November

At the end of October I took grandpa to the doctor because he wasn't feeling well. The doctor did a blood test and when he got the results he wanted a sonogram. When the doctor got the results of the sonogram he wanted a cat scan. The results were not good. Grandpa has metastatic cancer. They are unsure where the cancer started but we know that it has spread. The test showed a large concentration in his liver and spots in his lungs. Dad has decided that at his age he does not want to pursue treatment. When I took dad home to tell mom her comment was "I guess were having a race." Dad's diagnosis was a big shock to me. We have been blessed to have mom with us much longer than the doctor's thought possible. I never thought that Dad would go before mom which may be the case now. I am sure the cancer has metastisized throughout his body and into his brain. He is unable to complete his thoughts and forgets what he is talking about. He looks like he has aged so much in just two weeks. Everyone has been so kind. They offer to help but what can they do? Time can move so quickly. One day things seem managable and then everything seems so out of control. My brother is coming this week from Utah. It will probably be the last time he sees him alive. Dad's only brother called today. He would like to come but can't get here for a week. At the rate things are going dad may not even know his brother in a week. Bro. Jagoda and Bro. McBride were so nice to give dad and mom a blessing. Bro. McBride even went back and fixed there Tv remote. Remotes are difficult for older people to manage. I called my mom's sister Leora so that she could tell the other siblings. Leora was just as shocked as I was. Frank came and spent the day yesterday and David is coming tomorrow. Tomorrow I have to call the doctor and make arrangements for hospice. It is hard for me to imagine but I could loose both of my parents before Christmas. I think mom has just been hanging on because she was worried about dad. When he goes she will give up. I am so greatful for the temple and that our family is Eternal. This will be my greatest solace in the months to come. My friend Maree brought me a beautiful flower arrangement. I look at it everyday and I am so grateful for good friends, our ward family and the gospel. It is hard to plan for Thanksgiving, but I do have so very much to be thankful for.