My dad’s health has been declining further. He is now on oxygen and lots of pain meds. He was diagnosed with colon cancer about 3 years ago and has been going through all the chemo treatments, radiation and other experimental things. The cancer has spread to his lungs and now that he is on oxygen and in a lot of pain; he can’t do much other than rest.
Me and Dad in Better Times. What a team!
It is so hard to see him go through this. All I want is for him to be back to normal. The strong dad I’ve known my whole life. The man who owned both a lawn care company and a law business. The man who could get so angry and also be the kindest person I’ve ever known. My dad.
And I am really lucky to have a dad like this.
I mean not every dad will put curlers in his hair with you!
Not every kid gets to grow up with a dad who not only tells you that you can do anything but seems to live it. From building and remodeling houses to being the pitcher in the community softball team and even being the mayor of a town, Dad could do it all!
The Fam Circa 1985/86
He was always there when I needed him. When I graduated from kindergarten to when I crashed my first car, when I needed help with homework and when he thought I just needed a good rassle. He was the kind of dad who punished me by having me write essays. And you never knew when he was going to jump up right behind you and SNARL just for fun.
My high school graduation
And as an adult, I just can’t imagine not having him to call and ask advice or talk philosophy or politics or money matters. You know, to just shoot the shit as he would say. It is so strange to see him this sick, listless and without an appetite. He was never sick -as a kid I don’t remember him even having a cold. He was certainly not listless -he was always building or doing something. And as for appetite? He definitely was never one to turn down good food!
I just want my dad for a few more years. We’ve been blessed that in these last three years we have been able to be here with him and appreciate our time together a little more.
Dad, if you are reading this, I just want you to know that I love you so much. I want you to get better soon. I want many more discussions and memories and meals! And if Britton and I have kids, I want you to know them. I want them to know their grandfather. But I guess sometimes life doesn’t always work out just as you want. And if that is the case, please know that I am so glad I had you in my life. I am so happy you are my dad, Dad.
After all, what kind of kid draws a picture like this if not a happy one?
My family
Really sweet tribute Cassie. I visited over the July 4th weekend and was sad to see your Dad not feeling well. He still had his great smile but I could tell he was in pain.
I remember when I was going through what you are going through when Grandpa’s health was failing, I couldn’t understand how anyone could be happy when I was so sad. I still miss my Dad every day, and carry his memory and good advice with me wherever I go. He will never really leave you.
Spend as much time as you possibly can with your Dad. When he is gone you will wish you could have spent more time together.
You are very lucky to have a Dad who has loved you for who you are.
Thanks, Cass. This really made my day. Hell, it made my whole year.
Love Dad.
We are so sad that Dad Jack is suffering and you too. I have many memories of him, in fact I knew him before anyone else in the family (at least before Char!). He was always full of fun, and wanted to meet my younger sister, AND he was going to marry her, and he did. He has loved you all with a ferocity of a papa bear and the gentleness of a kitten. You are so very lucky to have him and his inspired love.
Love the pictures!!! What a wonderful time you all have had together. Your dad certainly has a way of making everyone laugh and smile. He certainly has had a positive impact on all of us. My kids have really enjoyed spending time with him through the years (which I have certainly appreciated). Thanks for sharing him 🙂
Dawson: “Jack is a cool dude. Funny and really really smart. He sure knows a lot of stuff. I like talking to him about stuff. ”
Summer: “Jack is funny. He is fun to be around. He is nice. We know he cares about us. You know, Jack always said if we needed another Grandpa, he would be ours.”
Thanks everyone. It is so great that Dad has made such an impact on you too!
TNK, I really liked what the kids said about him. I’ll have to tell him that if he didn’t catch it on here!
Annie, Dad said that when you were living in the trailer court in Greeley that he was your landlord and that he decreased your rent one year. After that you had Mom come out to visit to meet this guy. He said that was the best investment he ever made (lowering your rent) because of what he got in return (ended up marrying Mom and having me and Justin). I thought that was so cute.
I am so sorry about your dad’s health declining. I can’t imaging how hard it has been for all of you to experience over the past 3 years. Cherish the time you have. It will be the memories that will get you through the tough times ahead. Hang in there and remember I am ALWAYS here for you!
Lisa!
It is so nice to see you write a note on here! Thank you for the kind thoughts. It has been tough. They’ve given him some stronger drugs and that seems to at least give him some reprieve from the pain finally. The pain was what was the worst…
Sandi thought maybe we should all get together sometime soon! I haven’t seen Caden and Robert in a long time! Send me an email or call! I’d love to catch up.
Thanks again Lisa it means a lot to me!