This past weekend was like taking an emotional roller coaster ride….crying one minute, laughing the next…up and down and around and around….lets see how far we can take this ride.

We will….. all the way to the end.

Friday evening Frank and I went to see my Dad and Mom.  I had not seen my father in a week.  The changes were undeniable…he is in a downward spiral.  But his spirit is strong and humor in tack.  He was disorientated at first and then fell into a choking fit; trying to cough up the fluid built up in his throat.  Knowing that I’m sensitive to certain aspects of the bodily functions -he informed me to get my ‘a…’ out of the house until the situation had passed.  I laughed and hung in there.

A few moments later that same man said to me, “Come over here and give me a kiss.”  I quickly obeyed.

And just so you know, for those of you who don’t know…my father has been battling cancer (his last diagnosis)for two years.  He is 84 years young.  This time it looks like he may have to surrender.  But I have a feeling no matter what; his spirit will remain strong even after he says his last goodbye and/or takes his last breath.  He will continue to soar.

Yesterday some of our family gathered at my parents house to spend time with Dad and Mom.  My sister and nephew arrived first.  Then me.  My brother and sister in law called from Utah.   My niece and her fiancé came next.  Followed not too long after by my son and his girlfriend.  And as much as I would have liked to have Frank and Mark there…this ‘ride’ is not one for Mark.

Each time one of us came in, Dad greeted us like we’d been gone forever and he was so happy to see us; welcoming us back into the fold, his and Mom’s.

We gathered round’ in love ….sharing and talking about the happenings in our lives all the while keeping a watchful and loving eye toward the center of our focus… Dad.  Friday night I watched, as my husband gingerly administered to my father whatever he needed in that moment.  Yesterday I witnessed each of my family present; showing Dad in their own ways their love for him, wanting to do whatever they could to ease this transition for him.  And my mother…she is a champion above all champions….standing with and for my father every inch of the way.

His health may be going downward and like the roller coaster ride gathering speed as it descends; but like the seat belt on the ride that keeps you safe and locked in; our love will hold us together and show us the way to be there for him.