Dad 688: We Say Goodbye... For Now

(Dad writes today. Our lives are forever changed. ~ Tracy)

 

Derf Here! Another beautiful fall day with temperatures above normal (high 60s).

 

I lost my bride of 63 years this past Sunday, October 22. Mary Lou had stopped eating, and her mind was not capable of normal thought processes. She had not spoken to us for a couple weeks as she was making her way to her Savior, Jesus Christ, to meet him face-to-face. I know she recognized Tracy and me as we met with her daily. We are happy to know where she is now, but the heart still has a hole in it. We will see her in the future. I am ready to go!

 

Zack came home from the University of Maine for the weekend, although he had originally planned to stay at school. But this allowed Glen, Deb, and their two boys, Josh and Zack, to visit Mary Lou on Saturday. Feels so good that they all were able to visit Lou as a family one last time on the day before she passed. I believe God planned this visit and had Zack come home from school.

 

I must write an obituary with Tracy's help. I hope we will have it published within a week or so. There will be no services at this time. Instead, we will have a family gathering in the summer to celebrate her life.

 

We rejoice that Mary Lou's troubles are over. She is whole again! But she is certainly missed by her family. Yes, we are sad, but we know we will see her again. What a thought!

 

Until next time!

 

Toodle Pip!

 

Derf!

Dad 687: God's Grace

(Dad writes today.... ~ Tracy)

Derf Here! Another cloudy day as we approach a great weather day tomorrow, then to three days of rainy weather. We have no choice, so we accept the days.

Just watched Franklin Graham discussing the Israel conflict. What a mess!

I don't feel like writing today so I'm asking you to read Tracy's post from Sunday. It is a difficult time for the family. Keep praying for all, especially for Mary Lou. She needs God's grace. We all do!

Until next time!

Toodle Pip!

Derf!

Praying for Mom

Dad and I both see Mom every day. When I got to the nursing home on Friday, she was sitting in her wheelchair! It had been a while since she had done that.

Yesterday she asked to "play games" which means to do her little jigsaw puzzles. She did a few with me and also did some with Dad when he was in later.

It was nice to see her sitting up, and it was nice to work on puzzles with her. But the current concern is that she is not eating more than a couple bites (if that), although she is drinking fluids.

Today was a difficult day. She didn't say much. I asked her, "Am I your Tracy?" and she nodded. Before I left to pick up Dad for his visit with her, I asked what her husband's name is, and she did answer... correctly, by the way!

Please pray that the nursing home staff can keep Mom pain-free and comfortable. And pray that her mind can be at peace. I made a sign a long time ago that hangs where Mom can see it: "Mom, don't be afraid. God is with you."

Friday... working on her puzzles!

Dad 686: Please Keep Praying

(Dad writes today. The world is in turmoil. ~ Tracy)

 

Derf Here! Another nice sunny day in the early fall. Temps no longer in the 70s but the high 50s will do. Weather doesn't seem as important as we watch the war in the Middle East.

 

We have our own United States values being questioned by members of Black Lives Matter and the infamous "Squad" in our government.

 

We will continue to pray for Israel against their opponents as we watch this world and our country fall to new levels. Thank you, Joe and Kamala!

 

Mary Lou seems to be resting well as we visit her daily. Please keep praying that she will be kept comfortable. Thank you for your prayers!

 

Until next time!

 

Toodle Pip!

 

Derf!

Ice Cream for Lunch

My friend Carmen came by after church. The Dairy Corner closes for the season tomorrow, so she took Lew and me out for a "summer-is-officially-over" ice cream treat! Yummy! Not one of us felt guilty about having ice cream for lunch.

And if that yumminess wasn't enough, Lew went to Amato's to pick up dinner for Dad, himself, and me. A few weeks ago I discovered they have a baked macaroni and cheese dinner. It is delicious, and the portion is large enough for two meals. So, so, so good.

It was a great day of eating!

Tomorrow night I am planning on having a salad.

Dad 685: Please Pray

(Dad wrote this post shortly after the lunch hour today. Yes, please pray! ~ Tracy)

Derf Here! Summer weather is still with us in the Northeast. We'll take it, but it is probably about to change. Fall, we welcome you to the Northeast!

We are visiting Mary Lou daily and keeping our prayers flowing. We can use all of your prayers, as it is a critical time for her. We have hope for her life at this moment. Please pray for her and her family.

I'll be going to visit her for the afternoon in about an hour. This will be our daily plan in the future. Thanks for your concern!

Until next time!

Toodle Pip!

Derf!

Number 49

Tim Wakefield, the great knuckleballer who played for the Red Sox, died this morning. The reports are that he had a very aggressive form of brain cancer. He was only 57 years old. Gone too soon.

I haven't followed the Red Sox very closely for the past couple years. The current ownership is too political, and they also have messed up by not holding onto some fan-favorite players — for example, Mookie Betts.

But we were big fans during Tim Wakefield's tenure with the team. He was fun to watch, and it was apparent that he was a good man.

Thanks for the memories, #49! You will be missed.