The Good Fight

My brothers came home and the whole family attended Dan and Natalie’s wedding.
Kristina even caught the bride’s bouquet! It was nice to reunite with relatives we rarely
see and we had a lot of fun. My Dad had a few good days last week but had not been
doing well for the days prior to the wedding. However, it was important to him and he gave it the good effort, persevered and was able to stay throughout the reception.

My folks have been put in an awkward position lately and it is beginning to stress them out so I want to help them out. My Dad does not want to receive phone calls from or have visits with anyone at this point regardless of how close a friend or relative they are. The past two weeks have been the worst of his life and he is extremely weak, in much pain, very susceptible to catching viruses, and just generally feeling lousy and unsociable. My Mom has brought him to the office and his brother’s house a few times when he felt up to it but it is rare that he has the energy for or interest in anything. It must come from him and be on a timetable that works for him regardless of others’
desires to see and speak to him. My mother has been cast in the position of being
a “gatekeeper” and it is becoming very uncomfortable and stressful for her. Believe me, my brothers and I are welcome any time and we stay on top of how both my parents
are doing and that is all they want right now. For the time being, we urge you to honor
my father’s wishes and restrict communication to e-mail at the blog or directly to my Mom at Sheehan@cape.com She prints out and shares all communication with Dad.
Mom also has my brothers and I and a few close friends with whom she communicates
daily so she is getting the support she needs.

The support their many friends and relatives have shown has been incredible and the messages of support and encouragment keep them going. When and if my Dad is able to put together a few strong days and feels a little more sociable, he will contact those he wants to speak to and we will alert you on the blog that he is willing to receive phone calls and visits but until then, please honor his requests. The requests for more at this time is bringing stress to a situation that is otherwise peaceful and healing and works well for Dad at the moment.