Jan 8, 2010

Very bad news

Well, this may be the hardest post I've had to write. In the midst of all the other bad things going on (as in the previous post) I found out today that my dad has terminal cancer. I am getting things together to fly there on Sunday and I bought a one way ticket. I'm not sure how long I will be there or what is about to happen or how and it will surely be the toughest trip I've ever made. Not only am I so deeply sad beyond words about my dad, but leaving my family in the midst of the crisis here with my brother-in-law and our friends' parents, it's just very very tough from all sides.

I expect to be with my dad for many weeks so I'm not sure what will happen to my art life but I will resume it down the road when the time is right. A little silver lining is that I will have plenty of time to finally get caught up on everyone else's blogs and work and I look forward to that. Of all the times I've asked for prayers, this is the time I have needed them most for myself, for strength and wisdom, and for all those in my family and friends' families that are suffering and in need of strength as well.
Photobucket

58 comments:

K said...

I am so sorry to hear your news. I feel for you as I lost my mom 4 years to the same thing. take care. you will be in my thoughts...

best words I got during that time was "cry when you have to and laugh when you can"

Hayley Egan said...

i'm so sorry marsha.

Julia said...

I'm so sorry Marsha for all your worry . Take care and and I so hope for you that the time with your dad is going to be a precious time.
xxxx

TheresainMS said...

Marsha, you have alot on your plate right now my sweet friend. I will keep you in my prayers daily. Kelly had some wise words regarding crying and laughing. Keep your faith in Him and know that you have many friends who care deeply for you. My heart aches for you as you face your upcoming trials. Soft loving hugs are wished your way.

Love,
Theresa

Tace said...

Marsha, we're thinking of you and praying for your family and father. *hugs*

thekathrynwheel said...

Ah, that's very sad. Thinking of you Marsha, and your family. When I lost my Dad I spent every moment with him while I could and I have always been comforted by that. Kate x

Sleepandhersisters said...

Oh Marsha I am so very sorry to read this... I am thinking about you and your family, take care.
xxx

bockel24 said...

Please feel hugged, Marsha - I´m sending you strength and my best wishes this way!

Jamie said...

Marsha I am so sorry Sweetie. I know that it means so much to your family for you to go and be there for them. Please know that I am thinking of you daily. Love, Jamie

Anonymous said...

Marsha i am so very sorry. My heart goes out to you and all of your family and i will keep you all in my prayers
hugs June xx

barefootchef said...

Oh Marsha Dear, my heart breaks for you and I have tears in my eyes just thinking about your pain and what you must be going through. My prayers are certainly with you as well as your family during this hard time.
Many hugs from me to you.
--Cathy

glitterBugStudios said...

This is very sad news. I'm not quite sure what to say other than you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Fathers are precious to their daughters...this time with your dad is critical. I'm sure your husband understands. Sending you a huge hug from Ohio, Tracey

Kim Mailhot said...

Prayers for strength for all of you, and prayers for moments of sweet, peaceful love as you go through this hardest of human journeys.
Big Love Beautiful One.

yoborobo said...

Marsha, I am so sorry, my friend. I will pray for you and your Dad. Please know I am here for you, if you need to talk. I know you will be so much comfort to your Dad now, but remember to let your friends comfort you. Courage. xoxoxoxoxoxoxo Pam

Terri Kahrs said...

Ohhh, Marsha, my heart is breaking for your and your family. After all your father's been through - what a shock. You've had more than your share of burdens to face. As always, my thoughts and prayers are with you. May angels of comfort, love and wisdom surround you with strength and courage. Many blessings & much love, Terri xoxo

Ocean Lotus said...

i'm so very sorry - 2010 has not started off happy for you and your family. i lost my father a year 1/2 ago and was with him as he went very quickly...my advice would be even if you are not a talker - talk, say all the things you need to say to him so you have no regrets. i am just so so very sorry

Leslie said...

My dear Marsha, I am so very sorry to hear this. I know that being with your dad in person as long as you can will be a comfort to you. Family shapes our character and fills our souls like nothing else. He must be a fine man to raise a wonderful woman like you. You'll be in my thoughts.

sharon said...

Marsha, I am so sorry to hear this. I will pray for you, your dad, and everyone to have the strength to get through this.

Elizabeth Golden said...

Oh gosh this is terrible news. I am so sorry for you and your family. I hope you are able to have some quality time with your father. My heart goes out to you. I will keep you and yours in my prayers.

roc said...

i am sorry for this sad news marsha. i will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. god bless you all.

WW said...

Marsha...my heart goes out to you.
I'm soo saddened by your news. It's never easy to face this kind of thing.
If there is a positive side to this it's in the fact that you know what is happening and are being given a chance to spend quality time with your dad. That's a gift we don't all get! Use it well.
My thougts are with you as well as your family at home and what they are facing too.
(((hugs)))

Lorraine said...

My thoughts are with you Marsha. I've been through this myself. Treasure your time with your Dad.

Outstanding Stranger said...

Take comfort in the Lord. Find peace in his plan. Be thankful for the time we have with our loved ones and cherish your memories. Love, Diane

Jaime Haney said...

I'm praying for you. ~Jaime

My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from Him.

Psalm 62:1

PetraB said...

I am so sorry to hear your news. All the best wishes to you and your family. Petra.

pinkglitterfae said...

I am so sorry to hear this. I will be praying for you and your family. Enjoy every moment with your dad.
xoxo
betty

Anji Johnston said...

I am so sorry to hear your news Marsha - I truly am. This will be a very trying time for you but you must remember that there are people around you that love and care about you deeply. I returned from England on December 15 after loosing my sister and nephew 3 weeks before. The flight over was the worst thing I have ever been through. I, unfortunately, never made it home in time for my sister. She passed away whilst I was flying. My nephew then took his own life 24 hours later, tortured by the fact that life without his mum would be unbearable. I am not trying to take your thunder here, just want you to know that we, as human beings, can be so resilient. I thought my heart would break at the double funeral but instead I rejoiced in the fact that I was one of the luckiest people alive to have had these people in my life. Cherish every moment you have with your dad. Tell him everything you never got to say in the past and hold dear every memory of your life with him. My prayers and thoughts are with you. Time is a healer Marsha but for now live in the moment.
Much love Anji xxx

Rhonda said...

This is certainly a time of great challenge for you; know that many people are thinking about you at this time...

Take care.

Tolegranny said...

This is bad news, but there are many of us praying for you and your family.

Linda Summerfield said...

I am so sorry to hear this, your Father has been through so much over the past year. Thinking about you and your family.

Jill said...

Thoughts are with you

Renee (nayski) said...

I'm so sorry to hear this news about your dad. Keeping you in my prayers.

lms said...

marsha...i am so sorry...this is a really hard time in your life and i will be praying that your dad is comfortable and is able to spend some quaility time with you in the weeks ahead....i loss my dad a few years ago....and it is the hardest thing ever to go through....seems like when it rains it pours and you have had more then your share of heartache...bigg huggs to you

~*~Patty Szymkowicz said...

Dear Marsha ~ you and yours will be held in prayer!
Sending you
Peace
Love
Light
May the long time sun shine upon you
All Love surround you and
the pure Light within you
Guide your way on
Take care friend!
oxoxo

Renee said...

I am very sorry.

I know all cancers are different. I was diagnosed 4 years ago with Stage 4 (terminal) and they said I had 6 months.

So yes, even though it is catching up with me again, I have still lived longer than they predicted. Your Dad and you can have hope too.

I'm sorry though it is not an easy road.

Renee xoxo

Donna B. Miller said...

I'm so sorry. I'll be praying for you and your family.

Marie-Aimée said...

I'm so sorry for you

Unknown said...

Marsha you have been on my mind all week but I got caught up in my own life and didn't check in. I am sitting with tears in my eyes and an ache in my heart.

I am so sorry for what you must face and the trials you and your loved ones are going through.

There is not much I can say other than I will keep you and your family and loved ones in my prayers and hope the time you have with your father is filled with beauty and meaning not sadness.

Love
Becky

Our Hands For Hope said...

Marsha,
In a moment our lives and the path we think we are on can instantly change direction. As crazy as it all seems to us, it is reassuring to know that a much larger plan is always being worked out. May the Lord give you and your family peace throughout this walk. May His grace be upon you.
Hugs for this New Year my blog buddy,
Terisa

Shelly said...

Marsha...First of all, a big hug for you and your Dad too. My heart goes out to you. I'm sending thoughts of strength and love to you and your family. Even more hugs...Shelly

said...

Oh Marsha, bless your heart, I am so sorry to hear this. That is so much to handle.

I just saw your beautiful art in the most recent Somerset Studio and had just been thinking about you last night.

Anonymous said...

It's not an easy time...I'm sending the white Light of love to you and your family during this time. I'll also echo what Kelly said..."cry when you have to and laught when you can."

juliehaymaker said...

OHHH Sharon, I am deeply saddened for you . Today is a gray an misty day and I am thinking your heart must feel so much heavier then this damp, cold, bleak day as you travel across the country today. Please know we are with you many care very much for you and are here for you. Please try to keep us posted as much as you can as we are out here ready to offer encourgment love and suppor every step of this journey that will take you to the unknow but you will not be alone I promise may dear feind. Hugs Julie

Outstanding Stranger said...

Still thinking about you today Marsha. I ran across this lovely little quote and thought of you. Don't know who wrote it.
"Hearts don't break that aren't overflowing with Love" Hugs, Diane

julia said...

Marsha, I'm so sorry to hear about your Dad and all of the turmoil. Don't forget about yourself. Healthy foods, stolen moments alone and faith will keep you going.
Julia

Nettie Edwards said...

Marsha, I know you've been expecting something like this for a while but that doesn't make it any easier does it? This time with your dad won't always be easy for either of you but don't be angry with yourself if you loose patience with him or yourself. It's wonderful that you are going to be with him and as hard and sad as it will doubtless be, this will be a transforming time for you. God bless love x

aliceinparis said...

Dear Marsha, I was absolutely gutted when I read this.My thoughts are with you xo

Ragamuffin Gal said...

Sweetie ~
my heartfelt prayers are following you ~ I am praying for many memorable moments with your dad during your visit. I know you will be a blessing for him to have near him as he walks this journey! <3

kitty said...

I am so very sorry for what you have been through and for what lies ahead. Life is pretty sucky, sometimes....one never knows what tomorrow will bring..it can turn on a dime to stare tragedy and sorrow in the face..alternatively, just around the corner can be unfathomable joy and good fortune!! The only guarantee in life, there will be both...hang on now until the sorrow has passed and your life turns it's corner and the sun shines brightly on you again.

Moniqui said...

I am so sorry to hear this Marsha,You and your family will be in my thoughts,hugs,Monique

NANCY LEFKO said...

Oh, Marsha, it has not been an easy start to this year for you and your family. I share your heartache over your dad, as I received those same words about my wonderful dad a few years ago. There is no way to sugar coat how difficult this will be. It is a blessing that you are able to be with your dad. Do remember to take care of yourself too, and know that there are many, many people holding you in their prayers.

(((hugs)))

Laura Haviland said...

Marsha my heart goes out to you.
I will be thinking of you. Your Dad will love spending time with his children and feel so full of love from you all.
No words seem right to say at this time. I just wish you best wishes and your Dad as comfortable as possibble.
I am so very sad and sorry for you.
We will all miss you and be waiting for your return. I love your art work.
All the best positive thoughts I am sending to you.Hugs Laura.xoxx

Janny said...

So sorry to hear this. I can only wish you lots of strength Big Hug x

Anita Van Hal said...

Hi Marsha, my deepest and most heartfelt thoughts and prayers...we lost my father-in-law in 1996 to the same thing...I never thought I'd get through it, but we did...still miss him like crazy though...hugs...

Unknown said...

May peace and courage be with you during these trying times.

lilylovekin said...

Marsha, I'm so sorry to hear about your father. It is good that you will be able to be with him for what ever is ahead. My thoughts and best wishes are with you during this difficult time. Take care of yourself. much love Lorrie

Gaby Bee said...

I am so very sorry to read this, Marsha. I'm sending thoughts of strength and love to you and your family.
Big hugs to you my friend!
Gaby xo

ANNIEHEARTS said...

You are so lucky you be able to spend time with you Dad. Every minute you are there is the greatest gift you will ever be given.Sending you positive thoughts and love.