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A Life Changing Experience

Taking care of my Dad during the last year of his life changed my life. The call came while I was grocery shopping. Standing there in the crowded store, holding onto a shelf to steady myself as daddy gave me the news that he was terminally ill.

Denial and Realization:

I must admit I immediately fell into denial. It was as if I thought if I pretended it was not happening then maybe it would not happen. Unfortunately that does not work.

I finally had to come to terms with the situation when my dad's friend called to tell me just how ill my dad was. That is when we had to make the decision to move my dad in with us so that I could take care of him full time. This was a hard decision to make but we knew it was the right decision. I had always promised my parents if they ever needed me to take care of them I would do all I could.

I am Stronger Than I thought!

Taking care of my dad was an experience that made me realize just how strong I really am. I realized that I could do and am capable of much more than I ever dreamed. During that year, I learned much about myself.

You see most of the time I was alone. If dad needed anything or if an emergency arose, I had to handle it. There was not time to wait for help. When dad needed help, it was up to me to do all I could do to help him. Many times this took mental and physical strength that amazed me.

During this time, I had to completely depend on my Lord and Savior. I had to help me and strengthen me. There were times when I would go days without rest. Each day was a new struggle and I never knew what the struggle would be until faced with it.

My husband was working many hours during that year. Many times, he would be mandatory to work 12 hours a day 7 days a week. Therefore, it was up to me to take dad to the hospital for tests and to Dr.'s appointments alone.

Many times I remember walking behind my dad as he struggled with his walker almost too week to continue. I would hold onto him trying to help him stay up knowing that if he fell at least he would fall on me instead of the concrete. Thankfully, that never happened. When it became too much for me to handle alone, my husband started going with us. This was an extreme sacrifice because the appointments were when he was supposed to be sleeping.

Team Work:

Daddy and I learned to work together. When we finally called Hospice in, they seemed shocked that I could move daddy by myself when needed. When you have no choice and someone, you love is depending

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