Father's Day - # 56

Since I am 56, I celebrate the last 56 years with such an incredible Father/Dad beside me and behind me. He has always believed in me and give me the guidance and advice I needed, even when I may not have realized it at the time. He has never withheld from me and when I have a concern or need, he always comes to my mind. He is truly wealthy for his wealth is defined by the presence of his family. When asked what he wanted for a gift throughout my life his response was always the same, "I want to have all my children here with me." Now that has extended to grandchildren and great grandchildren. His happiest moments are those with the family gathered about - time he never takes for granted. That answer has become my response when I'm asked what I want for a gift - "I want to have all my children here with me." I look forward to seeing him soon (by July 4th weekend). Until then my thoughts and prayers surround him and are ever present with him. I love you Dad...

Today I learned that my Dad has been diagnosed as being in the final stages of kidney failure with his kidneys functioning at 9% of their capacity. Also, that he will have to undergo dialysis 3 days a week and it will take 4 hours for each visit. So at 80 years of age, some given the same diagnosis would say this is too much trouble and I'll take my chances. This would be a life or death decision - mostly death. Thing is that's not who my Dad is. News like this knocks the wind out of you as it had to do to him, but then he steps back - considers what his options are - then chooses life. Granted it is not the routine of life that he had envisioned when he retired from work a few years ago but it is the routine that has become necessary. So he does what he has to do to stay connected to those he loves and also waits expectantly for a miraculous healing to take place that will make dialysis no longer necessary. This is not an idle hope, but a real expectancy because it is when he's in a hard place that God is closer to him than his very breath. It is in this place where healing occurs - so that is why I pray for him while he is in this hard place - that his focus shifts off of himself and onto God - giving him perfect vision and vibrant expectation for the future...