Sunday, February 6, 2011

Life.

It throws you a curve ball every once in awhile.  Usually when you least expect it.  This past weekend has been full of tears, disbelief, shock and lots of prayers.  It's amazing how quickly life, as you know it, can be changed in an instant.  My dad sent out an email to all of the family on Friday night letting us all know that he has been diagnosed with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (a chronic, progressive form of lung disease).  An email.  Because that's just the way my dad rolls.  Always making everything seem like it's not a big deal. I didn't expect this email on Friday night or any night.  My dad has always been healthy.  A retired physician.  And he's only 68 years old.  I now have a new understanding and appreciation for friends who have lost their parents and those who are currently watching their parents fight a terminal illness.  It's harder than you can ever imagine.  So much harder!  I spent the next 24 hours googling and reading everything I could on IPF.  There is no known cause or cure.  Most people live about 5 years after getting the diagnosis, but he caught it early and we're confident we are gonna have him with us for a very long time!

I am so incredibly blessed to have these two as my parents!

 

32 comments:

Anonymous said...

Sending you lots of light and healing for your family Heather! That's great news that you are dealing with an early diagnosis but not easy when your nearest and dearest are ill. Blessings to you and your family!! xx

Jenee said...

Oh Heather, I'm so sorry about your Dad. My Mom has too been battling cancer. Having a sick parent is truly one of the hardest phases in my life to date. Having an early diagnosis is AWESOME. Prayers and support has put my Mom into remission, much to the amazement of her doctors. God is good and miracles do happen. Your Dad and your family will be forever on my prayer list. ((hugs))

Adrienne said...

Heather, I'm so sorry about this. You're right, it's harder than you can ever imagine. You'll become an expert with this new illness-I feel like I'm one now with my dad's melanoma. I'm glad it was caught early and may he have many, many more years with you all!

motherofangels said...

Wow, Heather. I am so sorry. When my Dad was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer is was really hard! I'm sending love and prayers.

Tara said...

Praying for your dad and you, too, Heather.

I had to chuckle about sending it in an email. My mom TEXTED me that my grandma had passed. Gotta love it when the older generation embraces technology! :)

Anonymous said...

Oh Heather, I am so sorry!! You and your family are in my thoughts!!!

Beverly said...

so sorry Heather. praying for you and your Dad and the family xo

Cheri said...

I'm so sorry! this is my worst fear, that one day my Mom will call and say that Dad's diabetes got the best of him.. Since you open your heart to so many, you will have many prayers for you Dad. With God's love you will be able to handle this trial and grow from it as well. My heart goes out to you!

Heather said...

Sending prayers your way as you process this news and navigate your way through a new normal.May God carry you in times of uncertainty and fear and may the obvious love you have for your entire family,for each each other, see you from one day to the next.Not looking too far forward but trying,as difficult that it is,to stay present in today.

Kristie said...

Mi amiga querida!
Oh how I got teary-eyed when I read this post. You, your parents and your whole family are in my prayers. I love you tons and I pray for the Lord's blessing of peace & comfort to be with you.
I know from the kindness & love others have shown our family during dad's last few years... that you will not be alone.
Love you!
Kristie

Kristin said...

So sorry. Sending prayers your way.

Erin said...

I'm so sorry Heather. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers!

Andrea said...

I am so sorry to hear this Heather! I hope for the best for your family and your Dad. You have a positive outlook. I think that is what I love most about your blog, you're always positive no matter what the situation. My prayers are with you!

kecia said...

Heather-I had no idea! I am so sorry! Hopefully that is a good sign that they caught it early! We will keep you in our prayers! Your parents are a very gorgeous couple....I see where you get your looks!

Lacey said...

Oh look how cute your mom and dad are! I'm sure he will live a long time. Being a physician he probably knew what to look for. Prayers for your dad!

DKAZ said...

What?!? So sorry Heather! I remember the phone call I received when my Dad called to say he had cancer...it's unreal and just left me numb. Did you find yourself reading that email over and over just to make sure you remebered how to read? I'm so glad they caught it early-sending prayers northward.

Becca said...

Oh, I'm so sorry to hear this! Sending good thoughts to you and your family...

Lisa said...

Oh, Heather. Hugs, my friend.

Emily said...

Those dang bumps in the road of life! Sorry to hear about your dad. You never do know what lies around the corner so it really is best to get the most out of today! Prayers for the right treatment and comfort for your whole family.

Scarehaircare said...

Sending much love and hugs your way. Early is good. I believe in the power of prayer.

Emily said...

We will send lots of love and prayers your way my friend...

Shannan Martin said...

Heather - I'm praying for grace and hope to uphold your family this very day. xo

Vennesa said...

I'm sorry you and your family have to go through this. You're in my prayers Heather!

Heidi said...

heather. i'm sad to hear about this, but so happy to learn that it was caught early. early!!!!!

i bet your dad is a fighter and with someone like you in his life...well, he's gonna...fight this!!!

thinking of you. sending prayers your way.
xo

Kelle said...

Oh, Heather. Uuuughhh. I hate the thought of our parents getting older. Love that photo and love the way he shared and his positivity and sending lots of good thoughts and prayers your way!

Summer said...

I'm so sorry Heather! I feel bad that you were having such a hard weekend and I didn't know when I saw you Saturday. I'm so glad they caught it early! Sending lots of love and prayers your way!

Bethany said...

Aww, your parents are so cute! I'm so sorry to hear about your dad's diagnosis ... :( Praying for your family!

Cami said...

Heather-I'm so sorry to hear about your dad. I never know what to say in situations like this, what can be said but that our family is thinking about you and your family and you are in my prayers. Let us know if we can do something for you! We love your family-Cami

Carin said...

i am sorry too...
wishing and praying for the best for all of you~

Mary said...

I'm so sorry to hear about your dad. I'll keep him in my prayers.

iColossus / Monster said...

Just wanted to show my support and give you a big, big hug over the web. I know it's hard but focusing on the positive will be a source of comfort to you and your family as you go through this transition.

And you're good at focusing on the positive and being a source of comfort!

Wishing your father lots of healing, strength, and good spirits.

xoxoxoxox

Jen said...

A friend sent me to your blog, after reading this post since my dad had PF. It's scary, but even in the past five years there have been HUGE advances in the care of those with PF (they actually have a facebook page and are constantly updating the latest info). I know that I am a total stranger, but if you ever have any questions, or want to vent please feel free to contact me at any time. Prayers headed your way, your dad is very lucky to have such a supportive & loving daughter!