Saturday, January 23, 2016

El turns FIVE!

Today is Eloise's 5th Birthday!
I can hardly believe it!
It's gone so fast!


We had an enjoyable day, though under sad circumstances.
I haven't posted here lately with updates about my father-in-law.
If you have kept up with my sporadic postings over the years, 
you would know he's been battling cancer.  Last Sunday he
took a turn for the worse and had to be flown to a major
hospital.  They sent him home this past week on hospice.
The doctor said 1-3 months... the hospice nurse said that
she will be surprised if he lives through next weekend.
She can just see signs he is exhibiting that point
toward that conclusion.

It's definitely sad.
My husband is grieving.
Though, honestly, he has been grieving for five years in
his own way(s).  We have tried to look at the situation 
with a positive outlook.  The doctors didn't think he'd 
live to see Eloise's first birthday... and here we are at
her fifth birthday.  He wasn't able to be up and around
to enjoy the celebration... but he was there.  He mostly
slept as his body is just so worn down and the medications
keep him drowsy.  But we celebrated around him and
I am sure he could hear the girls in their excitement as
Eloise opened some presents and ate her special
homemade strawberry ice cream (while watching the
Frozen movie with my MIL).  Pappy even smiled and
cooed at Audra and gave her a kiss before we left.

We appreciate all prayers... even just one that you may
have offered on our behalf over the years.  We know that
God hears every prayer.  He has answered ours in ways
we never expected.  Though the "miracle of healing"
never came, we saw 4+ years worth of miracles as
Gene was able to wake up each day.  Some days better
than others.  But some days GREAT.  Like the days
our girls were born.  He was hoping to live for just 
ONE granddaughter... and he ended up with THREE!
That sure is a blessing!  He had several treatments that
we believe helped to prolong his life... but unfortunately
the last treatment (which would've helped him to walk
with a cane again - as he had been confined to a wheel
chair and walker for awhile), was a gamble.  His health
was just too frail and his body couldn't handle it.  We 
didn't get the outcome we had hoped for... and while
we are sad that his time is coming to a close here on
earth, we are grateful for the time we've had.  We are
grateful he lived to see one more birthday for Eloise...
he was always so proud of her.

I was talking to my neighbor this morning when she
called to wish El a Happy Birthday.  I was filling her
in on Gene's condition... and she said she would never
forget answering the phone the night I had Eloise.
Gene was so excited and said, "We got us a girl!!
We got us a girl!!"  He was so proud.  And though he 
won't be around to see her graduate from high school
or dance with her at her wedding... she has some
great memories of her Pappy.... and we won't ever
let her forget.

So.  Happy 5th Birthday to our Sweet Eloise.
A blessing to so many... especially her Pappy.

 (Cory and his dad with Eloise the night she was born)

9 comments:

  1. Dear Devon, this post is beautifully written. Very Sad but your words have touched my heart. God Bless to you at this very sensitive time, I will pray for you.
    Wishing Eloise a very happy birthday. With this Comment I send you heartfelt wishes. x

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  2. Oh I am so sad to hear this, I am so very sorry. What an amazing blessing he lived so much longer than anyone expected, I am so glad about that! And I can't believe Eloise is 5 already! Wow! Slow down girlie, but HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Prayers for your sweet family. xoxo

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  3. Oh Devon! I have tears in my eyes reading this sweet tribute to your father-in-law. Yes, you have had miracles, and you and your family have to hold on to those and cherish them. He is a believer, right? You will see him again; this will be just a temporary separation. I will keep you all in my prayers. I know this has to be hard even though it is expected. God bless you all.

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    1. Unfortunately, we aren't sure if he is a believer. I know he believes in God, but I don't know if he has ever accepted the grace of Jesus' sacrifice. We pray every day that he has... and a pastor he has known for years stopped in to see him recently. I hope... I really hope!! Thanks for the prayers!

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    2. I will pray with you for Mr. Gene.

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  4. A Very Happy Birthday to your lil one ! And my thoughts and prayers to you and yours as you face the gutwrenching journey ahead. Prayers that God grant you peace in the coming days through many happy memories ~Blessings Angela

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  5. I'm so sorry to hear about your father-in-law's condition. I will pray that his last days are full of peace and joy for both him and the rest of the family.

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