Adding LIFE to your years and years to your life!

Prayer Request for my Dad

Hi Guys : )

I know that many of you know my dad, Howard aka - the Wheat Grass Kid. My dad is 81 years young and he truly is the light of my life in so many ways. I just took this photo of him yesterday:

The reason I took the photo is because he wanted to mail it to someone. You see, my dad recently informed me that he has been "talking" to his first true love from high school who lives in the middle of no-man's land in western Texas. Betsy (80) has been a widow for a few years now, and my dad tracked her down and it appears that the original spark may still be alive after 62 years. How cute is that?

Well, here is the other side of the coin, and the purpose of why I am asking for your prayers: About a month ago he had some routine blood work done for his annual physical. We learned that he was anemic, which seemed pretty weird, as he still works out, eats a relatively healthy diet and supplements with a quality vitamin/mineral daily. He's never, ever, been anemic in his life. So he has been going in for weekly b12 shots and yesterday they did some follow up blood work. The results show what I was concerned might be the case - anemia levels are a bit worse and he has an elevated white blood cell count. Now I am waiting to hear back on the bone marrow biopsy they are scheduling as I type. For those of you in the medical field - you know where we're going w/ this.

I am REALLY close to my dad. I will be the one to walk through this journey with him. My prayer is that I will remain a calm, steady, joyful, peaceful and constant loving support to him every step of the way. No matter what.

I love you all and am thankful to have this place to come as we love & support one another in faith.

3 members like this

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Sage Wood on October 24, 2012 at 12:32am

You have my sincerest thoughts and prayers at all my campfires. May Our Great Spirit bless you both, and your dear family with Good Health & Contentment.
The Great Spirit is in all things, He is in the air we breathe. The Great Spirit is our Father,
but the Earth is our Mother. She nourishes us, that which we put into the ground she returns to us bountiful....
(Big Thunder - Wabanaki Algonquin)

Permalink Reply by Whitedove Apple on October 24, 2012 at 2:37pm

Father God, we send angelic protection around Penni's dad. Gird him up and strenghtening him. the same Holy Spirit that dwelled in Christ is in her dad and will quicken his mortal body. Until it is time to go home. He has power & authority over the enemy because of Jesus, he knows what Jesus did was for him and draws on HIS word in Jesus name amen

Permalink Reply by Penni on October 24, 2012 at 4:29pm

Thank you all again.

Dad is sleeping most of the time now. He has a catheter, a hospital bed and other pieces of equipment that Hospice has brought in for us....it is all helping. He can't stand up anymore and can't really walk, so I am grateful that I am able to have the upper & lower body strength to lift him as needed. He is pretty aware, when he is awake, and we can have some conversation, which I am cherishing.

The Dr. says his blood tests are "remarkable" and that he has responded extremely well to the medication. (It's called Hydroxyurea and it has managed his white blood count, platelets etc.) Dad wants to keep taking his appetite stimulant, Megace (sp?) so he is still eating, which is one of the only activities he truly still enjoys. I have not cooked this much in 8 years, but we do what we need to do as an act of love for our dear ones.

Thank you all again, and your thoughts and continued prayers mean everything to me.

Permalink Reply by Barbara (Rawfully Tempting) on October 24, 2012 at 5:52pm

OH sweetie...my prayers are with you during this challenging time. It's a good idea to journal some of these moments...things said...thoughts....you can get so caught up in the emotions, that you sometimes miss the tiny details..that some day, will bring a smile, and maybe a tear to your face. God Bless. Tomorrow would have been my mom's 78th bday...and november is 2 yrs since she has passed. Caring for a parent, being able to be there with them and for them, is an amazing thing. Enjoy your cooking. It's a special gift you have to give to him...with LOVE as the most important ingredient. God Bless you both!

Permalink Reply by Julie Melberg on October 25, 2012 at 8:56am

Lord, I ask for special moments to increase in this unique time for father and daughter. Lord, let Your love be so strong there that they feel Your very presence. Hold them warmly in You arms encouraging them that all this will soon be washed away and that resurrection life will come for eternity. Hope God is what You offer them. Give them both a clear vision of it to give strength. Grow Penni's faith deep in You. Teach her, walk with her Father God. Thank You for all Your promises to them. In Jesus name I pray. Amen

Permalink Reply by Penni on October 25, 2012 at 9:03am

Thank you so much, Julie. It is faith & God's presence that sustains us. Blessings to you and all here!

Julie Melberg said:

Lord, I ask for special moments to increase in this unique time for father and daughter. Lord, let Your love be so strong there that they feel Your very presence. Hold them warmly in You arms encouraging them that all this will soon be washed away and that resurrection life will come for eternity. Hope God is what You offer them. Give them both a clear vision of it to give strength. Grow Penni's faith deep in You. Teach her, walk with her Father God. Thank You for all Your promises to them. In Jesus name I pray. Amen

Permalink Reply by Maureen Griffin on October 26, 2012 at 3:50am

Penni and family, we are on a similar journey now with my MIL. going for quality time and just doing the best we can at each and every turn. Although it is tiring and stressful in ways, it is a wonderful privelege and we all learn as we go. Love and best wishes to you all through the days and the nights.

Permalink Reply by Penni on October 26, 2012 at 7:32am

I will be thinking of you, MIL and the family - I'm glad you let me know what's going on. Sending you all lots of love, prayers and peace.

Maureen Griffin said:

Penni and family, we are on a similar journey now with my MIL. going for quality time and just doing the best we can at each and every turn. Although it is tiring and stressful in ways, it is a wonderful privelege and we all learn as we go. Love and best wishes to you all through the days and the nights.

Permalink Reply by Randi Dodge on November 10, 2012 at 5:56pm

Sending you love, light, and strength to both of you and your family. Tears are briming my eyes, knowing that a new journey is about to begin.

Permalink Reply by Vegan♥for♥Life on November 10, 2012 at 8:28pm

Sending love and healing energies to you and your Pop...

Permalink Reply by Supermom on November 11, 2012 at 11:20pm

Penni,

Please tell your sweet Daddy that I enjoyed watching the two of you in a video you posted last year. He charmed me then as I saw the beautiful interaction between you two. I sure love his smile. One of his great contributions to this world has been raising you Penni, and I am so grateful to him!

I am praying for your Dad, you, and your family to be comforted and carried by God, now and always.

I send my love, Lynda Roy

Permalink Reply by Maureen Griffin on November 11, 2012 at 11:25pm

Thank you for your kindness Penni. Our thoughts and best wishes are with you all .Maureen xo