Thanks so much! I know that it’s kind of one more thing for this family–good lord it’s been a rough few years–but your thoughts and wishes are important none-the-less.

Dad’s in good shape right now. We’re just playing a game of “wait and see” for a while. But should things progress in a way not favorable (which seems inevitable, under the circumstances) I’ll let people know if there’s anything anyone can do.

Mostly it’s just nice to see people once in a while. And that’s enough for me.

Love, Q

We found out four weeks ago that my son-in-law’s (Carl’s) father has been diagnosed with early staged prostate cancer. Wraping your head, heart and life around this new, and uninvited, event can be emotionally draining.
We know all to well the change in priorities when family crisis befall us. I am only working 3 days a week and can be at the ready if you need a break, date night with Lars, dinner brought over, or some one to sit with your father, who I have yet to meet.

All my love, prayers and positive energy is being sent your way.

Love Elaine

It’s great to hear from you, though one wishes the circumstances were different. But I know that you and Kelsey are in his heart all the time, and he’s cherishing all things right now with as huge a heart as he’s ever had.

As to visits, it’s hard to know what the next few months are looking like. But I’ll update what I can, and look at his energy. The truth is, he’s so happy to see people it hardly matters–Chris came down yesterday and though he wasn’t here long (he got called back to work) Dad was just pleased as punch.

It’s always possible that a stay at our house or a hotel would be easier on him though he may protest the point. I think he tries too hard to entertain, though he’s in no place to do so, and with the escape valve of somewhere else to go, he would both enjoy the visit and get the rest he seems to need. So that’s a consideration. If you can make Portland the destination without making Dad the big event, then it might make things easier.

But you can always call me. Feel free to get my number from Dad; many of his friends have called me of late. I’m more than happy to talk about anything.

Love to you both!

Q

Thank you so much for your brilliant blog – recording the short history of your Dad’s illness, your thoughts and feelings, the myriad of details that string along with such experience. Thank you for writing and giving us all the gift of what is real and true – the love you have for your Dad is the true message. Your writings are such a gift to all of us out here who love Charles immensely.

He and I are never far apart mentally and spiritually despite the miles – as it is with all great friends – but I feel such a pull to see him. I just don’t know when a good time would be in the next few months.

I’m sure there are many others asking you this same question and I don’t want to add to the load you are carrying by having to negotiate a flood of visitors. I did ask Charles the same question and same goes for him. He has enough to think about. So, if visiting is not a good thing, that’s OK too, just let me know.

Just know that we (Kelsey and I) are sending him, you and your family our love and prayers. Pretty much constantly.

Take care.
Love,
Carol