Monday, November 14, 2005

11-13-05


My brother arrived, unannounced, at my parents house on Sunday. It was great to see him. We all hugged and complimented. We got around to fixing everyone a soda or tea. Finally we ended up, like we always do, sitting around the living room telling stories and making each other laugh. This is the best of us. This is who we are.

I had a sudden revelation - there we were, father, mother, brother, sister and me. Our family. Like we used to be. Together in that house. Home.

I took a moment to let it wash over me; this spontaneous homecoming....accidental...unplanned....perfect...priceless.

9 comments:

Agnes said...

Dad's surgery is scheduled for 11-22-05. He will be in the hospital 7 days after. MD Anderson is a great hospital. My mother will have a bed beside his and will stay with him the whole time.

The doctors will remove the upper left lobe of his left lung. They will also do a tracheotomy to insert a camera into the right lung to look for problems.
The surgery will be full invasive...through the sternum and likely will require the removal of a rib.
His will not be even able to driver for 6-8 weeks. There is a risk of pneumonia. We will not know about chemotherapy until after the surgery. There is a good chance.

This all sounds negative but it's not. I'm just typing the facts as I know it. Just laying things out so I'll remember them.

I will not be there for the surgery. Dad knows that already. He says there's no need really. I don't agree but I'll be in Dallas this Thanksgiving. My husband will be in North Carolina and I have to remain for the sake of diabetic pets. Just as well I suppose.

Agnes said...

***********************
On a second note:
Thank you all so much for keeping me in your thoughts and keeping my family in your prayers. It is a glorious thing to come here and see kind people sending hope and love our way. This is a thing that truly amazes me. I am blessed by the presence of each of you.
************************

Christa said...

:hugssssss: It's so good to have you back :D
Sounds like it was a real reunion this weekend. Must be nice in a way, even though it could be under better circumstances I guess. But, at least it happens when you all need it the most.

I will keep crossing things for your dad and the surgery. They are so skilled these days that I wouldn't worry too much about the surgery in itself. Hopefully your dad won't get pnemonia afterwards...I believe that he will be in a ward after the surgery with very strict rules about people coming and going...that's usually the way it is.

As for Thanksgiving...we will all be around here, so you won't be all alone :hugs: I'll bring the turkey if you have the stuffing ready ;)

Autumn Storm said...

Agnes, good to hear from you.
Sounds like the medical staff knows exactly what action needs to be taken in order to make your father better and that is great news.

Loved your description of your family, made me wish I was one of you ;-). Very warm and loving, just as a family should be.

I'm going to join you all for my first thanksgiving ;-).

Big, mighty bear hugs, xxx

Becky L said...

so nice to have family all together. that rarely happens with my family-- we all live far apart.

i'm so happy for you.

tsduff said...

Agnes, I loved your picture/post. The family gathering you described is the best of all memories. Indeed priceless. There is nothing to compare with it - I've been blessed with such memories myself and I treasure them beyond all else.

Thanks for the update on your Dad. Life throws some real hard bounces sometimes and this one must be tough. You are in my thoughts and prayers along with your Dad during this time, especially on the 22nd.

Lindsey said...

That was such a wonderful post!

So it is cancer then? I'm sorry you guys have to go through this...but hopefully this will bring you even closer together. I wish you the best...you know this.

Agnes said...

How wonderful to know I'll be in such great company over the holiday. :D
Thanks to each of you for thoughts and prayers and for reminding me how not alone I am. You have no idea how comforting that is.

The moment posted was such an overwhelmingly happy time in the face of all this insanity. It seemed the right thing to share.

Family. I am so very lucky and I am so aware of that. It can be hard to be far away from them sometimes.

Yes, those memories are the absolute best.
I hope all of you are able to experience this kind of homecoming...and soon.

Love to all.

Trée said...

Love. Take what you need. I can go get some more if need be. Hugs and kisses, and more hugs with hands exploring and then more kisses, and more hugs, and . . . is it halftime yet? :-)