I am very grateful for my father. He stuck by me through my horrible divorce, and, in turn, I am sticking by him as he ages and dies. I would have done this anyway as it’s the right thing for a daughter to do — it honors him, my surviving parent.
We talk openly about how difficult it will be for me to live life without him. Though he gets to die, I’m left behind with a gaping daddy-size hole in my heart. Yes, I have learned to love him.
I pray, often, that he dies at home, in his sleep, peacefully and silently. I pray that I’m with him at the moment he takes his final breath, that he dies in my arms. I pray he accepts and submits to the truth of the living God before he dies so he has the promised experience of eternal life.
Today, as we sat together after lunch, I told him how grateful I was for his emotional support during my divorce. I wanted him to know this. To really understand the depth of my appreciation. He smiled in response and said he was glad to have been here for me. He also said that he was quite grateful that I stuck with him to care for him.
I have promised to stick with him until he dies so he will never be put into an institution. Yes, it’s getting more difficult. My son K helps out when he can and has rushed down here to help out when needed. I know I can count on K. He has been utterly reliable and faithful, rare qualities in a young man.
We have been planning to move house. I want to sell this ugly house, or rent it, and move near Glacier Park, a healthier, happier, less-congested place to live. Hopefully, we will be able to meet people who share our values, ideals and outlook. It would be so nice to put on a small dinner party with those who read or understand the things we enjoy. It’s quite isolating here and we’re lonely. We need to expand our circle of acquaintances in ways that fit us.
So, please pray with me that God opens a door of escape, that my father’s last days and weeks, months and years can be spent in a beautiful place among “our kind.” And, most importantly, pray for his salvation.
