Sunday, June 20

Our first Father's Day without Dad. We prepared for the day by scheduling events together...had grilled steak at Doug's last night with sides provided by Kris & myself. And today we met at J's Pizza for a late noon meal...Keith, Kris, Paul, Cathy, Lukas, Halle, Mom & myself. (Austin spent the major part of the day with his "Papa", Hal. Doug was at this parents' for dinner, and came late.) We concluded our meal with a toast to Dad. Bittersweet.

Mom came to church this morning and sat in the same pew she & Dad sat in for years. After my part in the service was over, I came down & sat with her.

Boy...everything is weird without Dad.

Another week starts tomorrow (the two week mark), and it's also the beginning of summer...the longest day of the year. Storms have been rumbling across this part of the country...lots of rumbling...and rain...lots of rain. More coming this night, too. Ah, me!

We do not lose the ones we love,

They only go before.

Where there is everlasting life,

And darkness is no more.

There the soul will always live,

And peace is everywhere.

We do not lose the ones we love.

God takes them in His care.

~Unknown~

Friday, June 18

Yeah! Now my niece is a blogger, too! I told her this is therapeutic...hope she enjoys it. I'll be watching!
Friday...couldn't have gotten here too soon for me this week. I managed to make it through (with some lousy sleep at night) and am glad the weekend is here. We are planning on some get-togethers for Saturday night and maybe Sunday noon. Trying to get through this Father's Day holiday will be difficult.
Doug is planning on grilling steaks tomorrow night for Keith, Kris, Mom & myself. Then Sunday, I think we have dinner over at Keith's...Paul is serving at mass in the morning (in Omaha, I think) so the time is questionable. I'm hoping Cathy gets to spend some time with her Dad that day, too.
We continue to receive mail of sympathy cards & memorial gifts. We are truly blessed to have so many wonderful friends! And to know that Dad made such an impression on peoples' lives...it is awesome for us!
Thank you everyone!

Thursday, June 17

This is a picture of my kids with Mike & Lukas after Dad's Memorial Service. Cutie patooties, huh?

Anyway, after work tonight, I helped Mom finish...yes, finish...the thank you notes for all our friends! Yeah! And whew!

Then, I brought her over here to my house, where we had a cold meat sandwich for supper with some ice tea. I got on this web site and let her read the entire blog...she, having been Dad's caretaker, had not been able to read what I'd been writing.

We got together our lawn chairs, and then took off for Austin's city league game. (I know...it DOES seem like Austin has games every night, doesn't it?) We sat with Cathy, Mike & Lukas, and Marcelene. The wind was blowing strong, and we were in the shade, so we didn't feel the heat so bad.

It's nice that we have some things to go to, so she can get out of the house. Not sure what tomorrow will bring.

Love to all!

Wednesday, June 16

I got my car back today...the bank is helping me out a little bit here! And then went to Austin's baseball game with Cathy & her family. The sun was behind clouds, so the weather was nice & breezy.
After getting back home, I went over to Mom's and helped out with the thank you's. She had made a BIG dent in the list, and I was able to help whittle it down to maybe a dozen left for tomorrow. Thank you everyone for the memorial gifts, the yummy foods, and the beautiful flowers. With the memorial money we hope to be able to designate it for a large project in the church, or a needed repair, or upkeep in some way. Dad loved that building. We still see his fingerprints everywhere on it!

Tuesday, June 15

Here is Keith, Emily, Mom, and I after the Memorial Service last Saturday morning. Oh, my goodness...does that shirt make me look FAT!

Today, I found out that the fuel pump went out on my car...thank you, Keith, for all the legwork, phone work, and time you spent down at Champ's checking on the car for me! You are a God-send!

So, I may be in the cheese line before the end of the month...but at least the car will be working! And, of course...there's my scooter!

Monday, June 14

Sunday, June 13

The Celebration of Life service was both meaningful and respectful. The National Guard presentation of the American flag to Mom was moving...I can't even describe it. Paul spoke with heartfelt emotion, bringing us a picture of Dad as a grandpa that was tender and humorous at the same time. He evoked scripture & reference to saints, and composed a picture of words to describe heaven with Grandpa in it.
Keith was also spot on, and tugged at my heart. I could not have done it...he was amazing, too. Micky recited the poem Emily had written for Dad on Father's Day.
And Pastor Andy spoke of Dad as the Lord's servant...just as I always envisioned.
ALL THE GRANDCHILDREN were there! The family took up half the pews on the west side. What a sight we must have made coming down the aisle.
*************************************************
Brandon left around 2:00 for the KC airport. So, he missed a family birthday party for Halle who turned 14 last Thursday. Cathy's house was busting at the seams! And today, I drove Kevin to the KC airport to catch his flight. Mom said she had a small Walmart list, as did I, so I brought her with us. We planned on stopping at Maryville on the way home, but my car suddenly stopped, and I do mean STOPPED, about 17 miles south of Maryville!
Doug's daughter Amber & her guy Ethan were in Maryville for a movie, so they drove down to check on the engine. (Ethan is a very handy farmer, who knows his stuff!) And then Keith came down, too, bringing Keith III with him. They pushed the car to the side of the road, Doug called Snyder's for a tow, and we left it sitting there.
Keith took us on to Walmart, and then brought us home. I'm afraid Mom will never ride with me again! (She also mentioned she wished we'd brought her car!)
Anyway, Doug & I took a ride on the Harley and saw that it was indeed back in Clarinda.
I must add at this point that Doug had an equally bad day. His Tahoe is broke down, so he drove the pickup to the Dollar General. In the parking lot it caught fire, they called 911, and the fire department came to the rescue!
Now, we are both "vehicle-less"!
More on that later.....................

Monday, June 7

Dad passed away this morning. Early. 2:45 a.m. The Lord came to meet him, reached for his hand, and welcomed him home. We said good-bye. And on the other side, others said "Hello, Keith! So glad you are home!" His parents, brothers, relatives, friends, even my son...all were there to greet him...I know this is true.
Christ has prepared a beautiful room for him in His mansion. Keith, a good and faithful servant, a man of integrity & honor, obedient son, loyal brother, faithful husband, and fantastic father.
He is finally at peace and in a safe place, healed and whole, and resting his weary head on an angel's wings. The journey was long and arduous, sad and painful, difficult and fearful. But he is there now!
We love you, Dad! Thank you for all you taught us, we will never forget your love, your diligence, your steadfastness, your faith, and your integrity.
You were a great man on earth, and you will be a great soul in heaven!

Sunday, June 6

Sunday...it seems like we've been doing this such a long time, watching over him, administering pain meds, giving him drinks of water from a spoon, trying to help him roll over to his side, etc. etc. etc.
This noon I made tater tot casserole. And tonight, Doug brought over supper. He grilled burgers & hot dogs, and made fried potatoes! It was a feast!
This little family has such great love for him, and for each other. Like Kris said, "He's a great man." Emily has told him not to be afraid. Keith told him he'll take care of us all. Paul has come and prayed over him. Cathy dropped by and checked on him, and brought Mike and Lukas with her. And Clara stopped in with CJ. Micky called for updates while driving back to N.C. Gwen called, Lanny called, Larry called, Loretta called, Bob called. So many of us who love him!
And there's more...I just can't name them all tonight...I'm sorry if I've missed your name, but you know you are in our hearts. Thank you.
As for me, I sing to him..."Jesus Loves Me". And I lay my hands on his, and pray fervently for the Lord's servant, Keith.
Tomorrow's another day...........

Saturday, June 5th

Very emotional day for us all. It seems so near, yet at the same time, Dad seems so strong...physically & mentally. Emily & Micky got home near suppertime, and we were so glad to see them. They will be staying over through the night, and Keith, Kris, Doug & I will go back in the morning.
Mom is very brave, hugging us and telling us we'll be okay. How does she do that? My mother is equally strong...she learned from the best, I guess.
I talked on the phone to Bob, Larry, and Lanny today. Such a wonderful family we have...thank you for being there for us.
Cathy came over for awhile, and Doug brought over pizza for the evening meal. Emotionally spent, but physically fed.
Until tomorrow.........

Friday, June 4th

The Hospice nurse came to the house today. She (Marsha) did an evaluation, and went over lots of things with Mom for a couple hours. She examined Dad, and then talked about what the nurses would do each time they arrive.
We have a short time left with him.
He is not always aware of his surroundings. In fact, at times I'm sure he's not aware I am there. Keith brought home some extra items from the hospital that should help us in caring for him. I think many times Mom must be spent...but she is still going strong. There are many sad times for us. And we are trying to make as many decisions now, while we can, rather than later.
Emily is on her way home from Texas...should arrive in the morning. I am staying at the house this evening, taking my turn at support & assistance as needed. I cooked a small supper for Mom and myself...meatless spaghetti and Italian blend veggies! And I've just come home quickly to shower & write this blog, then I'm on my way back (it's only a 4 block distance for those who don't know...this end of town seems to be the Wilson compound! Keith is just a block from me, and 4 from the folks!)
Pray for an easy night for Dad, Mom and myself. The least amount of anxiety, the better!
Pray for strength!
Love to everyone...

Thursday, June 3

Happy Birthday to my sister, Emily! She is "__" years old today!

Today I must say, Dad seems to be slipping away...a slow decline that shocks & stuns me every time I see him again. Mom is amazing. I'm so proud of her.

Doug brought over some fresh strawberries for her, and she really enjoyed them with ice cream. He brought over some radishes, too, since she mentioned she was hungry for those, too. The garden is growing strong!

Mom asked Kris to spend the night and stay in the spare bedroom. It makes her feel better having someone there for support, just like last weekend when Emily and Mick stayed over.
I went into the bedroom before I left, and told Dad goodnight. He said, "Good night...see you tomorrow."

June 2, Wednesday

Dad was confused today. When I arrived after work, Mom was busy talking to him about what was happening.

He hasn't had much to drink today. And a couple times has gotten out of bed without her knowledge. I don't think he recognized me, or realized I was there, even though I got very close to his face.

Keith stopped by later, after I'd left to go to Austin's ball game, and remarked upon the same thing...he didn't think Dad recognized him either.

I'm hoping that he will sleep through the night. Mom is getting so tired, and her back is hurting (that half-bent position we get into when we talk to him while he's laying in bed).

Hospice has been contacted, and the first visit is scheduled for Friday morning. Please pray for Dad, a servant of our Lord Jesus Christ, and a child of God. And pray for Mom, a child of the Lord in need of His strength and love.

Tuesday June 1

In his own words, Dad said, "Had a bad day." Wasn't strong enough to get up from bed, though he did sit on the side for a bit. His voice seems weaker, his stomach more upset, his vision also affected.

As he was holding my hand tonight, he accidentally scratched me. Apologizing, he said, "Oh, I scratched you." I told him it was alright, it was nothing. He said, "My fingernails are kinda long." I agreed, and told him we'd have Mom clip them tomorrow.

He seems concerned about us...asking both Keith and I if we'd had a hard day at work. Several times. We all talked about the severe thunderstorms that went through tonight. (We were all grateful there was no tornado activity!) He could hear the thunder.

At one point when Mom walked into the room, Dad said, "There's that pretty lady." Then, Mom started yawning, so Keith, Kris & I said we'd all go home so she could get to bed. The storm was over anyway. We didn't have to worry about what to do if the tornado sirens sounded!

Long day.