It's been a year.
Technically, it's not even been a half year, but it still feels like a whole, full, 12-month year, and I'm ready to be through with it! Is that wrong?
My daddy passed away late in January.
He'd been in hospice care since December of 2021, so it wasn't a complete surprise, but I still wasn't ready for him to be gone. I'm glad he's no longer suffering.
He was witty and clear-minded right to the very end, making us laugh with his quick sense of humor. Such a good dad. I miss him.
Todd was diagnosed with stage four colon cancer late in December. He started chemo on the last day of January, and has had seven rounds so far. We're taking a break now, and waiting on PET scan results, hoping that it hasn't spread anywhere else, and he can have surgery. His oncologist is treating to cure, but it's aggressive and grueling for Todd. I'd take the burden for him, if I could.
Have I mentioned it's been a year?
All that being said . . . it's been hard to write. Even now, as I wrote the above paragraphs, it was hard to not shed a few (hundred) tears. But that doesn't mean there hasn't been good things, happy times, and sweet accomplishments. We've enjoyed loads of sweet family time and celebrations . . .
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Lots of family gathered for my dad's funeral. So happy to see my James!
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| My oldest grandson holding my youngest grandson. Sweet capture! |
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| Celebrating my mom's and my sister's February birthdays at a new tea house! |
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| Craft fair with my mom. |
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| Ballet recitals in May -- in the books! |
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| End of school year program. |
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| Playing in the creek at the Camp! |
I've enjoyed sweet time with friends . . .
I've created (and even completed some creations) . . .
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| Todd's Alabama quilt! He's toted it to every chemo treatment he's had so far. |
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| These little "stuffies" were made from a dress that all three girls wore and loved. ♥ |
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| Stuffable fabric Easter eggs! |
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| Finished Primitive Blessings, designed by Kathy Schmitz. |
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| This is my most proud accomplishment of the year so far. My version in wool of the Hospital Sketches BOM that Barbara Brackman offered on her Civil War Quilts blog in 2019. |
And we're making it. God is good. All the time.
:)
10 expressed . . .:
You've been missed. Definitely a rough road. How the littles have grown!
Yes God is good, all the time. I know HE will give you peace. It's hard when we miss our loved one, but the Lord is faithful. Enjoy your family.
I've been missing you my lovely. My thoughts and prayers are with you and Todd.
Blessings to your Todd and you! Hope you can enjoy more good times. Love the smiles through the tears. Losing your Dad is tough. Mine has been gone over 40 years. Priceless photos!
Welcome back to Blogland!
WHEW, girl! What a year is right! So glad God's got you, but I know it's still hard. I hope your memories of your dad will bring you joy and know that you and Todd are going to be in my daily prayers...prayers for wisdom, healing, peace, discernment and rest. 😘
And good gravy! Have those sweet grandbabies grown!
I'm so sorry for the loss of your father. Prayers for Todd on his treatment and recovery. If it helps any, we've hand one friend with stage 4 colon cancer who is still with us after 7 years. His initial round of treatment was miserable, but it worked. Fingers crossed that all the test results look good. Very fun projects.
Oh, my dear friend, my heart and prayers are with you and your husband and your mom. May you feel strength and peace distilled from heaven to see you through these challenging times!
What a beautiful family you have, and it has been quite a year for you all!!
I am glad you have faith, family and friends to sustain you. And your creative outlet doesn't hurt, either. You have done some beautiful stitching through it all. Hugs to you!
The only constant in life is change I'm learning and realizing myself. I am so sorry for your loss and challenges with Todd's health and your Dads passing. I can relate as my Mom passed in March 2023 after a C diagnosis which she fought nobly. Love your Alabama quilt made for hospital visits. Keep smiling, enjoying your journey and God bless you and yours.
Oh, sweet, Denise - Even though we have never met in person I feel like we are truly friends between our old blogging days and posts on Facebook!! You are so right!! God IS good and the journey that you and Todd are on right now is a testament to that fact!! Please know that you are in my prayers for a full recovery for Todd. And that hopefully is also our Heavenly Father's will for both both of you!!
My heart aches for you, Denise!! I hope that you are taking care of yourself during this difficult time!! Lots and lots of love and prayers!!
So sorry for your loss, you have some lovely memories and some beautiful family photos too.
Hope that Todd is coping well and makes good progress too.
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