No fancy dinner. No mass. Heck, I was still wrapping the few presents we had managed to buy one another. It took hours to get through our few gifts. You know, we had a break for a snack, and a little nap. But in the end, I was happy to be with my 2 parents. At home. And healthy.

Christmas isn't about presents, parties, shopping, big meals, or even actually attending mass. It's about those things we hold dear in our hearts. Celebrating Jesus Christ. Remembering what's important. The power of prayer. And the love of family and friends.

This year, the Christmas tree, lights, and all that wrapping paper didn't matter. I didn't watch a single Christmas movie. And I only had 1 relleno. Yes, 1! But I've never been so happy to sit in my parent's living room, listening to my parents sleep. Silly I know. But for us, this year, it really was the sound of pure bliss.

And after weeks at home, 2 trips to my home and back, lots of cooking, cleaning, and medical advice...I'm just happy to know my parents are doing well. Years from now, I'll look back on this holiday season, and remember all the love that I'm surrounded with. The people that truly love me and my family. The people that matter most. I'll remember how love really does conquer all. And that nothing is more important than religion.

Now, I need to get ready. I'm heading home for work. I'll be back by Sunday. To work out here. Honestly, I'm just excited to see my parents! It's been less than 48 hours since I've last seen them. And only 8 hours since we've talked on the phone. But honestly, I cherish every moment that we share. Happy Friday! ♫

Praying for My Daddy

Loving God,
you watch over each and every one of your children.
Hear my prayer for my father.
Be his constant companion.
Protect him no matter where he goes,
and bring him safely and quickly home to those who
love him.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.

We have been so lucky. God has worked in some truly amazing ways. My Daddy is recovering. It looks as though, he's going to be OK. He's going to make it past all of this. God has given us all a second chance. One that I'm so grateful for!

I will still ask for your prayers. And all of your positive thoughts. It's going to be a long road. That much I know. Life is going to be a bit more complicated. We're going to need a few more patients. But we're grateful. Grateful for a second chance.

My family has been so blessed. With so many people, that love and care about us. With a steady, and constant flow of visitors. Such kind hearted people. And such a talented medical team. We're so grateful. Words can't describe just how much it's meant to us.

And for as tired as we are, we're happy. Beyond ecstatic! Just for a second chance. A few more days to fill with love and memories. Another shot at being a family. Yes, we're so excited!

It looks like my Dad should be released within the next few days. Like I said, he's getting better. It's going to take a while for him to recover. But my Mom and I, are just happy to have him. We're ready for the road to recovery, that lies in front of us. ♫

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas! First and foremost, I want to thank my Dear Lord. For giving my Daddy, a second chance. It looks like he is going to recover. That's what the doctor has told us. He's still not out of danger. We're still in the ICU. And it's going to be a very long road. But he should make it. Praise God!

So a little information. My Dad's scans and test all came back looking good. But the doctor is still concerned with a few things. His medication was ridiculously low. So they increased that. His oxygen levels are also really low. So they're monitoring that. He as to have oxygen on 24/7. At least for now. And his sugars are running really high.

But the main concern is pneumonia. Because of his age. And he's had it before. So about twice an hour, they come in to suction him. He does not like it one bit! What can you do? They are really worried about that though.The nurses constantly come to check. Because if the pneumonia fully develops, we're in trouble.

With all that said, he's doing better. Not 100%. Heck, we might be at 20%. But he's doing better. Tonight, he might get his first meal. He's supposed to have a "clear liquid" tray. Of course, he is more concerned with my Mom and I eating. But we have amazing friends and family. All of whom, have been wonderful! We've had more than enough to eat. Thank you guys!

In his usual fashion, my Dad is trying to get out of bed, when we're not paying attention. But for the most part, he's been sleeping. We've had a pretty steady stream of visitors. And we are honestly so blessed. So many people stayed here at the hospital, with us, last night. I think we were up until 2AM!

My Dad is no where near "being himself." He's sleeping a lot. The really deep sleep. Mostly because of all the medications. He's also not really talking. But he is semi aware, of what is going on. He watches us all. And is doing pretty well. And when the doctor told him it was Christmas, he said, "Holy cow! Are you sure? I need to shop." The doctor just laughed! There will be plenty of time to celebrate, when he feeling better.

We've got another amazing nurse today. He's had so much patients with my Dad. Who insisted on sitting in a chair this morning. It took them about 30 minutes to get him in the chair. Then he told the nurse he was tired. So we put him back to bed. And he's been asleep since. So, he really hasn't sat up since Thursday morning.

Like I said, we've had so many visitors. Everyone has been so kind. And we've gotten so many phone calls. We are truly blessed. Like I said, my Dad is making small improvements. We still don't know what's wrong. And honestly, he's not really talking yet. So they can't ask him too many questions.

My Mom is handling this pretty well. Although, she won't leave my Dad's side. But I'm making sure she eats. And sleeps. I've also made sure she is semi-comfortable. Has the necessities and clean clothes. We're just trying to make it. That's all I can say.

I'll keep everyone, as updated, as I can. You can call at anytime. I have all 3 of our cellphones. And you are more than welcomed, to call the hospital room. Or come by! My Dad might not talk to you on the phone, but he enjoys getting the calls. He really lights up when he sees new faces.

Looks like he's waking up. I better get going. I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas. Please keep my family in your prayers. Remember us today, while you are in church. May you have a wonderful day. Merry Christmas! ♫

Please Pray

We've had a pretty bad 24 hours. And now, I'm asking you all for your positive thoughts and prayers. My Dad got really sick yesterday. A lot worse than his "normal" for seizures. And by 9PM, I was calling an ambulance.

We spent a couple of hours in the emergency room. And then we were all rushed up to the ICU. I know it's bad. My Dad is in bed #1. But we've had a good team. An incredibly talented doctor last night. And an outstanding nurse here in the ICU.

Right now, they have my Dad pretty medicated. And he is going to spend most of the morning having scans and tests run. He is completely out of it. But at least, his breathing is becoming more easy. Last night, he struggled so much. At one point, I honestly wasn't sure if he was going to make it. And that really scared me.

I don't have anyone's phone numbers. Neither does my Mom. So if any of my family is reading this, send me a text or an e-mail. I'll let you know what is going on. But for now, please pray for my Daddy.

And I truly hope that everyone has a very blessed Christmas. I will try to keep everyone updated, as much as possible. I love you all. ♫