I’ve hesitated sharing the specifics on both my blog and Facebook, but I thought it was time to let folks know that about 10 days ago, we started my Dad on hospice. I have been in Kansas, staying with my parents and helping them for over a week now.
As is often the case in these situations, he has days, and within those days, hours, that are better than others.
Additionally, last Friday was my Mom’s birthday and all weekend our house was full with family and friends. The phone rang continually with people wishing her a Happy Birthday and sending their love to both of my parents.
I try to wrap my brain around the days and weeks ahead and I come up short. I will say, I can’t believe how much I’ve learned in 10 days. Not only do I know what a nebulizer is now, I know how to use it. It is my prayer that this one day at a time approach will carry us through to the next phase. And then the phase after that, and then the phase after that.
I am not sharing this chapter in my family’s story to ask for sympathy. And please, whatever you do, don’t click that darn crying emoji 😢 on Facebook over this. I can’t say that the last few days or weeks or months haven’t offered their share of tears, meltdowns and anxieties, but we have also, through all of this, been cognizant of and grateful for our many blessings.
So this is where we are. If you are so inclined, feel free to keep my parents and my family in your prayers.
easilycrestfallen 
No crying emoji for you. Prayers for you and your family are a given.
I love you. I love you all so very much.
Keeping you & your family in my thoughts & prayers.
Praying for you, and your family. No matter our age, losing our parents is rough. No sad emoji’s but sending ❤
I love you, my friend. One day at a time is a perfect way to meet life. xox
Love you, Ray, and am keeping all Barnharts in my thoughts.
Praying for you and your family.
Love and Light to all concerned, Ray.
And that living from moment-to-moment thingy that you’re practicing?
That’s a keeper.
This is a blessed and holy time for your family. Not easy, not fun, but as you already know, there is a closeness — and you will treasure that more and more in days to come and ever after.
Ray, I’m holding you and your family in my mind and heart. If I can assist your process in any way, I hope you’ll let me know. Much love always.
Strength. If it could be bottled and shipped I would send you all case-fulls. We learn so much about life and how to live it to the fullest. May you all be bathed in the light of life.
Beautiful post. Write, write and write some more.
This absolutely breaks my heart as I have always thought of your parents as my extended granparents. I’ve loved them as much or more than my biological ones. You and them are in my thoughts and sending lots of love.
Keeping you all in my prayers. When my mother was dying of cancer, I knew it was going to happen but I didn’t know how soon or when. My prayer to God was that we could be with her, that she would die during the daytime so we could get dressed and rush to the hospital to be there with her. I was 19, my sisters were 10 and 11. We got the call at 7am and we rushed to the hospital. I pray this time with your mom and dad will bring you peace knowing you are there with them and for them.
Love you Ray, prayers lifted up.
I need a crying emoji! All three or four of them would be great. But alas.
Oh Ray, I have been at the vigil. Take it all in, love like crazy, and find in the midst of great heartache, there will be peace and grace. Love you.
Love you and praying for you and your family.