30 March 2009

So sorry, oh so sorry!

With my dad's illness and subsequent passing, I have been away from the regular posts of yarn, knitting and the like.

I would like to sincerely apologize to my SP13, Danielle, that it has taken me soooooooo long to post about the wonderful last SP13 package that I received. Here's a pic:
The sock yarn is Lana Grossa's Meilenweit Marmi. It's the perfect mix of blues and grays for me! I also received a bar of Ballard Organics soap-Peppermint Rosemary. It smells delicious-ok, so I won't eat it, but it does smell oh so good! And finally, a hand knit washcloth (which I have been using!!!) in a pretty silvery blue. It's so soft!! THANKS Danielle!!!!

17 March 2009

Dad's Obituary

You can view Dad's obituary on McComas' website. (Click on McComas and it will take you there.) You can also leave a message there.

16 March 2009

Donation addresses

The donation addresses have been updated for those who desire to make a donation in Dad's name.

15 March 2009

Passed on

Dad passed peacefully this afternoon around 1:30pm with Mom by his bedside. He had a restful night last night so Mom and Aunt Felicia got to sleep all night as well.

We have made arrangements for the viewing and funeral. The viewing will be held at McComas Funeral Home. The address is: 1317 Cokesbury Road, Abingdon, MD 21009. Viewing will be held on Wednesday, March 18th, from 2-4pm and 7-9pm. The funeral mass will be held at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, 1450 Abingdon Road, Abingdon, MD 21009, at 11am on Thursday, March 19th.

Dad was active with both the Boy Scouts and The Knights of Columbus. If anyone wishes to make a donation to either of these organizations in lieu of flowers, that would please please him and the entire family.

Boy Scout Troop 234
c/o Mrs. Cindy Hutchins
2511 Cullum Road
Bel Air, MD 21015

Or

Knights of Columbus, Fr. Maurice Wolfe Council #11372
c/o St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church
1450 Abingdon Road
Abingdon, MD 21009

Thank you to everyone who prayed with us and sent good thoughts our way during Dad's battle with cancer. Many of you have sent such kind words to us already that show us that we were not the only ones who loved and had the utmost respect for Dad.

12 March 2009

Resting Comfortably

Dad is resting comfortably. He was able to get into the hospital bed (with assistance) that was delivered last night. He is also using oxygen. The oncologist said that it was okay as long as it was helping him. Dad didn't eat a whole lot today-a bit of a TastyKake (his favorite) and a ThinMint Cookie. He told Mom that the TastyKake wasn't cold enough-he likes them from the freezer. (They taste better in my opinion and they don't melt as quickly.) Dad was also a big fan of ice chips today. He crunched away.

We all talked to the oncologist this morning and asked the big question of "how long?" We got an answer that was not a surprise to any of us. He told us because everyone is different that it could be anywhere from a week to a month. We are okay with that and know that Dad will no longer be in any pain and that he will be in a better place. We know there are many who await his arrival with open, loving arms.

"...Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." ICor4:16-18
(Lynette, thank you so much for sending this passage to me. It has gotten me through some rough days. I love you!)

10 March 2009

It was the White ones

Dad went to have more blood drawn yesterday and his white cell count is up therefore he can eat anything he wants to eat. When we talked last night, he was eating grapes. I asked Mom if he really wanted them but they needed to be pealed, would she have done it? She says no. Ever tried to peal a grape? I have and it's really not pretty.

Dad continues to be extremely weak. Mom said that she fed him last night because he couldn't even lift the fork. He was only able to talk on the phone for about a minute before he was out of breath and coughing. The coughing has increased since Dad's last round of chemo. It will probably continue to worsen as the mass in his right lung continues to grow. Also, his speech has started to slur again so the oncologist upped the steroid dose.

Mom also said that Hospice was going to be set up sometime today. Hopefully, they can come to the house on Thursday when we'll all be there so that Mom won't have to relay messages/questions for us.

Love to all!

06 March 2009

Not well

The latest news with Dad is that the mass in his lung has gotten larger. The oncologist canceled the PET scan on Monday because the CT scan told him what he needed to know. Dad has had a stressful last two days due to having blood drawn for typing so that the blood transfusion could happen today. It went well, but Dad is extremely tired. Mom said that he napped off and on since they arrived home. Dad was able to sit outside for awhile-he said it felt good in the warm air.

Because of Dad's low (we think red, but it could be the white) blood cell count, he cannot eat anything raw-not even veggies! If he has fruit, Mom has to wash and peel it. Dad's appetite has been good so that is a plus. He goes in Monday for more blood work and on Thursday he will see the oncologist again.

Chris, Jason and I will be visiting tomorrow, so I will be able to post another update later this weekend.

Love to all and keep praying!

Yarn Party!

I love a good party! The only thing that could make it better is yarn (IMHO). March 15th at Historic Savage Mill from 12-4pm there will be all kinds of indie dyers, yarn and knitting related goodness. Come join in the fun! See ya there!