I don't know how to put this into words

Posted by Crystal


My father is a man who is compassionate and knows how important family is. I've always taken joy in pleasing him, being his "baby" and "pumpkin". I remember following him around the garage watching him work wood into beautiful cabinets or displays and find it so fascinating how he could create with his hands.


My dad and I snuggled in his chair (recliner) A LOT. That was until we both couldn't fit in it at the same time. He has a signature smell. Jovan Musk... He's worn it for years. Maybe because he received so many bottles on every occasion imaginable. I remember crawling into my parents' bed on the weekends and cuddling with him and smelling him on the pillow when he wasn't there. Once an older teacher I worked with wore that cologne and it instantly made me smile.


I never wanted today to happen. Today I got the call that the Dr. wanted to talk to Dad about the results of his biopsy. I drove to Richland and met my parents there. I wanted to be there. I had to. What we heard in that office was the worst thing we could have imagined. My dad has a brain tumor called a gleeoma that is not curable. There's options to prolong life, but no cure. He has matter of months if he refuses surgery and radiation and chemo. If he goes through the surgery and treatments maybe a year to 3 years survival chance.


It broke me.


Why now?


I'm trying to make sense of the heartache. I know there's lots to learn and God never promised this life would be easy. All I can think is I've only a short time to cherish with him. I'm drained as I sit here typing. I feel like a shell. I can't even imagine what my mom is going through. My dad is saying he's going to fight this and go through the surgery and treatments. I'm so glad he's made that choice.


I've been told we should live each day like there's no tomorrow but I'm guilty of thinking lots of tomorrows are going to come. Then this happens and it sure makes your head spin.


I don't want this to be a pity party for Crystal. It's just something I've been dealing with for a few weeks and today was the day when it all became real. I'm not really good at sharing these types of things but I know I have a great circle of support in my friends. I appreciated all the cards, emails, comments, texts, calls and prayers. Please keep praying for my dad's upcoming procedures and treatments. I know this has hit him hard. Of course it would.
The Dr. wants to do the surgery this month. I think he said around the 16th. I'll keep you posted.

This entry was posted on Thursday, July 3, 2008 at Thursday, July 03, 2008 . You can follow any responses to this entry through the comments feed .

15 comments

Anonymous  

Oh Crystal I am so sorry. I had no Idea when we were emailing eachother last night.
Darrin and I are hear for you guys with whatever you need and we are PRAYING.
We love you!

July 4, 2008 at 8:03 AM

I am praying and praying for you and your family, Crystal.

July 4, 2008 at 8:32 AM

So sorry to hear this, Crystal. I am sure it was hard for you to write this, but thank you for the update. Know that I would love to be a help in any way that I can. We are also praying. Love you!

July 4, 2008 at 9:12 AM

I am so so very sorry. I can't believe we stood outside and chatted and laughed last night and you didn't say anything. PLEASE let us know if you need anything.

July 4, 2008 at 9:33 AM

You are a very brave and amazing woman and I admire your strength. I'm praying Jesus will wrap his arms around you and your family at this difficult time. If you ever need a shoulder...I have two! :)

July 4, 2008 at 11:55 AM

Crystal I am so sorry to hear about your dad. We are praying for you and for your dad!

July 4, 2008 at 7:56 PM

Cryatal I am ao sorry that you and your family are going through this. I am praying for you and your family. Let me know if I can do anything!

July 5, 2008 at 10:08 AM

oh Crystal my heart is breaking for you and your mom right now!! I will continue to pray!! Whatever you need...please call. Love you!

July 5, 2008 at 7:02 PM

Please know that you, BJ, the kids and your parents are all in my prayers.

July 6, 2008 at 9:06 PM

HOPE

Hope opens doors where despair closes them.

HOPE discovers what can be done instead of grumbling aobut what cannont be done.

HOPE draws its power from a deep trust in God.

HOPE "lights a candle" instead of "cursing the darkness."

HOPE regards problems, small or large, as opportunities.

I'm sending you HOPE today.
I'm praying for each of you.
I'm thanking God for the life your dad is living & the power that God has to do mighty things!

July 6, 2008 at 10:10 PM

My heart aches for you...I will definately be praying for you, your dad, and your family.

July 6, 2008 at 10:49 PM

So sorry Crystal. I am praying for your Dad and the whole family. Let me know if there is anything else we can do for you. Thank you for sharing your heart.

July 8, 2008 at 2:31 PM

Wow- taking life one day at a time would be nice! Enjoying all the nows and trusting the lord with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind and with all your strength. . . is the hardest things i think any of us can ever do! If you ever need anything please let me know! your in my prayers!

July 8, 2008 at 4:23 PM

Crystal, I am so sorry to hear about this! You and your family are in our prayers. Please let us know if you need anything!

July 8, 2008 at 10:46 PM

We're all praying. I just read a book, "The Last Lecture", that I can't stop thinking about. He has terminal cancer and writes about pursuing your dreams and the legacy he wants to leave. Sounds sad, but wasn't. Extremely inspiring, informative, and motivating toward purposeful living with Christ values. Not that you need a book to read, but I'll pass on anything worthy. I'll go back into it again. Love you and praying lots.

July 10, 2008 at 10:25 PM

Post a Comment