The Thomas Family

Last week was perhaps the most emotional week (outside of giving birth for the first time) I've ever had in my life. My father , who is 69, suffered a small stroke, which however has changed his life drastically. My dad didn't take care of his type 2 diabetes. Because of this, in his young 60's he started to have strokes. The first one, no big deal, walked with a limp, could speak fine. The second, took part of his ability to walk and a gave him a bit of a speech impairment. Each small stroke thereafter took something from him. This last stroke took his ability to speak entirely, the ability to swallow, and the ability to walk, personally I question how with it he is in his mind as well. Because he failed to write a living will, my father now has a feeding tube sustaining his life. We know he is coherent from time to time because he can respond by squeezing a hand, or wiggling his toes... but how horrible. When in Florida last week, he was on day three of an IV Drip. He hadn't had food in three days. I get the feeling he would have passed away in a few days. It was decided that a feeding tube would be inserted to sustain his life. His stats picked up he was moved to an acute Rehab facility in Melbourne, FL. Less than 24 business hours after his admitting, we received a call, he no longer qualifies for rehab or his assisted living facility, he now needs a nursing home. My heart sinks. Many of you who read this have been to nursing homes. They are sad places. My poor father. Please add him to your prayer lists at church that God will take him speedily without much more suffering. If you are adding my dad to your prayer list, please ask them to add my 37 year old sister Jennifer Denny. She is suffering with what looks like Parkinson's and is about to purchase a walker to walk. Life is hard sometimes. May my faith in God find me peace and comfort.